Topps Talk: Episode 6- Solar Panel Warranty and AZ Home Service

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[00:03] Host: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Topps Talk.

[00:07] Host: I’m your host, and today we’re going to be discussing warranties and service in solar.

[00:12] Host: We have a special guest with us today, our warranty and service expert.

[00:17] Host: Thank you so much for joining us today.

[00:20] Guest: Thanks for having me.

[00:22] Host: So let’s start with the basics. What types of warranties come with a solar system?

[00:27] Guest: Great question. Solar systems typically come with several different warranties. First, there’s the panel manufacturer warranty.

[00:35] Guest: This usually includes both a product warranty covering defects and a performance warranty guaranteeing power output over time.

[00:43] Guest: Then there’s the inverter warranty, which is typically 10-25 years depending on the manufacturer and model.

[00:50] Guest: And finally, there’s the installation warranty from your solar provider, which covers the workmanship.

[00:58] Host: That’s helpful. How long do these warranties typically last?

[01:05] Guest: For premium panels, product warranties are usually 25 years. Performance warranties are 25-30 years, guaranteeing around 85% of original output by the end.

[01:15] Guest: Inverter warranties vary more – string inverters might be 10-12 years, while microinverters like Enphase offer 25 years.

[01:25] Guest: At Solar Topps, our workmanship warranty is 10 years, which is longer than the industry standard of 5 years.

[01:35] Host: What should homeowners look for in a good warranty?

[01:42] Guest: The most important thing is comprehensive coverage. You want warranties that cover not just the product itself, but also shipping, labor, and replacement costs.

[01:52] Guest: You also want to make sure the company backing the warranty is stable and likely to be around for the full warranty period.

[02:02] Guest: And finally, look at the claims process. Is it straightforward? Will they send someone out quickly if there’s an issue?

[02:12] Host: Let’s talk about service. Why is ongoing service important for a solar system?

[02:20] Guest: Solar is a long-term investment, and like any system in your home, it benefits from regular maintenance and prompt service when issues arise.

[02:30] Guest: Regular monitoring and maintenance can catch small issues before they become big problems, and ensure your system is performing at its best.

[02:40] Guest: And if something does go wrong, you want a company that will respond quickly and effectively to minimize any downtime.

[02:50] Host: What kind of service should homeowners expect after their solar installation?

[03:00] Guest: At minimum, you should expect system monitoring, either through an app or web portal, so you can see how your system is performing.

[03:10] Guest: You should also have a clear point of contact for any questions or concerns, and a responsive service team if issues arise.

[03:20] Guest: Some companies, like Solar Topps, also offer annual inspections to ensure everything is working properly and safely.

[03:30] Host: How can homeowners tell if a company will provide good service over the long term?

[03:40] Guest: Look at their track record and how long they’ve been in business. Check reviews specifically about their service and warranty claims.

[03:50] Guest: Ask about their service team – is it in-house or outsourced? How quickly do they typically respond to issues?

[04:00] Guest: And finally, trust your gut. If they’re attentive and responsive during the sales process, that’s usually a good sign for future service.

[04:10] Host: Any final advice for homeowners about warranties and service?

[04:20] Guest: Don’t underestimate the importance of good warranties and service when choosing a solar provider. The cheapest option upfront isn’t always the best value long-term.

[04:30] Guest: Read the warranty details carefully, and ask questions about anything that’s unclear. And keep all your warranty documentation in a safe place.

[04:40] Guest: Remember, solar is a decades-long relationship with your provider, so choose a partner you trust to be there for the long haul.

[04:50] Host: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. This has been very informative.

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