Buying solar panels is a big decision. You want to protect your money. That’s why you need to understand your solar warranty before you sign any contract.

Most homeowners hear the word “warranty” and think it covers everything. But that’s not true. Solar panels actually come with two different warranties, and each one covers a different problem.

In this guide, we break down both warranty types in simple words. We also show you what to check before you buy, and why picking the best solar panels company matters more than the panels themselves.

At Evolve Energy Group, we help homeowners understand every part of their solar warranty before installation. Our team believes an informed customer makes a better decision. Let’s get into it.

What Is a Solar Warranty?

A solar warranty is a written promise from the manufacturer or installer. It tells you what happens if your solar panels break, get damaged, or stop working well.

Think of it like a car warranty. Your car has one warranty for parts (like the engine) and another for how the car performs over time (like fuel efficiency). Solar panels work the same way.

There are two main types of solar warranty:

• Product warranty (also called equipment warranty)
• Performance warranty (also called power output warranty)

Let’s look at each one closely.

Product Warranty: What Does It Cover?

A product warranty protects the physical panel itself. It covers defects in materials and workmanship.

What a product warranty covers:

• Manufacturing defects
• Faulty wiring or connectors
• Frame damage from poor build quality
• Glass cracking due to a factory fault
• Corrosion or water leakage issues

What a product warranty does NOT cover:

• Damage from storms, hail, or accidents (this needs separate insurance)
• Damage from wrong installation by an unlicensed installer
• Normal wear and tear over many years

How long does a product warranty last?

Most brands offer 10 to 12 years of product warranty. Some premium brands now offer 25 years. A longer product warranty is usually a sign of better build quality and more brand confidence.

Quick tip: Always ask your solar panels company for the warranty document in writing. Don’t just trust a verbal promise.

Performance Warranty: What Does It Cover?

A performance warranty (or power output warranty) is different. It doesn’t cover physical damage. It covers how much electricity your panel produces over time.

Solar panels lose a small amount of power output every year. This is called “degradation.” It’s normal and happens to every panel on the market. A performance warranty guarantees your panel won’t degrade faster than a fixed rate.

Typical performance warranty terms:

• Year 1: Panel should still produce about 97-98% of its original output
• Year 10: Panel should still produce about 90-92% of its original output
• Year 25: Panel should still produce about 82-87% of its original output

If your panel drops below this promised output level, the manufacturer must repair, replace, or refund the panel.

Why performance warranty matters more than people think:

Your solar panels don’t just sit on your roof. They work every single day to cut your electricity bill. If the power output drops too fast, you lose money every month. A strong performance warranty protects your long-term savings, not just your equipment.

Product Warranty vs Performance Warranty: Key Differences

Feature	Product Warranty	Performance Warranty
What it covers	Physical defects and parts	Power output over time
Typical length	10-25 years	25-30 years
Protects against	Broken glass, faulty wiring, frame issues	Slow power drop (degradation)
Common claim reason	Manufacturing fault	Output falls below guaranteed level

Both warranties work together. One protects the hardware. The other protects your energy output. You need both to feel fully covered.

Why Warranty Length Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story

A lot of solar panels companies advertise “25-year warranty” as a big selling point. But warranty length means nothing if the company won’t honor the claim.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Does the company still exist in 10-15 years? Many small solar companies shut down. If they close, your warranty becomes useless paper.
• Is the warranty backed by the manufacturer or just the installer? Manufacturer-backed warranties are stronger and more reliable.
• How fast does the company respond to claims? A warranty is only good if the claim process is fast and easy.
• Does the installer offer a separate workmanship warranty? This covers mistakes made during installation, which is different from product and performance warranty.

This is exactly why choosing the best solar panels company matters as much as the solar panel brand you pick.

Why Evolve Energy Group Stands Out as a Trusted Solar Partner

At Evolve Energy Group, we don’t just sell solar panels. We build long-term energy partnerships with our customers.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Strong warranty support: We work only with manufacturers who offer solid product and performance warranties, backed by real service, not just paperwork.
• Certified installation team: Our licensed technicians install every system correctly, so you never lose warranty coverage due to installation mistakes.
• Clear, honest communication: We explain every warranty term in plain language before you sign anything.
• Local support you can reach: Our team stays available after installation, so warranty claims don’t turn into a headache.
• Years of hands-on field experience: We’ve installed solar systems across many rooftop types and energy needs, so we know exactly what protects your investment.

We believe a homeowner should never feel confused about their solar warranty. That’s our promise to every customer.

How to Check Your Solar Warranty Before You Buy

Before you sign a contract with any solar panels company, ask these questions:

1. What is the product warranty period? Get it in writing.
2. What is the performance warranty period and guaranteed output? Ask for the exact degradation chart.
3. Who backs the warranty — the manufacturer or the installer?
4. Is there a separate workmanship warranty for installation errors?
5. What voids the warranty? (unauthorized repairs, wrong maintenance, etc.)
6. How do I file a claim, and how long does it usually take?

If a company can’t answer these clearly, that’s a red flag. A trustworthy solar panels company will always explain warranty terms with confidence and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between product warranty and performance warranty in solar panels?

Product warranty covers physical defects in the panel, like broken glass or faulty wiring. Performance warranty covers how much power the panel produces over the years. You need both for full protection.

How long does a solar panel warranty usually last?

Product warranty usually lasts 10 to 25 years. Performance warranty usually lasts 25 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer.

Does solar warranty cover storm or hail damage?

No. Product and performance warranties don’t cover storm, hail, or accidental damage. You need separate home insurance or equipment insurance for that.

Who honors the solar warranty if my installer goes out of business?

If the warranty is manufacturer-backed, the manufacturer still honors it even if your installer shuts down. This is why manufacturer-backed warranties are safer.

Why should I choose Evolve Energy Group for my solar installation?

Evolve Energy Group offers certified installation, transparent warranty terms, and ongoing support. We help you pick solar panels with the strongest product and performance warranty, so your investment stays protected for decades.

Conclusion

A solar warranty protects your money, your home, and your peace of mind. Don’t just look at the number of years on paper. Look at who backs the warranty, how strong the company is, and how easy the claim process really is.

When you work with the best solar panels company, you get more than panels on your roof. You get a partner who stands behind every warranty promise, year after year.

Ready to go solar with confidence? Contact Evolve Energy Group today for a free consultation and a clear breakdown of your product warranty and performance warranty options.