How long do solar panels last, and what does a 20-year warranty cover?
TL;DR: Most solar panels produce electricity for 25+ years with gradual decline; a 20-year warranty usually covers performance and manufacturing defects but check exactly what's covered for panels, inverter and labour.
Quick answer
Solar panels are one of the most durable home energy products:
- ⏱️Typical lifespan: 25-30+ years of electricity production. Panels don't "stop working" - they gradually lose efficiency at ~0.5-0.7% per year.
- 📋Performance warranty: Usually 25 years, guaranteeing 80-85% output at year 25 (meaning panels still produce 80-85% of original capacity after 25 years).
- 🔧Product/manufacturing warranty: Typically 10-12 years, covers physical defects, glass cracks, or junction box failures.
- ⚡Inverter warranty: Usually 5-12 years (inverters are replaced after 10-15 years). Extended warranties available.
💡 Key insight: Quality panels outlast their warranties. Many systems installed 30+ years ago still produce electricity today - they're just less efficient than modern panels.
What "20-year warranty" usually means - performance vs manufacturing vs parts/labour
Solar warranties have multiple components - understanding each is crucial:
📈1. Performance Warranty (Linear Power Output Guarantee)
What it covers: Guarantees minimum power output over time. If your panels produce less than the guaranteed percentage, manufacturer replaces or compensates.
Typical guarantee schedule:
- • Year 1: 97-98% of rated power
- • Year 10: 90-92% of rated power
- • Year 25: 80-85% of rated power
Duration: Usually 25 years for quality panels (Tier-1 manufacturers)
🛡️2. Product/Manufacturing Warranty (Workmanship Defects)
What it covers: Physical defects in materials or manufacturing - broken glass, delamination, junction box failure, frame corrosion, backsheet issues.
Common covered issues:
- • Glass cracks (not from impact/hail)
- • Cell delamination or discoloration
- • Junction box seal failures
- • Frame structural issues
Duration: Typically 10-12 years (premium brands offer 15+ years)
⚡3. Inverter Warranty
What it covers: Inverter component failures, firmware issues, display problems, and grid synchronization failures.
Standard coverage:
- • String inverters: 5-10 years standard
- • Microinverters: 10-25 years
- • Extended warranties: available for purchase (adds 3-5 years)
Reality check: Inverters typically need replacement at 10-15 years regardless of warranty
🔧4. Installation/Workmanship Warranty (from installer)
What it covers: Mounting structure failures, roof penetrations/leaks, wiring faults, incorrect installation, and commissioning issues.
Typical Arkahub coverage:
- • Installation warranty: 5-10 years
- • Roof penetration leaks: 5 years
- • Electrical workmanship: 5 years
- • Free maintenance until ROI payback
Important: This is separate from manufacturer warranty - it's only as good as your installer's longevity
⚠️ What's typically NOT covered:
- • Damage from natural disasters (lightning strikes, floods, earthquakes) - covered by home insurance
- • Accidental damage (falling objects, construction damage, vandalism)
- • Cleaning costs (dust/dirt accumulation is maintenance, not warranty)
- • Labour charges for warranty replacement (unless specified by installer)
- • Loss of production/revenue during repair period
Typical lifespan & expected decline (how to read performance charts)
Solar panels degrade gradually over time - here's what to expect:
Degradation Rate: The Key Number to Know
Modern Tier-1 panels degrade at approximately 0.5-0.7% per year (some premium panels as low as 0.25% per year). This means:
| Year | Expected Output (% of original) | Example: 5 kW System Production |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ~98% | ~6,650 kWh/year |
| Year 5 | ~95% | ~6,450 kWh/year |
| Year 10 | ~92% | ~6,250 kWh/year |
| Year 15 | ~88% | ~5,980 kWh/year |
| Year 20 | ~85% | ~5,780 kWh/year |
| Year 25 | ~82% | ~5,580 kWh/year |
💡 What this means: At year 25, your 5 kW system still produces 5,580 kWh/year - that's 82% of year-1 output. You're still offsetting most of your electricity bill!
✅ Warranty guarantee: If your panels produce less than 80-85% at year 25, the manufacturer replaces them under performance warranty.
What to check in a warranty before you sign (checklist)
Don't just accept "20-year warranty" at face value. Ask these questions:
Performance warranty specifics
- • What % output is guaranteed at year 10, 20, and 25?
- • What's the measurement tolerance (+/- how many %)?
- • Who pays for independent testing if there's a dispute?
Labour & shipping costs
- • Is labour included for warranty replacement?
- • Who pays shipping for replacement panels?
- • Are there any service call fees?
Manufacturer vs installer warranty
- • Get both in writing - they're separate warranties
- • Who do you call first if there's an issue?
- • What happens if the installer goes out of business?
Exclusions & limitations
- • What voids the warranty (e.g., DIY modifications)?
- • Are natural disasters covered?
- • Does warranty transfer if you sell the house?
Claim process & timeline
- • How do you file a claim (online, phone, through installer)?
- • What's the typical response and resolution time?
- • What documentation do you need to keep?
📋 Arkahub promise: We provide all warranty details in writing, including separate documents for manufacturer and installation warranties. We also act as your local warranty service contact.
How warranty claims work in Bangalore - who to call and what documents to keep
Step-by-step claim process:
Notice the issue
Monitor your system regularly. Issues you might notice: sudden production drop (not weather-related), inverter errors, visible panel damage, or output below warranty guarantee.
Contact your installer first
For Arkahub customers: Call our Bangalore service number or use the support chat in your monitoring app. We diagnose the issue remotely or schedule a site visit within 24-48 hours.
Diagnosis & documentation
We'll test the system, take photos, collect production data, and determine if it's a warranty issue or maintenance need. If warranty: we handle the claim paperwork for you.
Manufacturer warranty claim
Arkahub submits the claim to the panel/inverter manufacturer with all required documentation. Typical approval time: 2-4 weeks. We follow up on your behalf.
Replacement & testing
Once approved, manufacturer ships replacement parts to us. We install, test, and commission the system. Total timeline: 3-6 weeks from initial call.
Documents to keep handy (for quick claims):
- •Original purchase invoice & installation certificate
- •Manufacturer warranty certificates (panel, inverter, mounting)
- •System specs sheet (panel make/model, serial numbers, inverter details)
- •BESCOM commissioning certificate
- •Production monitoring logs (download from app if possible)
🤝 Arkahub advantage: We store your warranty documentation digitally and handle all claims for you - you don't deal with manufacturers directly. One call to us, we manage everything.
Get started on your Solar journey today.
Request a call back from one of our experts to learn more about how you can achieve your saving goals with ArkaHub.
Frequently Asked Questions
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