Solar Panel Warranties Explained: What's Actually Covered
By Solar Cost Predictor Team · August 25, 2026 · 6 min read
When installers advertise a "25-year warranty," it's usually shorthand for three distinct warranties — product, performance, and workmanship — each covering something different, and not always all 25 years long.
Product Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects in the physical panel itself — typically 10-25 years depending on the manufacturer, protecting against issues like faulty wiring or materials failing prematurely, separate from normal performance degradation.
Performance Warranty
Guarantees the panel will still produce at least a specified percentage of its original rated output at a given year (commonly 85–92% at year 25) — this is the warranty that covers expected gradual degradation, discussed in our degradation guide.
Workmanship Warranty
Covers the quality of the installation itself — mounting, wiring, and roof penetration sealing — provided by your installer, not the panel manufacturer. This is typically shorter (5–12 years) and is the one most affected if your installer goes out of business, since it's tied to that specific company rather than the panel manufacturer.
Don't Forget the Inverter's Separate Warranty
Inverters have their own, typically shorter warranty than panels — 10–12 years for string inverters, up to 25 years for some microinverters — since inverters are more likely to need replacement during a system's lifetime than the panels themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a product and a performance warranty?
A product warranty covers manufacturing defects in the panel itself, while a performance warranty guarantees a minimum output level over time, covering expected gradual degradation.
Does my solar warranty cover the installation work?
Only a separate workmanship warranty, provided by your installer rather than the panel manufacturer, covers the quality of the installation itself — mounting, wiring, and roof sealing.
What happens to my workmanship warranty if my installer closes?
It may become difficult or impossible to claim, since it's tied to that specific company — this is one reason to choose an established installer with a track record, and to ask directly how this scenario is handled before signing.