Maintenance & Myths8 min read
Solar Panel Warranty in India: What's Actually Covered
"25-year warranty" means at least three different things. Here is how to read each clause before you sign, and what quietly voids the cover.
Every solar brochure in India promises a 25-year warranty. What is rarely explained is that a rooftop system carries three or four separate warranties with very different lengths and remedies. Knowing which is which is the difference between a smooth claim and an argument.
The layers of cover
| Layer | Covers | Typical term |
|---|---|---|
| Module product warranty | Manufacturing defects, delamination, frame and junction box faults | 10 – 12 years (varies by make) |
| Module performance warranty | Guaranteed minimum output over time | Up to 30 years |
| Inverter warranty | Electronics failure, replacement or repair | 5 – 10 years, extendable |
| Balance of system | Structure, cabling, isolators, meters | As specified by installer |
| Workmanship warranty | Installation defects, leaks at fixing points, loose connections | Installer-defined period |
The modules we install carry a performance warranty of not less than 90% output at year 10 and not less than 80% at year 30, with rated module life of not less than 30 years. Our own service terms are set out on /warranty-and-service.
Performance warranty: what it really promises
A performance warranty does not promise a fixed number of units. It promises the module will still deliver at least a stated percentage of its rated output under standard test conditions after a given number of years. Real-world generation still depends on irradiation, shading, temperature and how clean the glass is.
What commonly voids or limits a claim
- Unauthorised modification - third-party rewiring, adding panels or swapping the inverter outside the installer's scope.
- Physical damage from impact, walking on modules, or dropped objects during roof work.
- Water ingress caused by later civil work on the roof rather than the original installation.
- Missing service records - many warranties expect periodic cleaning and inspection to be documented.
- Lost paperwork - no invoice, no serial numbers, no claim. Photograph the module serials at installation.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What are the exact module product and performance warranty terms, in writing, with the model number?
- How many years on the inverter, and can it be extended at purchase?
- What is your workmanship warranty period, and does it cover roof waterproofing at fixing points?
- Who handles a claim - you, or do I deal with the manufacturer directly?
- Is labour for a warranty replacement chargeable?
See how these clauses appear in a real document on quotation explained, and how maintenance keeps cover intact in the maintenance guide. Want a quotation with every warranty term itemised? Request one here.
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