How long does solar equipment last – and what guarantees come with it?
When you invest in solar, you’re not just buying energy – you’re buying decades of reliability. Understanding what’s covered (and for how long) can help your team plan for long-term performance, budgeting, and peace of mind.
Solar equipment warranties are structured to protect you from manufacturing defects, performance degradation, and early equipment failure. But not all warranties are created equal – and they differ based on the equipment type.
What Equipment Is Covered?
Your solar system consists of multiple categories of equipment, each with its own warranty type:
- Solar Panels
- Inverters
- Balance of System (BOS) components – such as wiring, combiner boxes, disconnects, and racking
Each comes with its own manufacturer-issued warranty, and in many cases, extended warranties or performance guarantees can be layered in by your installer.
Solar Panel Warranties #
Solar panels typically include two main warranties:
1. Product (Material/Workmanship) Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects, premature wear, or failure due to build quality.
- Typical coverage: 10–15 years
- Protects against cracking, delamination, junction box failure, and other physical issues
2. Performance (Power Output) Warranty
Also known as a linear degradation warranty, this ensures your panels will still produce a guaranteed percentage of their original rated power over time.
- Typical duration: 25–30 years
- Most panels guarantee at least 80–85% of nameplate output at Year 25
- Higher-quality bifacial or glass-glass modules may offer better performance guarantees
Degradation Rate: The natural loss of output as panels age – commonly around 0.5% per year. Premium panels may degrade as slowly as 0.3% annually.
Inverter Warranties #
Inverters are the hardest-working part of a PV system – converting DC to AC power every minute of every sunny day. Because of this, they experience more thermal cycling and component wear.
Typical inverter warranties:
- Standard: 5–10 years
- Extended (optional): Up to 15–20 years, depending on the manufacturer and model
- Expected replacement: At least once during a 30-year system lifespan
Most commercial inverter brands offer field-serviceable components, firmware updates, and extended service plans.
Other Equipment: BOS & Racking Warranties #
Balance of System components generally carry shorter warranty periods but are highly durable:
| Component | Typical Warranty |
| Racking / Mounting Structures | 10–25 years (steel/aluminum) |
| Wiring / Conduit | 10+ years (dependent on environment) |
| Disconnects / Combiners | 5–10 years |
| Monitoring Equipment | 5–10 years, often with software updates |
Melink Solar uses Tier 1 suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring that warranties are backed by companies with long-standing bankability and support records.
How Long Does a Solar System Last?
Most commercial solar systems are designed for a 30+ year life, with minimal performance loss. That said, long-term system planning should include:
- Inverter replacements every 10–15 years
- Preventive maintenance every 1–2 years
- Monitoring system upgrades as software evolves
- Roof coordination – if mounted on a roof, replacement should be scheduled before or after any major roof work
Learn more about maximizing energy output and maintaining your system in Section 5: Production, Maintenance & Monitoring.
Warranty Overview Table
| Equipment | Warranty Type | Typical Term | What It Covers |
| Solar Panels | Product | 10–15 years | Material/workmanship defects |
| Performance | 25–30 years | Guaranteed % output over time | |
| Inverters | Product | 5–10 years (standard) | Functional failure |
| Extended | Up to 20 years | Often includes service support | |
| Racking | Product | 10–25 years | Structural failure, corrosion |
| Monitoring | Software/hardware | 5–10 years | Data reporting, sensors |
Melink Solar’s Warranty Approach
Melink Solar only partners with manufacturers that meet rigorous standards of performance, bankability, and long-term support. We evaluate warranty coverage not just for the number of years, but for:
- Degradation performance curves
- Ease of claims processing
- Availability of replacement parts
- Reputation for long-term product support
Melink Solar also offers Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plans to ensure your system is inspected, cleaned, and performing at its best for decades to come.
Want help planning system longevity or inverter replacements?
Talk to your Melink Solar advisor for a long-term asset management plan tailored to your site.
Want to understand how equipment lifespan and warranties factor into the long-term cost per kWh? Explore Section 4.4: What Is Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), and Why Does It Matter?
Curious about ongoing maintenance and performance tracking to ensure longevity? See Section 5.1: How Do I Track, Maintain, and Maximize My Solar System’s Performance?
Wondering what questions to ask an installer about equipment quality and warranties? Jump to Section 6.2: What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing a Solar Installer?