Solar warranties explained
Product, performance, inverter, workmanship and roof warranties: what each covers, typical lengths, what voids them, and who you call when something fails.
5 min read · Updated 2026-10-30
A solar system comes with several warranties from different companies, each covering a different part of the job. Knowing which is which helps you compare quotes and tells you who to call when something goes wrong in year 9.
The five warranties to look for
| Warranty | Who gives it | What it covers | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel product | Panel manufacturer | Defects in materials and build | 10 to 25 years, some longer |
| Panel performance | Panel manufacturer | Minimum output over time | 25 to 30 years |
| Inverter | Inverter manufacturer | Inverter failure | About 10 to 12 years for string inverters, 25 years for many microinverters |
| Workmanship | Installer | Wiring, racking, installation errors | Varies widely by installer |
| Roof penetration | Installer or roofer | Leaks where mounts go through the roof | Varies, sometimes part of workmanship |
Panel product warranty
This covers manufacturing defects: delamination, broken frames, failed junction boxes and similar faults. The minimum in the industry is about 10 years. Many current panels offer 15, 20 or 25 years.
The product warranty is the one that pays for a replacement panel if one fails. It often does not cover the labour to remove and replace it. Check the fine print.
Panel performance warranty
Panels lose a little output every year. The performance warranty promises a minimum. A common standard is about 80% to 84% of the original rated power after 25 years. Some premium panels guarantee closer to 88% to 92%, and some dual-glass panels carry 30-year performance terms.
In practice, a claim usually needs proof that a panel has dropped below the guaranteed curve, which takes testing. Few homeowners ever claim on this warranty, but a stronger guarantee does suggest a more durable product. Our guide on panel lifespan and degradation explains how output declines.
Inverter warranty
The inverter is the part most likely to need replacing during the life of a system.
- String inverters usually carry shorter warranties. For example, one major brand offers 12 years standard, with extensions to 20 or 25 years for a fee.
- Power optimizers and microinverters from major brands commonly carry 25-year warranties.
If your string inverter warranty is 10 or 12 years and your panels last 25 or more, plan for one inverter replacement. See microinverters vs string inverters.
Workmanship warranty
This is the installer's promise about their own work: loose connections, racking problems, wiring faults and other installation errors. Lengths vary a lot between companies. Some offer a couple of years, others 10 years or more.
The workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Ask whether it is transferable if you sell the house, and whether a third party backs it if the installer closes.
Roof penetration warranty
Most rooftop systems are bolted through the roof into the rafters, and each mount is sealed. A roof penetration warranty covers leaks at those points. Sometimes it is part of the workmanship warranty, sometimes separate.
Check how it interacts with your existing roof warranty. Some roofing manufacturers or roofers require approved flashing methods to keep their warranty valid. If your roof is fairly new, ask your roofer before installation. See replacing your roof before solar.
What can void a warranty
- Walking on panels. Stepping on panels during cleaning or snow removal can create micro-cracks that a manufacturer may treat as damage.
- Improper installation. Clamping panels outside the manufacturer's approved zones, or using unapproved racking, can lead to a rejected claim.
- Unauthorized changes. Adding panels, moving the system or opening the inverter without a qualified installer.
- Missing registration. Some manufacturers require product registration within a set time to activate the full warranty.
- No permit or inspection. An uninspected installation can affect both warranty claims and your home insurance. See solar and home insurance.
Manufacturer vs installer: who to call
Start with your installer for anything in the first few years. They diagnose the problem and handle the manufacturer claim. If the installer has closed, you contact the manufacturer directly, and you may need to hire another electrical contractor to do the work.
A warranty from a manufacturer with a Canadian presence and a clear claims process is easier to use than one that relies on an overseas head office. Ask the installer how a claim actually works and who pays for labour, shipping and the roof access.
Keep your paperwork
Keep these together:
- The signed contract and final invoice
- Panel and inverter model and serial numbers
- All warranty documents and registration confirmations
- The electrical inspection certificate and building permit sign-off
- Photos of the installation and your monitoring login
They make a claim much simpler, and a buyer will want them if you sell. See selling a home with solar.
Next step
When comparing quotes, put every warranty in a table. Our quote checker can help, and how to compare solar quotes has a template.
Common questions
- How long are solar panel warranties in Canada?
- Panel product warranties usually run 10 to 25 years, and performance warranties 25 to 30 years. Inverter and installer warranties are separate and often shorter.
- What does a solar performance warranty guarantee?
- It guarantees a minimum share of the panel's original output after a set period. A common standard is about 80% to 84% after 25 years, with premium panels guaranteeing more.
- Does a solar warranty cover roof leaks?
- Panel warranties don't. Leaks at mounting points are covered by the installer's workmanship or roof penetration warranty, so check its length and terms before you sign.
- What happens to my warranty if my installer goes out of business?
- Manufacturer warranties on panels and inverters still apply, but you may need to pay another contractor for labour. Ask whether the workmanship warranty is backed by a third party.
Sources
Try it
See what this means for your roof
Or try a sample roof: , ,