Worried about the hail and solar panels? Fret not, solar panel systems are extremely robust and need little or no maintenance over their manufacturing lifetime – which can last for 25 years or longer. In case something goes wrong, the solar PV system modules have very long warranties which will cover costs of installation and repair. When you lease the solar panel system, the leasing company is responsible for repairs and maintenance and not yours.
Solar panel manufacturers have a variety of warranties that guarantee that in the unlikely event of a accident, such as hail or falling tree branches, you will get help and protection.
Power output guarantees ensure panel performance does not fall below a defined point over the warranty period ( usually 25 years). For example, a supplier might include a guarantee that peak power production for 25 years would not fall below 85 per cent.
Some suppliers will also offer an extra warranty providing a higher level of production for a shorter span. A secondary warranty, for example, may guarantee no less than 90 percent of initial power output for the first 10 years.
Usually, panels come with a workmanship warranty that protects buyers from faulty parts of the product, typically for the first five years. Inverters also come with 10 year warranties.
Read more about solar panel warranties and other consistency metrics in EnergySage's Quality Assessment Guide for Solar Panels.
Solar panels are made of tempered glass, and are designed to withstand hail and other raw weather conditions. For the exception of tracking mounts, there are no mobile parts for solar panel systems, which eliminates the likelihood of any issues.
Any problems with the output of solar panels are typically related to the production of electricity which is why most installers suggest monitoring the production of your device. Through paying attention to manufacturing trends you will proactively detect and fix problems.
Solar panels usually don't need to be washed. If you live somewhere where there's a lot of smog, dust, or dirt, over time you may see a drop in your output that can be remedied by cleaning up your panels. However, if your panels are fixed onto your roof, the best choice is to employ a skilled cleaning company instead of attempting to clean it yourself. Your installer will suggest someone local to help you.
