Why Do Solar Panels Have 10-Year and 25-Year Warranties? Know the Real Meaning

When buying a solar panel, you will often see terms such as 10-year Product Warranty and 25-year Performance Warranty.

Does a 25-year warranty mean the solar panel will never fail for 25 years? Does the solar manufacturer replace the panel for free if it gets damaged? And what happens if the panel’s electricity generation decreases over time?

These are some of the most common questions buyers have before purchasing solar panels.

A solar panel is a long-term investment, so understanding its warranty is just as important as checking its wattage, efficiency and price.

In this article, we explain the real difference between a 10-year Product Warranty and a 25-year Performance Warranty, what is usually covered, what may be excluded, and how a solar panel warranty claim works.

Why Do Solar Panels Have Two Different Warranties?

Solar panel warranties can generally be understood in two categories:

1. Product Warranty
2. Performance or Power Output Warranty

Both warranties serve different purposes.

Product Warranty

A Product Warranty generally protects the buyer against certain manufacturing defects, material defects and workmanship issues, subject to the manufacturer's terms and conditions.

Performance Warranty

A Performance Warranty relates to the panel's long-term power output. It specifies the minimum power the module is expected to retain over a particular period.

For example, some manufacturers offer a Product Warranty for 10 or more years while providing a Performance Warranty for 25 years or longer. The exact duration and conditions vary by manufacturer and module.

What Does a 10-Year Solar Panel Product Warranty Mean?

When a solar panel comes with a 10-Year Product Warranty, it generally means that the manufacturer provides warranty protection for certain product-related defects during that period.

Depending on the manufacturer's warranty terms, this may include defects related to:

• Manufacturing
• Materials
• Workmanship
• Certain module components
• Other defects specifically mentioned in the warranty document

However, there is an important point to remember:

A 10-year Product Warranty does not mean every type of damage is covered for 10 years.

Damage caused by improper installation, incorrect handling, external impact, unauthorized modification or other excluded circumstances may not be covered.

Therefore, buyers should always check the manufacturer's warranty coverage and exclusions rather than relying only on the number of years mentioned in an advertisement.

What Does a 25-Year Solar Panel Performance Warranty Really Mean?

This is where most buyers get confused.

A 25-Year Performance Warranty does not mean that the solar panel will produce 100% of its original power for 25 years.

Solar panels naturally experience gradual degradation over time. This means their maximum power output can slowly decrease as the years pass.

The Performance Warranty defines the minimum power output that the manufacturer guarantees over the specified period.

For example, some warranty documents specify a guaranteed power level at different stages of the module's life. One Bluebird warranty document specifies minimum guaranteed power levels that decline over time, with a defined minimum output at the end of the warranty period.

So: 25-Year Performance Warranty ≠ 25 years of 100% power output.

Instead, it means the manufacturer guarantees that the panel will maintain at least the specified power output under the conditions mentioned in its warranty.

10-Year Product Warranty vs 25-Year Performance Warranty

The easiest way to understand the difference is:

The actual coverage, duration and conditions depend on the specific manufacturer and solar module.

Some products may have a 10-year Product Warranty and a 25-year Performance Warranty, while other modules may offer longer product or performance coverage.

What Is Usually Covered Under a Solar Panel Warranty?

The exact coverage varies between manufacturers, but a Product Warranty may cover certain defects associated with:

Manufacturing Defects

If a panel has a defect resulting from the manufacturing process, it may be covered under the Product Warranty.

Material Defects

Problems related to the materials used to manufacture the module may also be covered when they fall within the warranty conditions.

Workmanship Issues

Certain defects resulting from manufacturing workmanship may be covered.

Specific Module Components

Depending on the warranty document, certain components or construction elements of the module may have defined coverage.

However, the warranty document is always the final reference. What is covered by one manufacturer may not necessarily be covered by another.

Does Solar Panel Warranty Cover a Broken Panel?

Not necessarily. The reason behind the damage matters.

If the panel has a manufacturing defect covered under the Product Warranty, the manufacturer may provide a remedy according to its warranty terms.

But if the panel is damaged because of:

• Improper installation
• Mishandling
• External impact
• Unauthorized modification
• Incorrect maintenance
• Mechanical damage
• Other excluded circumstances

the warranty claim may not be accepted.

Therefore, a simple rule is:

Panel damage does not automatically mean warranty replacement.

The cause of the damage and the applicable warranty conditions have to be examined.

Are Microcracks and Hotspots Covered Under Warranty?

Microcracks, hotspots and other panel issues can have different causes.

For example, a problem may be related to manufacturing, transportation, installation, mechanical stress or external conditions.

If the issue is determined to be a covered manufacturing defect, a warranty claim may be possible.

However, if the problem resulted from improper handling or installation, it may fall under an exclusion.

If you notice unusual power loss, visible damage or suspected microcracks, it is better to contact the manufacturer or authorized installer rather than attempting to repair the module yourself.

Can Solar Panel Warranty Become Void?

Yes, certain actions or conditions can affect warranty coverage.

Depending on the manufacturer's terms, warranty protection may be affected by:

• Incorrect installation
• Unauthorized repair or modification
• Failure to follow installation instructions
• Improper handling
• Intentional damage
• Unauthorized servicing
• Conditions specifically excluded in the warranty document

This is why buyers should read the Warranty Exclusions section before purchasing a solar panel.

Why Does Solar Panel Performance Decrease Over Time?

Solar panels are designed to operate for many years, but their power output can gradually decline.

This process is known as module degradation.

Environmental conditions, temperature, sunlight exposure and the natural ageing of solar cells can contribute to gradual performance changes.

This is why manufacturers provide a Performance Warranty with specific power-output guarantees.

For example, a warranty may specify:

• Initial power output
• Maximum degradation during the first year
• Maximum annual degradation afterward
• Minimum guaranteed power output at the end of the warranty period

The exact figures depend on the technology and manufacturer.

How to Claim a Solar Panel Warranty?

If you believe your solar panel has a manufacturing defect or is experiencing abnormal performance, the process generally involves the following steps.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

First, determine what is wrong with the panel.

For example:

• Is the panel physically damaged?
• Has its power output suddenly dropped?
• Is there visible damage?
• Is there a problem with the junction box?
• Is the panel producing significantly less power than expected?

Step 2: Keep Your Documents Ready

You may need documents such as:

• Purchase invoice
• Warranty certificate
• Panel serial number
• Installation details
• Photographs of the panel
• Generation or performance data
• Installer details

The exact documents required can vary by manufacturer.

Step 3: Contact the Manufacturer or Authorized Installer

Report the issue and provide the required information and supporting documents.

Step 4: Inspection and Testing

The manufacturer or authorized service team may inspect the panel and test its performance.

If the issue is determined to be covered under the applicable warranty, the manufacturer may provide the remedy specified in its warranty terms.

Some warranty policies may provide options such as repair, replacement, refund or a supplementary module depending on the circumstances and applicable terms.

7 Things to Check Before Buying a Solar Panel

Don't choose a solar panel simply because its advertisement says "25-Year Warranty."

Check these seven things before making a purchase.

1. Product Warranty Period

Is it 10 years, 12 years or another period?

2. Performance Warranty Period

Is the performance guarantee for 25 years, 30 years or another period?

3. Guaranteed Power Output

Find out how much power the manufacturer guarantees at the end of the warranty period.

4. Degradation Rate

A lower degradation rate can mean better long-term power retention.

5. Warranty Exclusions

Read what the manufacturer specifically excludes from warranty coverage.

6. Warranty Claim Process

Find out who handles warranty claims and where you need to submit them.

7. Replacement and Labour Costs

Check whether transportation, removal, reinstallation and labour costs are covered or excluded.

These details can make a significant difference when you actually need to use the warranty.

A Simple Example of 10-Year and 25-Year Warranty

Suppose a solar panel has:

10-Year Product Warranty + 25-Year Performance Warranty

This generally means:

During the Product Warranty Period

If the panel develops a covered manufacturing, material or workmanship defect, the manufacturer may provide the remedy specified in its Product Warranty.

During the Performance Warranty Period

The manufacturer provides a defined guarantee regarding the panel's power output according to the applicable Performance Warranty.

But it does not mean:

The panel will remain 100% as powerful as a new panel for 25 years.

And it does not necessarily mean:

Every type of damage will be repaired or replaced free of cost for 25 years.

The actual terms and conditions of the specific module always apply.

Is a Solar Panel With a Longer Warranty Always Better?

Not necessarily. Warranty is an important factor, but it should not be the only factor when buying a solar panel.

You should also consider:

• Module efficiency
• Rated power
• Degradation rate
• Temperature coefficient
• Cell technology
• Product quality
• Certifications
• Manufacturer reputation
• After-sales service
• Warranty terms
• Warranty claim process

For example, one manufacturer may offer a 10-year Product Warranty and 25-year Performance Warranty, while another may offer a longer Product Warranty. That alone does not determine which panel is better.

The quality of the warranty and the product behind it both matter.

Final Verdict: What Do 10 Years and 25 Years Really Mean?

The easiest way to remember it is:

10-Year Product Warranty = Protection against specified product/manufacturing-related defects

25-Year Performance Warranty = Long-term guarantee for specified power output

So, when buying a solar panel, don't simply look for the biggest number on the warranty sticker.

Instead, check:

• How long is the Product Warranty?
• How long is the Performance Warranty?
• What power output is guaranteed?
• What is the degradation rate?
• What is excluded?
• How does the warranty claim process work?
• Who pays for replacement, transportation and labour?

A solar panel can be a 20–25 year or longer investment, so understanding the actual warranty terms is far more important than simply seeing "25 Years Warranty" in an advertisement.

In short, the number of years tells you the duration—but the warranty terms tell you what you are actually getting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 25-year solar panel warranty really for 25 years?

Usually, the 25-year figure refers to a Performance or Power Output Warranty. It does not necessarily mean that every component or every type of damage is covered for 25 years.

What is a 10-year Product Warranty?

It generally covers specified product, material, manufacturing or workmanship defects for the stated period, subject to the manufacturer's terms and exclusions.

Does solar panel output decrease over time?

Yes. Solar modules naturally experience gradual degradation over their operating life. Performance warranties define the minimum output the manufacturer guarantees.

Will a broken solar panel be replaced under warranty?

It depends on why the panel broke. Manufacturing defects may be covered, while damage caused by improper installation, mishandling or external impact may be excluded.

What documents are required for a solar panel warranty claim?

Depending on the manufacturer, you may need the purchase invoice, warranty details, serial number, installation information, photographs and performance/generation data.

Which warranty is more important: Product or Performance?

Both are important. Product Warranty protects against specified product defects, while Performance Warranty addresses long-term power output.

Should I buy a solar panel only because it has a 25-year warranty?

No. Compare the complete warranty terms along with efficiency, degradation rate, technology, quality, manufacturer reputation and after-sales support.