Investing in a solar PV system is a long-term decision — one that often comes with big promises from installers and manufacturers. But what happens if something goes wrong? That’s where solar warranties come in. Understanding what’s actually covered (and what’s not) helps protect your investment, ensures peace of mind, and avoids future disputes.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of warranties offered in the UK, how they work, and what you should watch out for.

1. Types of Warranties for a Solar PV System

A full solar system usually includes several components, each with its own type of warranty. Here’s what to expect:

🔧 Product Warranty (Panels, Inverter, Battery)
– Covers manufacturing defects.
– Typically offered by the manufacturer.
– Duration varies: panels: 10–25 years, inverters: 5–12 years, batteries: 5–15 years.

⚡ Performance Warranty (Mainly Panels)
– Guarantees that the solar panels will still produce a certain percentage of their original output after a set period (usually 25 years).
– For example: 90% output at year 10, 80% at year 25.

🛠️ Installation or Workmanship Warranty
– Provided by the installer.
– Covers issues due to incorrect installation (loose wiring, roof leaks, faulty mounting).
– Duration: usually 1 to 10 years depending on the company.

🔋 Battery Warranty
– Includes both product and cycle warranties.
– Often based on usage cycles (e.g. 6,000 cycles or 10 years, whichever comes first).
– Important to check capacity retention (usually 60–70%).

2. What’s Really Covered — And What’s Not?

It’s essential to read the fine print. Here’s what most warranties do and don’t cover:

Usually Covered:
– Factory defects
– Underperformance (with limits)
– Failures under normal conditions
– Installer errors (if workmanship warranty is offered)

Usually Not Covered:
– Damage from storms, floods or fire
– Improper maintenance by owner
– Vandalism or external tampering
– Shading, bird droppings, debris accumulation

3. Who Is Responsible for Each Warranty?

– Manufacturers: Handle product and performance warranties.
– Installers: Handle installation or workmanship guarantees.
– Insurance providers: May offer extra protection for theft, weather or accidental damage (not standard warranties).

💡 Tip: Make sure your installer is still trading, or that your warranty is backed by an insurance policy in case they go out of business.

4. Red Flags to Watch Out For

– “Lifetime warranty” with no clear terms
– No written documentation — always ask for it!
– Installer warranty shorter than one year
– Lack of contact details for warranty claims
– Unregistered products or components with no traceable manufacturer

5. Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Comes with Clarity

A solar system is built to last decades — but even the best equipment can fail. That’s why understanding the difference between product, performance, and workmanship warranties is key to protecting your investment.

Most UK installers offer limited workmanship guarantees of 1–10 years and don’t cover anything beyond manufacturer faults. At ELEQ, we go significantly further:

– ✅ We offer a lifetime workmanship warranty, ensuring your installation is covered for the long run — not just the first few years.
– ✅ We also include specialist insurance that protects against events not typically covered by warranties, such as storm damage, theft, or accidental external impact.
– ✅ This means your entire solar system — panels, inverter, batteries, and mounting — is not only installed to the highest standards but also backed by real, long-term protection.

When properly understood, warranties give you more than protection — they give you confidence, especially when they’re built on clear terms, solid backing, and real-world support.