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Understanding Solar Warranties: A Comprehensive Guide for Home and Business Owners
When considering solar power for your home or business, one of the most critical aspects to evaluate is the warranty. A well-structured warranty can provide peace of mind, but it's essential to understand the different types of warranties available and what they cover. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of solar warranties, ensuring you make an informed decision.
The Different Types of Solar Warranties
There are three main types of warranties in the solar industry: Manufacturer Warranties, Installer Warranties, and Distributor Warranties. Each one serves a different purpose and covers various aspects of your solar system. Here’s what you need to know about each:
Manufacturer Warranties
Manufacturer warranties come directly from the company that produces the solar equipment. These are typically the most reliable warranties you can get, but there are key factors to consider:
- Contact Information: Ensure you know how to reach the manufacturer directly. This is crucial if issues arise.
- Warranty Details: Look at the length of the warranty, what it covers (e.g., equipment defects, performance guarantees), and any exclusions. Not all warranties are created equal.
- Company Longevity: The longer the company has been in business, the more credible their warranty is. In an industry where companies frequently close or merge, a warranty from a newer company might not hold much weight if they no longer exist when you need them.
Installer Warranties
At NAZ Solar Electric, we generally advise our customers to consider installer warranties as a bonus rather than a deciding factor. Focus on expert installation and high-quality equipment first.
There are many reputable locally based solar installers all around the USA, many of which are in our Installer Partner Program. We give referrals to these local installers all the time.
One thing we see from time to time is “solar companies” will come to an area, sell a handful of systems, and hire a local electrician or “installer” to install the systems and then move on, all the while using a “warranty” as a sales tactic. You may have read an article about this in NPR recently. Be very aware when doing consultations or purchasing from companies using high-pressure sales tactics and questionable financing opportunities – warranties included.
We recommend reaching out to our team or to a certified LOCAL installer to get a second opinion on the design and pricing of this quoted system before taking further action. We can refer you to a local installer inside of our Partner Program to assist you with this.
Now specifically regarding installer warranties, they are offered by the company that installs your solar system. While these can be beneficial, they often come with limitations:
- Company Stability: Companies often close or rebrand, and if they do, your warranty might be worthless.
- Coverage Specifics: Understand what the installer warranty covers. It might only apply to certain components or parts of the installation process, and it may have a limited duration.
- Separate from Manufacturer Warranties: An installer warranty is entirely separate from a manufacturer warranty. Having one does not automatically guarantee coverage on your equipment.
Distributor Warranties
Distributor warranties are usually limited and short-term:
- Limited Duration: Distributors typically offer a 30-60 day warranty covering any immediate malfunctions after purchase.
- Extended Warranties: It's rare for distributors to offer extended warranties. If they do, make sure to understand what specific aspects they cover. These warranties are usually restricted by what the manufacturer allows.
NAZ Solar Electric's Commitment to Your Solar Journey
At NAZ Solar Electric, we go beyond warranties to provide comprehensive support for the lifetime of your solar system. When you purchase from us, we offer support for design, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and monitoring.
We believe that investing in solar power is a significant decision, and you deserve to be treated with care and respect throughout the process. Our Solar Engineers are here to assist you every step of the way, from initial design to activation and ongoing monitoring.
Ready to start your solar journey? Contact us for a free consultation and design service. We're excited to help you plug into solar and ensure your system performs at its best for years to come.
Need help? Contact our Sales Engineers.
