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Solar energy manufacturer warranties, what you should know berfore investing in solar energy products.
Like most products you buy, solar parts (including solar panels and solar components) are made with varying quality and offered with different warranty features. Some manufacturers of solar energy products have been known to not deliver what they promise. If you are going to make the investment in solar pool heating, a solar hot water system or photovoltaic (PV) system, it is important to compare different warranties before you buy. Having a good warranty can add years of system operation and save you substantial costs over the life of your solar system.
Here is a list of items to research about a solar manufacturer’s warranty before you buy:
Ask for a copy of the solar energy manufacturer’s warranty before you buy- Read them carefully to compare features.
Determine what is covered and what is not covered when comparing warranties.
Example: the vast majority of the solar pool panel manufacturers only produce the panel; they do NOT manufacturer the connections between the solar panels, (most often a rubber hose gasket); or many of the mounting straps used to adhere the system to the roof. Their warranties, therefore, don’t cover the connections, which are the most likely failure points in the system. Make sure the warranty covers the panel connectors as well.
Be wary of “worry free” warranties- Often, these types of warranties aren’t as worry free as they appear. Read the warrantee documents carefully.
Find out how long the solar contractor has worked with the solar energy manufacturer-There are new solar manufacturers popping up all of the time. Without a strong track record of backing their product, you may be left with an expensive fix.
Ask the solar energy company about past warrantee performance by the manufacturer. Also ask if there were any charges to the client and if so, for how much.
Get customer references- Contacting past customers should give you an idea of what to expect in terms of service, including warranty fulfillment, after the sale.
Make sure you buy from a reputable solar contractor- This is not only important to ensuring how well your solar installation functions and how long it lasts, but if the installation is done outside of the manufactures guidelines the warranty may not be valid.
Doing your homework on all aspects of your new solar energy system, including the manufacturer’s warranty, before you purchase it can save you time, money and aggravation after the installation. Solar power for your home is a sound investment and a benefit to the environment. By taking a few extra steps, you will protect your investment and protect the environment. Have questions? Want to learn more about what solar energy can do for your home or business? 