Updated: June 2026 • Energy Solutions NW
This guide covers the types of solar warranty, how long each lasts, what’s excluded, and how claims work — for homeowners in the North West.
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Solar Panel Warranties
A UK solar system usually carries several separate warranties: a product warranty and a performance warranty on the panels, separate warranties on the inverter and any battery, and a workmanship warranty from the installer — often backed by an insurance-backed guarantee.
Warranties are the part of a solar purchase most people skim over — and arguably the part that matters most over a 25-year-plus asset.
For homeowners across Manchester, Yorkshire and Lancashire, knowing which warranty covers what makes it far easier to act if something goes wrong. Here’s a plain-English breakdown.
💡 Want clear answers on cover? Every system is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home — takes 2 minutes.
The Types of Solar Warranty
A solar system isn’t covered by one single warranty — it’s a stack of overlapping ones, each covering a different part.-
- Product warranty: the panels against manufacturing defects.
- Performance warranty: the panels’ output over time.
- Inverter warranty: the inverter against failure.
- Battery warranty: if you have storage.
- Workmanship warranty: the installation itself, from your installer.
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Product Warranty
The product warranty covers the panels against manufacturing defects — faulty materials or workmanship in the panel itself. These typically run for somewhere between 10 and 25 years depending on the manufacturer, with premium panels tending towards the longer end. If a panel fails because of a genuine defect within that period, the manufacturer covers a repair or replacement.Performance Warranty
The performance warranty is separate, and it’s about output rather than defects. All panels lose a little output as they age. The performance warranty guarantees the panels will still produce at least a set percentage of their original output at certain points — commonly around 90% at year 10 and around 80% at year 25. This is why a gradual decline over many years is normal and expected. Our guide on why solar output drops explains the difference between normal degradation and a fault.💡 Unsure what your cover includes? Every system is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home — takes 2 minutes.
Inverter and Battery Warranties
The inverter usually has a shorter warranty than the panels — typically 5 to 12 years, with extensions often available. That reflects reality: the inverter is the hardest-working part and the most likely to need replacing during the system’s life. Our guide on when to replace your solar inverter covers this. Battery warranties often work on a “whichever comes first” basis — a number of years or a number of charge cycles — and usually guarantee a minimum capacity retention. Our guide to battery lifespan goes into this.Workmanship Warranty and the IBG
The workmanship warranty is the one homeowners most often overlook — and it covers the installation itself. It protects against issues caused by how the system was fitted: loose wiring, roof leaks or faulty mounting. It’s provided by the installer, and MCS-certified installers are required to offer a minimum level of workmanship cover. Crucially, MCS installations also come with an Insurance-Backed Guarantee (IBG). This means your workmanship cover is honoured by an insurer even if the original installer stops trading — important protection over a system’s long life.What’s Usually Not Covered
Warranties have limits, and a few common exclusions catch people out:-
- DIY or unauthorised work: electrical changes not done by a certified installer can void cover.
- Pressure-washing: forcing water past the seals is a common reason cleaning-damage claims are rejected.
- Skipped servicing: some extended warranties require evidence of regular maintenance.
- Storm, fire, accident or vandalism: usually a matter for home insurance, not the warranty.
Why Choose a Professional Installer?
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- Workmanship cover: a proper installation warranty behind the work.
- Insurance-backed guarantee: protection even if an installer ceases trading.
- Valid warranties: correct fitting keeps manufacturer cover intact.
- MCS certified installations: work to recognised standards.
What Happens When You Request a Quote?
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- Submit the form: tell us about your system or plans.
- We review: our team looks at your setup and requirements.
- Free consultation: we discuss your options with no obligation.
- Tailored quote: you receive a solution designed around your specific needs.
💡 Ready to talk it through? Every system is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your home — takes 2 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar panel warranties last?
Panels usually carry a product warranty of around 10–25 years and a performance warranty of 25–30 years. Inverters are typically 5–12 years (often extendable), and batteries commonly around 10 years or a set number of cycles.What’s the difference between a product and performance warranty?
A product warranty covers manufacturing defects in the panel. A performance warranty guarantees the panel will still produce at least a set percentage of its original output over time — typically around 90% at year 10 and around 80% at year 25.What is an insurance-backed guarantee?
It’s protection that ensures your workmanship warranty is still honoured — by an insurer — even if the company that installed your system stops trading. MCS-certified installations come with one, which matters over a system’s long life.What can void a solar warranty?
Common causes include DIY or unauthorised electrical work, pressure-washing the panels, and failing to keep up required servicing. Damage from storms, fire, accident or vandalism is usually a home insurance matter rather than a warranty claim. Last updated: June 2026Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Energy savings estimates are based on industry averages and may vary depending on your property, energy usage, system size, and electricity tariff. We recommend obtaining a personalised quote for accurate savings estimates. Energy Solutions NW is part of the Blue Rock Energy network. MCS certified. NICEIC approved.
