Solar Panel Warranty Claim: How to File, Step by Step

Understanding the three types of solar warranties

Before you file a claim, you need to know which warranty covers your issue. Solar systems come with three separate warranties, each covering different components and failure types.

Product warranties cover manufacturing defects in the equipment itself—cracked panels, failed inverters, malfunctioning microinverters, or defective batteries. Panel product warranties typically run 10 to 25 years depending on the manufacturer. Inverter product warranties vary: Enphase microinverters carry 25-year coverage, while string inverters from SolarEdge, Fronius, and SMA typically offer 10 to 12 years standard, with extensions available to 20 or 25 years.

Performance warranties guarantee your panels will produce a minimum percentage of their original output over time. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80 to 90 percent output at year 25. If degradation exceeds the promised rate, you have a performance warranty claim. These claims require monitoring data showing output decline over time, not just a single low reading.

Workmanship warranties cover installation defects—roof penetrations, electrical connections, racking issues, and labor. These warranties are issued by your installer, not the equipment manufacturer, and typically last one to ten years. If your installer has gone out of business, workmanship warranty coverage is likely void, though equipment warranties from manufacturers remain valid.

Step 1: Gather your documentation before contacting anyone

Manufacturers require specific documentation to process warranty claims. Assemble these documents before you make contact—incomplete claims create delays and can result in denial.

Original warranty documents: Locate your warranty certificates and terms. These were provided at installation, either as physical paperwork or through the manufacturer’s online portal. If you cannot find them, check your installer’s final paperwork packet or commissioning documents. Some manufacturers require product registration within 30 to 90 days of installation to activate extended coverage, and missing this deadline can void protection entirely.

Equipment serial numbers: Every panel, inverter, optimizer, microinverter, and battery has a unique serial number. These numbers are printed on labels affixed to the equipment. For panels, the label is typically on the back. For inverters, it is on the front or side of the unit. You will need the serial number of every affected component. Photograph the labels—manufacturers often request photos as part of the claim.

Proof of purchase and installation records: Your contract, invoice, or purchase agreement establishes when the equipment was installed and who installed it. Installation certificates and commissioning documents confirm the system was installed to manufacturer specifications—a requirement many manufacturers check before approving claims. If your installer provided a final sign-off document, include that.

Evidence of the problem: Take clear photos and videos of any visible damage—cracked panels, scorched wiring, error codes on inverter displays, or corrosion. Pull production data from your monitoring system showing output drops, offline equipment, or performance anomalies. Record the date you discovered the issue and any events that may be relevant, such as weather, power outages, or unusual sounds from the equipment.

Step 2: Determine if your issue qualifies for warranty coverage

Not every equipment failure is covered. Manufacturers exclude specific categories, and understanding these exclusions prevents wasted time on claims that will be denied.

Warranties cover manufacturing defects and normal wear within specifications. They do not cover damage from external events, improper installation, unauthorized modifications, or failure to maintain the system. Specific exclusions include physical damage from hail, falling debris, or stepping on panels during cleaning or inspection; improper installation such as incorrect mounting clamp positions or unsafe electrical connections; voltage or current outside rated specifications, including damage from lightning strikes or grid faults; and modifications or repairs performed by uncertified technicians.

If your system was damaged by weather, that is a homeowners insurance claim, not a warranty claim. If an electrician who is not certified by the manufacturer performed work on your inverter, the manufacturer may deny coverage. If you are unsure whether your issue qualifies, manufacturers often provide initial assessments over the phone or through online portals before you submit a formal claim.

Step 3: Contact the manufacturer directly (especially if your installer is gone)

If your installer is still in business and responsive, start there. Many installers coordinate warranty claims on behalf of customers, handling the manufacturer contact, return merchandise authorization (RMA) process, and equipment swap. If your installer has closed, is unresponsive, or you simply prefer to handle it yourself, contact the manufacturer directly.

Most major manufacturers provide warranty claim portals or dedicated support lines. Enphase provides warranty documentation and claim processes through their online portal, organized by system activation date. SolarEdge offers a warranty lookup tool where you can enter your inverter serial number to check coverage and expiration dates. Panel manufacturers like Canadian Solar, Silfab, REC, and Panasonic typically provide claim contact information in their warranty documents or on their support pages.

When you contact the manufacturer, provide your serial numbers, description of the issue, and supporting documentation. Many manufacturers request photos, diagnostic reports, or monitoring screenshots before approving claims. Some require third-party inspection reports from certified technicians to validate that the failure qualifies under warranty terms. Expect an initial response within two to four weeks, though complex claims involving field inspections can take longer.

If you need help navigating the claim process or finding a qualified technician to perform inspections or replacements, connect with certified installers in your area who can coordinate manufacturer claims and handle labor even when the original installer is unavailable.

Brand-specific steps differ. See our guides to filing a SolarEdge warranty claim and an Enphase warranty claim.

Step 4: Follow the RMA process for defective equipment

Once the manufacturer confirms your claim qualifies, they will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). This is a formal approval to return defective equipment and receive a replacement or credit. Do not ship equipment back to the manufacturer without an RMA—unauthorized returns are refused, and you will bear the cost and risk of shipping.

The RMA includes specific instructions: which equipment to return, where to ship it, how to package it, and whether the manufacturer covers return shipping costs. Most top-tier inverter and battery manufacturers, including Enphase, SolarEdge, and SMA, cover shipping costs for replacement equipment when the claim is approved, though you may be responsible for shipping taxes or fees in certain jurisdictions. Panel manufacturers vary—some cover shipping for defective panels, others require you to cover freight, particularly for small claims or out-of-warranty repairs covered under goodwill policies.

Follow the packaging and labeling instructions exactly. Include the RMA number on the shipping label and any required documentation inside the package. Manufacturers track RMA shipments, and missing or incorrect labeling can delay replacement processing by weeks.

What to know about microinverter and optimizer warranty claims

Module-level power electronics (MLPE) such as Enphase microinverters and SolarEdge optimizers have unique warranty claim processes. Because these devices are installed behind or beneath each individual panel, replacing a single failed unit requires a technician to access the roof, locate the specific device, and swap it out—a process that can cost several hundred dollars in labor even when the part itself is covered.

Some MLPE manufacturers have minimum failure thresholds before they authorize a service visit. While specific policies vary and should be confirmed with the manufacturer, industry practices have historically included waiting until multiple units fail before dispatching service, in order to make the labor cost worthwhile. If you have one failed microinverter in a 20-panel system, the manufacturer may approve an RMA for the replacement part but may not authorize or reimburse a truck roll until additional failures justify the service cost.

Enphase has offered limited labor reimbursement programs for installers who replace failed microinverters, though these programs have specific eligibility windows and reimbursement rates that change over time. If your installer is no longer available, you will need to hire a certified technician to perform the replacement, and labor costs may not be covered even when the part is free under warranty. Confirm labor coverage and any minimum failure thresholds with the manufacturer before authorizing service work.

Handling warranty claims when the manufacturer has gone bankrupt

The solar industry has seen significant consolidation and several manufacturer bankruptcies over the past decade. When a panel or inverter manufacturer files for bankruptcy, warranty claims become complicated, but you are not entirely without options.

Under bankruptcy law, warranties are considered unsecured liabilities and are often wiped out or settled at pennies on the dollar. You can file a proof of claim as an unsecured creditor in the bankruptcy proceedings, but recovery typically ranges from zero to 20 percent of claim value, and the process can take months or years. Some manufacturers have negotiated limited warranty funds as part of bankruptcy settlements, but these are exceptions, not the rule.

If the manufacturer was a Tier 1 brand that has been acquired by another company, check whether the acquiring company has assumed warranty obligations. Review bankruptcy filings and acquisition documents, or contact the acquiring company directly. In some cases, successor companies honor existing warranties to preserve brand reputation, though this is voluntary, not guaranteed.

If warranty recovery through the manufacturer is not viable, check whether your installer carried errors and omissions insurance or maintained a contractor license bond. Some states require solar contractors to maintain surety bonds to protect consumers, and you may be able to file a claim against that bond for workmanship defects or failed equipment that is no longer covered. Contact your state contractor licensing board for bond information.

For more guidance on what to do when your installer or manufacturer has closed, see our support guide for systems with defunct installers.

What warranty claims don’t cover

Expect to pay for labor, return shipping in some cases, permit or re-inspection fees, and any consequential losses such as lost production or bills during downtime. Product warranties cover the part, not the technician who installs it, unless you have a labor-inclusive warranty or an active workmanship warranty. For a full breakdown of exclusions, see what a solar panel warranty actually covers.