SunPower Warranty Full Review I PremierImprovementsOne.com
Updated: Dec 4, 2021
We all know warranties can be difficult to understand. Many warranties contain a lot of fine print and details that can make it difficult to understand. Am I vulnerable? Are there any other possibilities?
We have reviewed the warranty documents of the leading solar equipment companies and spoken to them to clarify what was included. In order to make this as simple as possible, we plan to highlight the key aspects of each one in a series. This article will focus on SunPower, one of the most well-known companies in the solar industry.
SunPower's Warranty Highlights
Includes a labor warranty
Covers replacements and/or repairs at no cost to you
Is an all-encompassing warranty (i.e. includes every component of your SunPower system)
If your SunPower affiliated installer goes out of business, SunPower will still honor their labor warranty
SunPower warranties are easily transferable
SunPower does not require homeowners to register their system to have full warranty coverage
To compare your solar options, visit PremierImprovementsOne.com
SunPower offers a 25-year warranty on their panels, microinverters and racking systems. SunPower monitor hardware has a standard 10-year term.
A Quick Overview of SunPower's History & Warranty
SunPower's cofounder, Dr. Richard Swanson began research into solar energy in 1970 to find a solution for the oil crisis. In 1985, Dr. Swanson, a co-founder of SunPower, was able to fund his research with funding from the DOE and the Electric Power Research Institute. SunPower has been a pioneer in the solar industry since 1985. Notable achievements include the creation of the solar panels for NASA's Pathfinder Rover, setting new world records in solar panel efficiency and powering a solar plane around the globe.
SunPower offers strong warranties, which are better than other installers. SunPower's labor and product warranties are provided by one company. Only SunPower-affiliated installers can work with SunPower products. SunPower backs both panel warranties and labor warranties, which provides homeowners extra security.
SunPower's Warranty on Solar Panels at a Glance
SunPower's Product Guarantee
A product warranty is also known as a material warrant. It covers the equipment's integrity. If your panels experience excessive wear or damage, your warranty should cover it.
A defect in your solar panel is usually obvious "out-of the box". This means that you and your installer should be able tell if there is a problem with your solar panel and can fix it immediately, often before it even gets to your roof. For the added peace of mind, you should consider longer warranties.
SunPower offers a 25-year warranty on all SunPower roof items, including panels and microinverters.
SunPower's Power Guarantee
As with all electronic products, your solar panels' performance will decrease over time. Fortunately, many solar companies offer a performance (or power) warranty. Your panels' output will not fall below a specified level after a period of time. Power warranties protect you from any unusual degradation.
Different solar panel technologies can degrade at different rates. The best quality panels have 25-year power warranties that guarantee at least 80 per cent of the original output.
SunPower offers a 25-year warranty on their panel technology. This guarantees that the product will still produce at minimum 92 percent of its original output after the warranty period ends.
End of the year 1, 98 percent production
From years 2-25, there has been a 0.25 percent decline
In year 25, DC Power output was 92 percent
AC Power output of 90% in 25 years
SunPower Labor Warranty
Solar installers are often the only ones responsible for providing labor warranties to a solar system. Some solar companies provide additional protection by offering a labor warranty to a select number of their certified installers. SunPower's warranty is unique in that they have a dealer network who installs their solar panels. This warranty covers all repairs and shipping costs for all their installers.
SunPower Warranty Claim: Shipping & Labor Costs
Your solar panel system should continue to operate smoothly for at least 25 years. SunPower's warranty is not applicable. SunPower is available to assist you if your solar panel system experiences any performance or defect issues.
Your original installer should be your first call if you have any questions about your system. They are best equipped to diagnose and fix your problem. Any potential problem.
Your installer can file a warranty claim with SunPower directly on your behalf if they determine that you need to replace equipment, such as a solar panel. SunPower's warranty covers shipping and labor costs so you don’t have to worry about additional costs.
Solar installers can lose their business and you might find yourself without the ability to contact them for assistance. SunPower can help you file a claim in this instance. SunPower will pay for all costs related to the warranty claim. This includes site visits by a new installer to diagnose the problem and the shipping of the necessary parts and labor.
SunPower's labor and repair coverage is an exception in the solar panel industry. Most companies don't cover labor costs for replacing or repairing products. Your solar panel warranty may not cover labor reimbursement. This cost, and whether you are responsible for it, might fall under your installer's labor warranty. Labor warranties can vary between companies, so make sure to carefully read the labor warranty before you sign any contract.
SunPower Warranty: Limitations and Exclusions
Every warranty has its exceptions-SunPower's is no different. The limitations on warranty are not meant to limit your ability to use the offer; they simply protect you from unreasonable or unjustifiable claims.
These are some things that SunPower's warranty doesn't cover:
Extreme weather events can cause damage or defects (e.g. lightning, hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, flooding)
Unapproved maintenance, repair, or alteration can cause damage
Any structural damage or additions to your roof following the installation of your solar panel system could cause serious damage
Cosmetic defects, dents or markings do not affect the product's performance
Systems installed in constant contact with large saltwater bodies (e.g. on a boat in an ocean) are considered to be systems. Systems installed close to the ocean can be covered by SunPower at their sole discretion.
SunPower did not approve the movement of the system from its original location.
SunPower's Warranty Coverage and other Considerations
Banking:SunPower, one of the oldest solar companies, is the only one that has been around for more than the 25-year warranty period. SunPower will send another SunPower technician to maintain and service your system if your installer is no longer available.
Insurance policies/escrows:SunPower doesn't have any insurance or escrow policies to protect consumers in the event of a business failure.
Customer reviews: It is important to understand the warranty offerings of a solar company by examining how customers feel about their equipment, and the services they offer. While any warranty may look appealing on paper, it is equally important to see how an installer or company handles warranty claims. You can read SunPower's reviews .
At Premier Improvements, We can handle all of your needs from the Design, Permitting, Installation & Inspection of both Residential and Commercial properties. With Solar Tax Credits still available it's a perfect time to start moving forward to your financial freedom from the Utilities. Servicing All of the Connecticut and Massachusetts as well as Rhode Island we are always here to help you and answer any Questions you may have. Give us a Call @ (860)969-4006 or visit our website @ PremierImprovementsOne.com for additional info.
As Always Thank you for Reading and have a Wonderful Day!!!
