Path-Q Solar
How can I tell whether a panel’s degradation warranty is meaningful?
Answer
A meaningful degradation warranty clearly states the guaranteed output, measurement conditions, degradation schedule, coverage period, claim process, responsible warranty party, and available remedy. Compare the actual guaranteed output at the end of the term, not just the headline annual percentage.
Key points
- Check for any first-year degradation allowance followed by a different annual rate.
- Determine whether the guarantee applies to each panel or an aggregate system result.
- Review exclusions, required testing, shipping or labor responsibility, and transferability.
- Identify whether the remedy is repair, replacement, payment, or only the difference from a threshold.
- Assess the manufacturer's ability and obligation to honor the warranty over the full term.
What it depends on
- Exact product and warranty documents
- Warranty measurement method
- Claim and remedy terms
- Manufacturer and installer responsibilities
Risks and trade-offs
- A strong percentage guarantee may have weak enforcement or costly claim requirements.
- A product warranty may not cover labor, removal, shipping, or lost production.
- A warranty does not prevent underperformance caused by shading, soiling, wiring, or inverter problems.
Information you may need
- Full product and performance warranty
- Panel model and serial documentation
- Claim procedure and remedy language
- Installer's labor and service warranty
Your next step
What to do next
Create a side-by-side comparison of guaranteed end-of-term output, exclusions, claim burden, remedy, and labor coverage for the exact panel models under consideration.
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SQ00149