Understanding Solar Panel Warranties
Investing in solar panels is a significant decision, and understanding the warranty terms, conditions, and benefits is crucial for making an informed choice. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of solar panel warranties, with a special focus on two leading brands: Jinko and REC. We’ll highlight the differences in their warranties and explain why REC panels, despite their higher cost, offer substantial benefits.
Types of Solar Panel Warranties
Solar panel warranties generally fall into two main categories: performance warranties and product (or equipment) warranties.
1. Performance Warranty
A performance warranty guarantees that the solar panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power output over a specified period. Typically, this starts at 90% for the first 10 years and then around 80% for up to 25 years.
2. Product Warranty
A product warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. This ensures that if your solar panels fail due to manufacturing defects or material issues, they will be repaired or replaced. These warranties usually last between 10 to 25 years.
Jinko Solar Warranties
Jinko Solar, a prominent name in the solar industry, offers robust warranties for their panels:
Performance Warranty: Jinko provides a 30-year performance warranty. This is an industry-leading duration, ensuring that their panels will continue to produce a significant portion of their initial output even after three decades.
Product Warranty: Jinko’s product warranty typically covers 10 to 12 years, protecting against defects in materials and workmanship. CBR offers Jinko’s higher-end panels which have a 25 year product warranty.
While Jinko’s warranties are competitive, it’s important to note that their lower upfront costs make them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the longevity and performance assurance they offer remain solid.
REC Solar Warranties
REC Solar panels come with some of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry:
Performance Warranty: REC is usually a 20 year warranty but CBR can offer 25 years as an Approved REC Installer. That guarantees a minimum of 92% of nameplate power output still being generated at the end of 25 years. This warranty ensures superior energy yield and long-term savings.
Product Warranty: REC panels are backed by a 25-year product warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This extended warranty reflects REC’s confidence in the durability and quality of their panels.
Why Choose REC Despite Higher Costs?
While REC panels are more expensive initially, the enhanced warranties offer long-term value. Here’s why:
Higher Efficiency and Longevity: REC’s performance warranty ensures that you get more power output over the lifespan of the panels. due to lower long-term degradation. Their failure rate over the past 25 years has been 1 in 10,000, which is the best reliability in the industry.
Comprehensive Protection: The 25-year product warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected against any manufacturing defects. What makes REC exceptional is that Labour and transport costs are included in assessing damage and making repairs, or, in most cases, a free replacement panel will be provided..
N-Type Silicon Technology: REC high-end panels supplied by CBR use N-type silicon monocrystalline technology, which is superior to the older polycrystalline technology. N-type silicon panels offer higher efficiency, better performance in low-light conditions, and greater resistance to degradation over time. To be fair, our top-tier Jinko panels are also N-type!
Conclusion
Understanding solar panel warranties is essential for making an informed investment in solar energy. Jinko and REC offer reliable warranties, but REC’s extensive coverage and superior performance warranty justify their higher cost. When choosing solar panels, consider the long-term benefits and protections offered by the warranties to ensure you get the most out of your solar energy system.
Investing in solar panels is not just about the initial cost but also about long-term reliability and performance. With REC’s robust warranties, you can be confident in the quality and durability of your solar investment, making it a worthwhile choice for sustainable energy solutions.