Solar panels are built to last decades, but what happens if something goes wrong? From faulty panels to inverter failures, understanding your warranty could save you a nasty surprise further down the line.
Buying solar panels is a bit like buying a new car.
You don’t just want to know how shiny it looks on day one. You want to know it is still going to be doing the job years down the line.
After all, solar panels are a long-term investment. They sit quietly on your roof through blazing summer sunshine, freezing winter mornings and heavy rain.
The good news?
Modern solar panels are incredibly reliable.
Most systems are designed to last 25 years or more, but understanding the warranties behind them is important before you sign on the dotted line.
Because not all warranties are created equal.
A solar installation usually comes with several different types of protection:
Solar panel product warranty
Solar panel performance warranty
Inverter and battery warranties
Installation workmanship warranty
Let’s break down exactly what each one means…
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide and will handle your G99/G98 application as part of the standard process. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
How long do solar panels last?
Most modern solar panels are expected to last 25–30 years or more.
However, that does not mean they suddenly stop working after 25 years.
Instead, solar panels slowly lose efficiency over time.
This gradual reduction is known as degradation.
A typical performance warranty guarantees that panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original output after a set period.
For example:
Around 90% performance after 10 years
Around 80–87% performance after 25–30 years
The exact figures depend on the manufacturer and panel technology.
In reality, many well-installed solar panels continue producing electricity long after their warranty period ends.
What types of solar panel warranties are there?
This is where things can get confusing.
When a company says “25-year warranty”, what exactly are they talking about?
Usually, it is one of three things…
[1] Solar panel product warranty
The product warranty covers defects in the panel itself.
Think of this like a manufacturer guarantee on a household appliance.
It covers problems such as:
Manufacturing defects
Faulty materials
Premature component failure
It does not usually cover:
Damage caused by storms
Accidental damage
Poor installation
Normal ageing
Most solar panel product warranties are typically around 10–25 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Premium panels often come with longer cover.
[2] Solar panel performance warranty
The performance warranty is slightly different.
Instead of covering whether the panel is physically faulty, it covers how much electricity the panel can produce over time.
Solar panels naturally degrade as they age.
A performance warranty guarantees that they will still operate above a certain level after many years.
For example:
A manufacturer might guarantee that your panels will still produce at least 85% of their original output after 25 years.
This is the warranty that matters most for long-term energy savings.
[3] Installation workmanship warranty
This covers the installation itself.
Because even the best solar panels in the world will not perform properly if they are fitted incorrectly.
A workmanship warranty may cover issues such as:
Incorrect installation
Roof mounting problems
Wiring faults caused during installation
This warranty comes from the installer rather than the solar panel manufacturer.
What warranties does Heatable offer?
At Heatable, solar customers receive protection from both the equipment manufacturers and the installation itself.
Heatable provides:
Manufacturer warranties
The solar panels, inverters and batteries come with manufacturer warranties covering faults with the products themselves.
Warranty lengths vary depending on the equipment selected.
Installation workmanship warranty
Heatable covers installation defects with its workmanship warranty.
Its published solar terms state that the workmanship warranty covers installation defects for 60 months (5 years) from commissioning.
This means if there is an issue caused by the installation itself, rather than a fault with the equipment, it is covered under the workmanship warranty.
Certification and standards
After installation, customers receive relevant certification including:
MCS certification
Electrical certification where applicable
RECC registration
These standards help ensure installations meet recognised industry requirements.
How long is a solar battery warranty?
Solar batteries generally have shorter warranties than solar panels.
This is because batteries experience chemical ageing every time they charge and discharge.
Most home batteries typically come with around:
10 years warranty
A guaranteed number of charge cycles
A minimum remaining capacity guarantee
For example, many manufacturers guarantee that the battery will retain a certain percentage of its usable capacity after several years of use.
Batteries installed through Heatable have a minimum 10-year warranty, with some products offering longer cover.
How long do solar inverters last?
The inverter is one of the most important parts of your solar system.
It converts the electricity generated by your panels into usable electricity for your home.
Unlike solar panels, inverters usually do not last 25–30 years.
Typical inverter lifespan:
Around 10–15 years
Many manufacturers provide warranties around:
5–10 years as standard
Longer extensions available on some products
Because inverters contain electronic components, they tend to be the part most likely to need replacement during the lifetime of a solar system.
What is not covered by a solar panel warranty?
Solar warranties are not a magical “anything that happens to my roof is free” agreement.
They generally do not cover:
Storm damage
Extreme weather, falling trees or physical damage are usually covered through home insurance rather than a manufacturer warranty.
Poor maintenance
Solar panels are low maintenance, but damage caused by neglect may not be covered.
External damage
Things like:
Animals
Accidental damage
Building work
Roof issues unrelated to the solar installation
may fall outside warranty protection.
Do solar panels need servicing?
One of the best things about solar panels is that they require very little maintenance.
There are no moving parts, no fuel supply and no complicated mechanical systems.
However, occasional checks can help:
Monitor system performance
Identify faults early
Check inverter operation
Ensure generation remains healthy
Many modern systems also include monitoring apps, allowing homeowners to see whether their panels are producing as expected.
What happens if a solar panel fails?
If something goes wrong, the first step is identifying what has failed.
It could be:
A panel fault
An inverter issue
A battery problem
An installation issue
The responsible party depends on the problem.
Manufacturer fault?
You would use the manufacturer warranty.
Installation issue?
You would use the installer workmanship warranty.
Accidental damage?
You would usually use home insurance.
This is why choosing an established installer matters.
A cheap installation might look attractive upfront, but warranty support is only useful if the company is still around when you need it.
Are longer solar warranties always better?
Not necessarily.
A 30-year warranty sounds impressive, but the details matter.
Always check:
What exactly is covered?
Is it a product or performance warranty?
Who is responsible for repairs?
Are labour costs included?
Does the warranty transfer if you sell your home?
A shorter warranty from a reliable manufacturer may be more valuable than a long warranty with lots of exclusions.
How to protect your solar investment
A few simple steps can help your system last decades:
Choose a reputable installer
A quality installation is just as important as quality equipment.
Keep your documentation
Store:
Installation paperwork
Warranty certificates
MCS certificate
Product manuals
Monitor performance
If your system suddenly produces less electricity, investigate early.
Check your home insurance
Make sure your solar system is included.
The verdict: are solar panel warranties worth worrying about?
The good news is that modern solar panels are extremely reliable.
For most homeowners, the bigger question is not whether the panels will survive 25 years.
It is whether you choose the right equipment and installer in the first place.
A good solar system should quietly generate electricity for decades with minimal fuss.
And that is exactly what you want.
Because the best solar panel system is the one you install, forget about, and then occasionally remember when you realise your electricity bills are much lower.
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
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