A solar power system is one of the largest electrical investments most Australian homeowners will ever make. A properly designed and installed system can operate for decades and deliver tens of thousands of dollars in energy savings over its lifetime.
Most solar systems also come with long manufacturer warranties. Solar panels often include 25 year performance warranties. Inverters commonly include five to ten year warranties. Battery systems now offer warranties ranging from ten to fifteen years.
However, many homeowners are unaware that these warranties are not unconditional.
Poor maintenance, improper servicing, and unlicensed electrical work can void manufacturer warranties and insurance coverage. When a major component fails, homeowners may discover too late that their warranty claim is rejected due to lack of documented servicing or evidence of improper system care.
This guide explains how solar warranties work in Australia, what manufacturers expect from homeowners, how maintenance affects warranty coverage, and how to protect your investment long term.
How Solar Warranties Work in Australia
A solar power system is made up of multiple components, each with its own warranty conditions.
These typically include:
- Solar panel product warranty
- Solar panel performance warranty
- Inverter manufacturer warranty
- Battery warranty
- Installation workmanship warranty
Each warranty has its own terms and conditions. These conditions outline what is covered, what is excluded, and what the owner is responsible for.
Common Warranty Types
Solar Panel Product Warranty
Covers manufacturing defects in the panel itself.
Typical term: 10 to 15 years
Covers issues such as:
- Delamination
- Frame defects
- Junction box failure
- Manufacturing faults
Solar Panel Performance Warranty
Guarantees that panels will produce a minimum percentage of their rated output over time.
Typical term: 25 years
This warranty does not cover system faults, shading, or installation issues.
Inverter Warranty
Covers internal component failure and manufacturing defects.
Typical term: 5 to 10 years with extension options.
Inverters are the most likely component to require repair or replacement over a system lifetime.
Battery Warranty
Covers battery capacity retention, cycle life, and manufacturing defects.
Typical term: 10 to 15 years depending on brand.
Installation Workmanship Warranty
Covers installation related faults.
Typical term: 5 to 10 years depending on installer.
What Most Homeowners Do Not Realise
Many solar warranties contain clauses that require the system to be:
- Properly installed
- Operated within design limits
- Maintained according to manufacturer recommendations
- Serviced by qualified technicians
If a fault occurs and the manufacturer determines that:
- The system was not maintained
- The inverter overheated due to blocked ventilation
- Isolators were not inspected
- Water ingress was not addressed
- Electrical components were not inspected
The warranty claim may be rejected. (this can be case by case situation)
How Poor Maintenance Can Void Your Warranty
Overheating and Ventilation Issues
Inverters require adequate airflow for cooling.
If an inverter overheats due to:
- Blocked ventilation
- Enclosed cabinet installation
- Dust buildup
- Direct sun exposure
The internal electronics can degrade faster.
Many inverter warranties exclude failures caused by overheating or improper installation environments. This can be due to environmental or installation conditions.
Water Ingress and Corrosion
Water ingress is one of the leading causes of inverter and isolator failure.
If isolators and cable entries are not inspected and maintained:
- Seals degrade
- UV damage cracks housings
- Moisture enters electrical enclosures
- Corrosion forms on terminals
Manufacturers often classify water ingress as an environmental or installation issue rather than a manufacturing defect.
Isolator Degradation
DC isolators are exposed to extreme heat and UV radiation.
Degraded isolators can cause:
- Electrical arcing
- Overheating
- Fire risk
- System shutdown
If isolators fail due to environmental exposure and lack of inspection, warranty claims may be denied.
Cable Degradation
Solar DC cabling operates at high voltage and is exposed to UV radiation.
Without inspection:
- Insulation degrades
- Cracks form
- Water enters cable cores
- Electrical resistance increases
Cable degradation is considered an installation and maintenance issue.
Dust and Debris Accumulation
Dust and debris can reduce system output and increase inverter operating temperatures.
If system performance drops due to environmental buildup and no maintenance has been performed, manufacturers may consider this neglect rather than a product defect.
This can apply where severe buildup affects performance of a system.
Unauthorised Electrical Work
Any unlicensed electrical work can void warranties and insurance.
This includes:
- Opening inverter covers
- Resetting internal components
- Modifying wiring
- Accessing DC isolators
- Installing third party equipment
Solar systems operate at high DC voltage and must only be serviced by licensed electricians and accredited solar technicians.
Manufacturer Maintenance Requirements
While exact requirements vary by brand, most manufacturers recommend:
- Annual system inspections
- Periodic inverter servicing
- Isolator inspections
- Cable inspections
- Performance monitoring
- Fault diagnostics
Some battery manufacturers require documented servicing to maintain warranty coverage.
The Role of Professional Solar Maintenance
Professional solar maintenance is not just about cleaning panels.
A professional service can include:
- Electrical safety inspection
- DC and AC voltage testing
- Insulation resistance testing
- Inverter performance diagnostics
- Isolator inspection
- Mounting and roof integrity check
- Monitoring system verification
These inspections identify early signs of degradation before failure occurs.
Insurance and Solar Systems
Home insurance policies may also require solar systems to be:
- Installed by licensed electricians
- Maintained in safe operating condition
- Free from electrical hazards
If a fire or electrical incident occurs and the system has not been maintained, insurers may question liability and coverage.
What Happens When a Warranty Claim Is Made
When a warranty claim is submitted, manufacturers often request:
- Installation compliance documents
- Serial numbers
- Fault reports
- Photographs
- Service history
- Maintenance records
If there is no evidence of professional servicing, the claim may be disputed.
How to Protect Your Solar Warranty
Schedule Regular Professional Servicing
A professional service every 12 months is the most effective way to protect your system.
Keep Service Records
Maintain documentation of all inspections and repairs.
Monitor System Performance
Solar performance monitoring helps detect early faults before damage occurs.
Address Faults Early
Small issues escalate quickly in electrical systems.
Use Licensed and Accredited Technicians
DIY solar maintenance is limited to visual checks and basic cleaning, while all electrical inspections, testing, and repairs must be carried out by licensed and accredited solar technicians. Always use qualified professionals for any solar work.
The Cost of Preventative Maintenance vs Warranty Loss
A professional solar service typically costs a fraction of the cost of:
- Inverter replacement
- Battery replacement
- Fire damage repairs
- Lost energy production
Preventative maintenance protects both safety and financial return.
The Importance of Compliance
Solar systems must comply with Australian Standards including:
- AS 5033
- AS 4777
- Electrical wiring rules
Non compliant systems risk:
- Warranty loss
- Insurance disputes
- Network disconnection
- Safety hazards
The Role of Preventative Solar Maintenance
Preventative maintenance protects:
- Your warranty
- Your insurance
- Your safety
- Your energy savings
- Your system lifespan
A proactive approach helps ensure your system continues operating safely and efficiently for decades.
Homeowners who want to protect their system long term should consider periodic professional servicing.
Solar warranties provide valuable long term protection, but they are not unconditional.
Poor maintenance, unlicensed electrical work, and neglected faults can void warranty coverage and leave homeowners facing expensive repairs.
Professional solar maintenance is not just about performance. It is about protecting your investment, your safety, and your financial return.
A well maintained system is a protected system. Need professional solar maintenance? Contact us today
