Photovoltaic guarantee - how does it work?
The purchase of a photovoltaic installation is an investment with long-term benefits. The undeniable advantage of photovoltaic panels is that they have a low failure rate. They are characterised by the absence of moving parts, which minimises the risk of mechanical failure. Nevertheless, warranties for photovoltaic installations are an important element to ensure long-term comfort and safety of use. There are different types of warranties for photovoltaics. What are the types of warranties and how do they work? What claim options exist beyond the standard warranties? What should you pay special attention to when purchasing a photovoltaic installation? Here is what you should know.
Types of guarantee in the PV world
When deciding on the purchase of a photovoltaic installation, it is worth paying attention to what type of photovoltaic guarantee the distributor offers. Among the most common on the market are:
- Guarantee for photovoltaic panels - granted by the panel manufacturer, usually covers defects in materials and workmanship and lasts between 10 and 25 years.
- Performance guarantee photovoltaic panels - Over time, the efficiency of photovoltaic panels naturally decreases. A performance guarantee ensures that after a certain period of time, for example 25 years, the efficiency of the panels will not fall below the level guaranteed by the manufacturer. For example, the linear guarantee offered by Jinko for 30 years guarantees that the panels will continue to produce energy efficiently, maintaining 87.4% of their initial efficiency after this period.
- Inverter warranty - provided by the manufacturer, usually for a period of 5 years, although there are manufacturers offering up to a 10-year warranty.
- Photovoltaic installation service guarantee - provided by the installer of the photovoltaic system, covers all operating faults.
What to look out for?
- Reading the small print - Always read the warranty contracts to understand exactly what is covered, what the exclusions are and what the obligations are for the owner of the installation.
- Company reputation and credibility - Choose products from recognised and well-regarded manufacturers. A long-standing presence on the market and positive reviews can be an indication not only of the quality of the product, but also of the robustness of the guarantee.
- Conditions for maintaining the guarantee - Some warranties require regular maintenance or specific installation conditions, so it is important to comply with the manufacturer's requirements.
Annual inspection of photovoltaic installations - is it worth it?
An efficient and safe photovoltaic installation is the key to successful long-term energy production. Although photovoltaic systems are generally fault-free, occasional problems can occur, most often caused by mechanical damage such as wires damaged by sliding snow. Regular inspections allow a thorough check of all system components, including protection and inverter operation, as well as the necessary electrical measurements. During the inspection, the service technician can quickly identify and repair any faults, minimising the risk of loss of energy production and other negative consequences.
Remember! Every guarantee has its own terms and conditions, the breach of which can effectively deprive us of it, so it is worthwhile to familiarise ourselves with such terms and conditions each time, so as not to inadvertently cause losses ourselves.
Do you have questions about long-term warranties or need an inspection of your photovoltaic installation? Get in touch with us.
