Quick Answer
Solar panel warranties typically cover manufacturing defects and performance expectations, but may not specifically address degradation, which is a natural process of reduction in efficiency over time.
Understanding Degradation Expectations
Solar panel degradation refers to the decrease in efficiency and output over time due to exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature, and humidity. Manufacturers often provide degradation expectations, usually in the form of a percentage decrease in efficiency per year, to help customers understand what to expect from their solar panels. For example, a high-quality solar panel might have a degradation rate of 0.5% per year, meaning its efficiency will decrease by 0.5% each year.
Warranties and Degradation
While warranties may not specifically address degradation, they often include a performance guarantee that ensures the solar panel will produce a certain amount of electricity over a certain period. This guarantee usually accounts for the expected degradation, so the warranty’s stated performance expectations are adjusted to reflect this decrease in efficiency. For instance, a 25-year warranty might guarantee that the solar panel will produce 90% of its initial capacity after 25 years, taking into account the expected degradation over that period.
Evaluating Warranty Coverage
When evaluating a solar panel warranty, it’s essential to consider the manufacturer’s degradation expectations and how they are factored into the warranty’s performance guarantee. Look for a warranty that includes a clear statement of expected degradation and how it will affect the panel’s performance over time. This will help you understand what to expect from your solar panels and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your investment.
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