The Truth Behind 25-Year Solar Panel Warranty: “25 years of warranty!” This is the most common promise made by solar panel brands in India. But is it really what it sounds like? The truth behind this long-term solar warranty might shock you and it’s something every buyer must know before investing in a solar system.
Let’s break it down.
What Does “25-Year Warranty” Actually Mean?
When companies say 25-year warranty, they’re usually referring to:
- Performance warranty, not product warranty
- It guarantees that the panel will produce at least 80% of its rated power after 25 years
So it does not mean:
- Free replacement if the panel breaks physically
- Coverage against accidents, theft, or weather damage
- Full service support for 25 years
In fact, the product warranty (the one that covers panel material, parts, and manufacturing defects) is typically only 5 to 10 years.
What’s Covered vs What’s Not
| Warranty Type | Duration | Covers | Doesn’t Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Warranty | 5–10 years | Panel defects, material issues | Accidents, weather, wear & tear |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 80% output after 25 years | Sudden drop, unless extreme cases |
| Inverter Warranty | 3–8 years | Circuit faults, device failure | Overload, wrong usage |
| Installation Warranty | 1–2 years | Mounting, wiring issues | User damage, misuse |
What If the Performance Drops Before 25 Years?
If your solar panel drops below 80% efficiency before 25 years, you can file a claim—but it requires:
- System performance logs
- Inverter generation data
- Manufacturer inspection and approval
- Long wait times for resolution
Also, most companies won’t replace the entire panel, but may offer partial compensation based on depreciation.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always read the warranty document, not just the brochure
- Ask for product + performance warranty breakdown
- Install with MNRE-approved vendors only
- Keep your purchase invoice and system data backed up
- Prefer Tier-1 brands with actual presence in India
Final Word
The 25-year warranty offered by solar companies is not a full replacement guarantee, but a performance assurance with many conditions. It’s still valuable but you need to understand what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to claim it.
So before you fall for marketing slogans, dig deeper. In solar, knowledge is your real power not just the sunlight.
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