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Solar · Maintenance

What is the difference between a panel's product warranty and its performance warranty, and what voids them?

Short answer

The product warranty covers defects in the panel itself, typically 12 to 25 years. The performance warranty guarantees minimum output over 25 to 30 years, now usually 85% to 89%. Both usually exclude poor installation, damage from storms, hail or lightning, misuse, and servicing not done to the manufacturer's manual.

Last checked 24 September 2026 · 2 sources

In more detail

  • JA Solar (Feb 2026 warranty): product warranty 12-25 years and peak-power warranty 25-30 years depending on series; guaranteed remaining power 84.8%-89.4% at the end.
  • Jinko Tiger Neo datasheet: 12-year product, 30-year linear power warranty to 87.4%.
  • Typical exclusions (JA Solar s3.4): misuse, abuse, neglect, accident; installation/use/servicing not strictly per the installation and maintenance manual; force majeure including hail, lightning, snow and storms.
  • Manufacturer warranties generally cover the replacement module, not the scaffolding and labour to swap it - check the installer's workmanship warranty and any insurance-backed guarantee.
  • Inverter warranties are separate (EST: minimum 5 years, often extendable to 15); battery warranties set capacity retention and cycle/throughput limits (Tesla: 80% at 10 years).
  • Keep invoices, serial numbers and the MCS certificate: claims usually need proof of purchase and serials.

The facts, dated

  1. 01
    JA Solar product warranty ranges 12-25 years; peak power warranty 25-30 years — 12-25; 25-30 years

    manufacturer · n/a · checked 24 September 2026 · samonolithportalprodcdn.blob.core.windows.net

  2. 02
    JA Solar guaranteed remaining power at end of warranty ranges 84.8%-89.4% — 84.8-89.4 %

    manufacturer · n/a · checked 24 September 2026 · samonolithportalprodcdn.blob.core.windows.net

  3. 03
    Inverters typically carry at least a 5-year warranty, extendable up to 15 years (EST) — 5-15 years

    installer_view · UK · checked 24 September 2026 · Energy Saving Trust

What we saw in the field

[QA review 2026-09-24] I-9 AGREES for older kit; I-6 product warranty 12-25 yrs is shorter than '30-year life'. | Earlier notes: Installer '80-85% after 25 years' understates current warranties; also note product warranty (12-25 yrs) is much shorter than the '30-year life' claim.

Sources

Last checked: 24 September 2026