Unless you’ve worked in the energy industry before, terms like performance warranty and product warranty basically sound the same, right?
Think again!
What is a performance warranty?
Performance warranty covers a panel’s performance deteriorating beyond a certain point within a given time frame. In most cases, manufacturers will promise that a panel will continue to provide a little over 80% of its rated output for 25 years.
So, what’s the difference between that and a product warranty?
Product warranty is king! This covers faults in workmanship or materials (for any decent solar panel this is ten years or more). So, if your panel fails it within five years, the manufacturer or installer should offer a replacement or refund.
In short, product warranty is what really counts at the end of the day and quality panels are generally reflected in generous product warranties.