📌 Key Takeaway: Solar warranties typically split into three separate types — equipment/product, performance, and workmanship — each covering something different. A strong warranty in one category doesn't guarantee strong coverage in another.

The Three Warranty Types

  • Equipment/product warranty — covers manufacturing defects in the panels themselves, typically 10-25 years depending on the brand.
  • Performance warranty — guarantees the panels will produce at least a certain percentage of their original output after a set number of years (commonly 85%+ after 25 years) — this is the degradation guarantee.
  • Workmanship/installation warranty — covers the installer's work itself (mounting, wiring), separate from the equipment — typically shorter, often 5-10 years, and specific to the installer, not the panel manufacturer.

Why This Matters

A premium panel brand with an excellent 25-year product warranty doesn't protect you if your installer's workmanship warranty is only 5 years and they go out of business before a wiring issue surfaces. Checking all three warranty types — and who specifically backs each one (manufacturer vs. installer) — matters more than focusing on a single headline warranty number.

What Happens If the Installer Goes Out of Business

Equipment/product warranties are typically backed by the panel manufacturer directly, so they generally survive even if your installer closes. Workmanship warranties, however, are usually tied to the installing company specifically — if they go out of business, that coverage may become difficult or impossible to claim, which is worth weighing when choosing between an established national installer and a smaller local company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a typical degradation rate I should expect?

0.3% to 0.5% per year is standard for quality panels — meaning after 25 years, a system still produces over 85% of its original output, which is the benchmark most performance warranties guarantee.

Does the warranty cover damage from severe weather?

Typically not under the standard product or performance warranty — severe weather damage is usually a homeowners insurance matter, not a solar warranty claim, so confirm your policy covers rooftop solar equipment specifically.

🔎 How we research: The ServiCover Editorial Team compiles prices and guidance from published 2026 cost guides, manufacturer information and industry sources. Prices are national ranges and vary by location, home and provider, so always compare written quotes. We don't perform the work ourselves, and we may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners — see our Advertiser Disclosure.