What warranties come with solar panels?
Solar systems come with three main warranties: a product warranty covering manufacturing defects (often 12 to 25 years), a performance warranty guaranteeing a minimum output at year 25 (usually 85% to 90%), and a workmanship warranty on the installation from your MCS installer. The inverter and battery carry their own separate warranties.
The three warranties to check
- Product warranty: covers panel defects, ideally 25 years on premium panels.
- Performance warranty: guaranteed output at year 25 (85% to 90%).
- Workmanship warranty: the MCS installer's guarantee on the fit.
- Inverter and battery warranties: separate, typically 10 to 12 years.
Why warranties matter
Strong warranties protect your investment over the 25-year-plus life and signal a quality product. Keep your MCS certificate and all warranty documents together, as you will need them for claims and when selling your home. Insurance-backed workmanship guarantees add extra protection if the installer ceases trading.
Frequently asked questions
- Are solar warranties transferable when I sell?
- Product and performance warranties usually transfer with the home. Confirm the terms and pass on the paperwork to the buyer.
- What if my installer goes out of business?
- An insurance-backed guarantee, common with MCS installs, protects the workmanship warranty if the installer ceases trading.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.