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  • 1.  Solar Warrantees Question

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 08-07-2023 01:08 AM

    An ASES member just asked the following question below. Does anyone have any insight on this that I can share with them? Thank you!

    "We are looking to buying a home that has 12 250watt solar panels along with 12 power storing batteries.

    When we asked about the solar warranty, they said it was only 3 years and that it has expired.  Their

    system was installed in 2018.  We googled info on solar warranties and industry standards seem to be

    both on product and power about 25 years.  Is this correct?  Can you tell me are warranties transferrable?

    This is a deal breaker for us without a warranty on the solar system.  Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated

    or lead us to the right organization/place to call for this information."



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    Ella Nielsen
    Membership & Engagement Director
    American Solar Energy Society
    Boulder CO
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  • 2.  RE: Solar Warrantees Question

    Posted 08-07-2023 09:18 AM

    Panels typically come with a 25 year performance warranty.  Solar panels also come with a product warranty that typically lasts for 10 to 25 years. You should examine any warranty you plan to purchase to know what is covered and what can void it.  Are solar panel warranties transferable? In most cases, solar panel warranties are transferable to the new owner in a home sale. However, some warranties are restricted to the original owner, so it is crucial to clarify this point with the manufacturer and installer offering the warranty. 

    Solar Panel Warranty Guide



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    Timothy Mcbride
    CEO/Owner
    Sol-Era R & D
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Solar Warrantees Question

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 08-07-2023 03:40 PM

    Thanks so much, Timothy! This is extremely helpful.



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    Ella Nielsen
    Membership & Engagement Director
    American Solar Energy Society
    Boulder CO
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Solar Warrantees Question

    Silver
    Contributor
    Posted 08-08-2023 10:42 AM
    Edited by william fitch 08-08-2023 10:47 AM

    If they are 250W panels, sounds like they are at least 6 years old. AN install date is not proof of mfg. date on equipment.

    Myself, rather than chasing warranties, I would get someone to evaluate the CURRENT condition of the system, especially the batteries. If they are lead-acid and 6 years old, especially wet type, they are probably on the down side slide.

    If they are not "junk" panels they will go an easy 20 years or more, with the associated warranties discussed by others. I have never had the occasion to use a power warranty myself. The state of the art makes those situations somewhat rare.

    Again, I would focus on the current condition of the system (Current production), especially the batteries. If they are Li, then their expected life is probably much longer than wet Lead-acid.



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    william fitch
    Owner
    www.WeAreSolar.com
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    Original Message