How Solar Warranties Work: What Arizona Homeowners Need to Know

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we believe that a solar investment is about much more than just panels and batteries—it’s about peace of mind. That’s why we work hard to educate our customers up front so they can make fully informed and confident decisions. For us, transparency isn’t a sales pitch—it’s the cornerstone of the long-term relationships we’re proud to build with our customers.

Unlike many solar companies that rely on “hired-gun” salespeople focused on quick commissions, our team is committed to long-term customer relationships built on trust and mutual success. We know that the real measure of a great solar partner isn’t just how the system performs on day one, but how it’s supported in year ten, fifteen, and beyond.

Warranties are a big part of that support—but they can be complicated. From workmanship coverage to manufacturer (OEM) protections, performance guarantees, and even diagnostic fees, the fine print isn’t always easy to navigate. This guide breaks down how solar warranties typically work, including what’s included (and what isn’t), and explains what to know whether you own or lease your system.

Workmanship vs. Manufacturer (OEM) Warranties

Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty covers how the system was installed, not the components themselves. Typically a workmanship warranty that covers things like installation techniques, assembly defects, roof penetrations, wiring, junction boxes, conduit, and other ancillary components. This means if an issue arises because of how the system was installed—not the equipment itself—the installer will address those issues and make it right. At Sun Valley Solar Solutions (SVSS), we provide a 10-year workmanship warranty that can be transferred to a new owner if the home is sold before the warranty expires. 

Manufacturer (OEM) Warranties

OEM warranties cover the components: solar panels, inverters, batteries, racking and demand managers. Panels typically carry a 25-30 year warranty, while inverters and batteries often range from 10–12 years, sometimes longer with extended coverage. SVSS administers manufacturer warranties on behalf of our customer, using our own in-house service team based right here in Arizona.

A Closer Look at OEM Coverage by Component

Solar Panels – Most panels include both a product warranty, which covers defects and failures, and a performance warranty, which guarantees 80–85% of original output after 20–25 years.

Inverters – Inverters are the “brains” of the system, converting DC to AC power. They typically carry a 10–12 year warranty, though extended coverage is sometimes available, depending on the manufacturer. 

Batteries – Battery warranties are often written in terms of both time (10 years is typical) and cycles, or the total number of times the battery was charged and discharged. Once the earlier limit is reached, the warranty ends—even if the battery is still functional.

Other Components – Items like monitoring equipment, demand managers, optimizers and even racking each have their own OEM warranty terms, typically shorter than panels.

Trip Charges and Diagnostic Fees

This is where many homeowners are caught off guard. Manufacturer and workmanship warranties generally cover only parts and labor for qualifying issues—not the diagnostic fees required to troubleshoot a system. As a result, those fees are usually passed on to the homeowner. In rare cases, they may be reimbursed if the failure is proven to be a manufacturer defect, but more often the homeowner is responsible for the cost of diagnosing the problem. 

At SVSS, we do things a little better:

• For the first 24 months after commissioning, our Quality Assurance Program covers diagnostic and trip fees for equipment failures not included under the OEM warranty. This can also extend to system optimizations and programming—protection that goes above and beyond our standard workmanship warranty.
• After the 24-month Quality Assurance period, homeowners are responsible for diagnostic and trip charges, unless the issue is confirmed to fall under the SVSS workmanship warranty or is reimbursable under the manufacturer’s warranty. All products have

This distinction is critical: a manufacturer may send you a replacement inverter, but you could still be responsible for the labor and trip charges to install it. Since coverage varies by manufacturer, it’s important to do your research—or better yet, work with a trustworthy solar partner who will clearly explain these details and help you make an informed decision.

Leased (TPO) Systems vs. Owned Systems

One of the biggest warranty differences comes down to ownership vs. leasing. Let’s take a closer look at how these two ownership scenarios deliver different warranty and support options. 

Owned Systems

When you own your solar system, your coverage is only as strong as the combination of OEM warranties (for equipment) and your installer’s workmanship warranty (for installation quality). Once those expire—10 years for workmanship, 10–25 years depending on the hardware—you are responsible for all service costs. For example, a Tesla Powerwall comes with a 10-year warranty from Tesla. Once that expires, the battery is no longer covered, even if it still has years of useful life left.

Leased / Third-Party Owned (TPO) Systems

A leased system, on the other hand, is typically covered for the full duration of the lease, which is typically 20 years. The leasing company owns the system, so they are motivated to maintain performance and keep the system producing optimally. This usually includes:

• Performance Guarantees – If the system underproduces, the leasing company will make all best efforts to remedy it, including repair, replacement, or even crediting you for lost production in some cases. All leasing companies have different provisions, so do your research.
• Comprehensive Service – Repairs, parts, and labor are typically included for as long as the lease remains active. This means even if a component like a Tesla battery fails in year 15—well past Tesla’s own 10-year OEM warranty—it will still be service - or possibly even replaced – under the terms of the lease agreement.
• Monitoring & Maintenance – Most leasing companies monitor production remotely and proactively address issues, saving the homeowner the burden of diagnostics and claim filings.

In short, leases typically provide broader and longer coverage than owned systems. While ownership delivers the financial upside once the system is paid off, a lease can deliver a stronger sense of long-term protection and predictability.

Read More: Leasing Vs. Buying Solar Panels or Batteries - Which is Best for You? 

Real-World Example: Owned vs. Leased Coverage

Let’s imagine a homeowner with a 10 kW solar array and one Tesla Powerwall.

• Owned Scenario: At year 12, the inverter fails. The OEM warranty was only 10 years, so the homeowner is fully responsible for parts, labor, and trip charges. The Powerwall is also out of warranty after year 10, so any repairs or replacement are at full cost.
• Leased Scenario: At year 12, the leasing company identifies the same inverter failure through remote monitoring. They replace the inverter at no cost to the homeowner. At year 15, the battery begins to degrade. Under the lease, the battery is replaced or performance credits are issued—again, at no cost to the homeowner.

This example illustrates why leases often feel “safer” to some homeowners, even if ownership may offer better long-term savings and system expandability.

Why We Inspect Systems We Didn’t Install

Unfortunately, many solar installers don’t stay in business long term. When a company shuts down or pulls out of a territory, its entire customer base is left without a partner to turn to for warranty support. In the solar industry, these homeowners are often referred to as “orphaned” customers.

As one of Arizona’s oldest and most established solar providers, we’ve seen this situation play out time and again. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons our service department has become the largest department in our company. Over the past several years, we’ve expanded significantly to support orphaned solar customers from across the state. We’re happy to step in and help—because at Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we endeavor to be good stewards of solar as an industry. We believe solar is critical to Arizona’s energy future and to the health of our planet, so supporting solar homeowners in need is simply part of our DNA. 

With that said, before we perform any repair or warranty work on a system we didn’t install, we always conduct a comprehensive inspection before identifying and addressing any specific service related issues. OEM warranties, and provide a clear, accurate plan for moving forward.

Why?

• Verify system condition and safety compliance
  We carefully review the entire installation to ensure it meets current electrical codes and critical safety standards. This protects our team as well as your home and family while also ensuring any future work is built on a solid foundation.
• Confirm what’s still covered under OEM warranties
  Many components—like panels, inverters, or batteries—may still be protected by manufacturer warranties even if the original installer is no longer around. Our inspection helps determine what’s covered so you don’t pay out of pocket unnecessarily.
• Prevent misdiagnosis and future surprises
  A system that looks fine on the surface may hide deeper issues, especially if it was poorly installed or neglected. By thoroughly inspecting first, we can prevent wasted money on the wrong repairs and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns later.
• Leave the system better than we found it
  If your original installer is out of business, there may be a reason why. We take pride in not just fixing what’s broken but improving the overall system wherever possible, so you have greater peace of mind and a more reliable solar investment moving forward.

Transferring Warranties to a New Homeowner

Solar systems add value to your home. That value is even greater if OEM and/or workmanship  warranties can be transferred to a new homeowner at the time of sale. Most installers address this issue slightly differently. At SVSS:

• Our 10-year workmanship warranty is transferable one time to a new homeowner, provided the system has not been modified from its original installation.
• A comprehensive inspection is required at the time of transfer , conducted no earlier than 60 days before sale or within 60 days after closing. This process insures that the system is in good working order and has not been modified or tampered with since installation.
• A $299 inspection and processing fee applies, and any repairs found during the inspection must be completed in order to finalize the workmanship warranty transfer.

For OEM warranties, most transfer automatically with the solar system, though some manufacturers require paperwork or a registration update to finalize the transfer.

For leased systems, the process works differently. The buyer must either assume the lease (taking over the payments and benefits of the service coverage) or the seller must buy out the lease before the sale. In the event of a buyout, the enhanced service and performance coverage provided under the lease typically ends, and the system reverts to the remaining OEM warranties only. This can be a big change, since the 20-year lease coverage often includes service and performance guarantees that OEM warranties alone don’t provide.

Common Warranty Exclusions

Even the best warranties have exclusions, although they are not often readily shared beyond the fine print. In most cases, neither workmanship nor OEM coverage applies to:

• Damage from pests, weather events, vandalism, or accidents.
• Soil movement or erosion for ground-mounts.
• Existing electrical issues that weren’t part of the original installation.
• System misuse, improper operation, or modifications by unauthorized parties.
• Diagnostic or troubleshooting fees (with some exceptions for manufacturer defects).

Read More: Sun Valley Solar Warranty Summary

The Role of a Service Department

Not every solar company has a true in-house service department. Many “sales-first” companies outsource their installations—and then outsource warranty work again to third parties. In those cases, responsibility becomes murky, finger-pointing is common, and the homeowner is left stuck in the middle.

At Sun Valley Solar Solutions, we’ve taken a different approach from day one. Since our founding in 2006, we’ve been a fully integrated team—from sales, to installation, to service. Everyone you interact with is a direct employee, and we all live and work right here in Arizona. That structure gives us complete accountability and the ability to stand behind every system we install.

Our dedicated service department is one of the largest in the state and is focused entirely on warranty claims, repairs, and system optimization.

Why this matters:

• OEM compliance: Manufacturers often require detailed documentation, testing, or certified installer verification before approving claims. Having an in-house team makes this process seamless.
• Faster resolutions: A strong local service department means quicker repairs and less downtime.
• Peace of mind: Customers gain confidence knowing their system is supported by a stable, local partner with real “boots on the ground” when emergencies arise.
• Community commitment: A locally staffed team reinvests in the Arizona economy and builds lasting relationships with customers and communities across the state.

“When you call us, you’re not calling a national call center—you’re reaching your neighbors. We are proudly Arizona.”

Homebuyer & Seller Tips

If you’re buying or selling a home with solar, here’s what to look for:

• Ask for Warranty Documentation – Verify both OEM and workmanship warranty coverage.
• Confirm Transfers Early – Work with your realtor and installer to complete paperwork before closing.
• Get a System Inspection – A full system inspection should be arranged to ensure that the solar and battery system is safe and operating within intended parameters.
• Budget for Expired Warranties: If major components are nearing the end of their coverage, plan ahead.
• Get an Inspection – Especially important if the original installer is no longer in business.
• Complete Documentation – Most installers have a specific process and documentation to facilitate a warranty transfer. 

Final Takeaway

Solar warranties are designed to give homeowners confidence—but only if you understand how they work and only when backed by a reputable and stable solar partner. At SVSS, we go beyond industry minimums with a 10-year workmanship warranty, a 24-month Quality Assurance period that covers trip and diagnostic fees, and full support in managing OEM claims on our customers’ behalf.

Leased systems typically offer the longest, most comprehensive coverage—including service and performance guarantees for 20 years—while owned systems rely on a mix of OEM and workmanship warranties. The best choice comes down to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and how much peace of mind you want built into your solar journey.

Thinking about solar—or need service on your current system? Contact Sun Valley Solar Solutions today to schedule an inspection or consultation. Call (480) 689-5050 or Contact Us