Investing in solar panels in Essex, Kent and the wider South East is a smart way to reduce energy bills, increase energy independence and lower your carbon footprint. One crucial factor homeowners need to be aware of is the solar panel warranty. Understanding your warranty can save you time, money and stress while protecting your long term solar investment.
Here’s everything you need to know about solar panel warranties, what they cover, and what to check before installing solar panels in Essex.
What Is a Reliable Solar Panel Warranty?
A solar panel warranty is a written guarantee from the manufacturer or installer confirming that your solar system will perform as expected for a specific period of time. It provides peace of mind and financial protection if your panels or components fail. For homeowners in the South East, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, having a dependable solar panel warranty is essential to ensure your system continues to deliver clean energy for decades to come.
Why Solar Panel Warranties Are Important
Solar panels are a long term investment, typically lasting 25 years or more. A strong warranty ensures that if anything goes wrong, whether it’s a manufacturing defect or installation issue, you won’t bear the repair or replacement costs alone.
For homeowners across the UK warranties provide crucial protection against natural wear and tear and performance degradation. Having a reliable warranty not only safeguards your investment, but also ensures your solar energy system continues to deliver consistent energy output and long term savings on electricity bills.
Types of Solar Panel Warranties
There are three main types of solar panel warranties that we offer at SolarTherm UK.
- Product Warranty: this covers defects in the materials and workmanship of the solar panels themselves. At SolarTherm UK we install Bovill.tech solar panels which come with a 40 year product warranty.
- Performance Warranty: also called a power output warranty, this guarantees your panels maintain a minimum electricity output over time. Most solar panels come with a 25 year standard warranty, but our Bovill.tech panels come with an industry leading 99-year performance warranty, ensuring your panels degrade no faster than 0.5%-1% annually.
- Installation or Workmanship Warranty: offered by SolarTherm UK, it protects against faulty installation issues like water ingress or wiring problems. We offer a two year workmanship warranty.
What’s Covered – and What’s Not?
Covered:
- Manufacturing defects
- Excessive performance degradation
- Component failure
- Installation issues
Exclusions:
- Weather damage
- Vandalism
- Poor maintenance
- Unauthorised modifications
Solar Batteries and Inverters: Warranties Explained
Your solar inverter and battery storage system come with their own warranties. Warranties are dependent on brand, but most inverter brands we offer at SolarTherm UK are 5-10 years, with the SolarEdge inverter having an industry leading 12 year warranty. Our Voltsmile solar batteries come with a 10 year warranty, ensuring efficiency and minimal maintenance.
Tips for Evaluating Solar Panel Warranties
- Read the fine print – understand coverage, exclusions and homeowner responsibilities.
- Compare quotes – not all solar warranties are equal. Consider long term protection, not just the price.
- Check installation coverage – a strong installation warranty protects against faulty workmanship.
- Choose reputable brands – select trusted manufacturers with excellent customer support.
- Understand the claim process – know how to file a claim and required documentation.
Maintenance and Warranty Validity
Many UK warranties require routine maintenance to stay valid. Keep maintenance logs and follow care instructions provided in your handover pack to protect your investment.
Transferrable Warranties: Selling Your Home
A transferable solar panel warranty adds value to your property when selling if you can pass the warranty can be passed to the new homeowners.
Insurance Backed Warranties
At SolarTherm UK all our warranties are insurance backed by HIES, giving you the reassurance that even in the worst case scenario, your warranty is protected.
Protect Your Solar Investment
Installing solar panels is a smart financial and environmental decision and a reliable solar panel warranty ensures your investment is protected long term giving you peace of mind. Always review documentation carefully, ask questions on anything you are unsure of and choose a trusted installer like SolarTherm UK for full support.
Go Solar With Confidence
Solar panels are an excellent investment, but only a strong warranty ensures lasting reliability. Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Solar Panel Warranty FAQs
1. What does a solar panel warranty cover?
Defects in materials or workmanship and performance guarantees for consistent energy output.
2. What’s the difference between product and performance warranties?
Product warranties cover manufacturing defects, while performance warranties ensure panels maintain energy production levels.
3. Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Your installer will guide you through the warranty claim process.
4. Are batteries and inverters covered?
Yes, but they come with separate warranties.
5. Does weather damage void my warranty?
Most warranties exclude external damage like storms, hail, or accidents; these are usually covered by home insurance.
