What are the warranty terms I should look for in Brisbane solar panels?

When you invest in a solar power system for your Brisbane home, the warranty is your single most important protection. It’s your safety net, ensuring the thousands of dollars you spend today will deliver savings for decades to come. But it’s not just one warranty; a complete solar system is covered by a bundle of guarantees.

I’ve seen homeowners get confused by this, thinking a “25-year warranty” covers everything. In reality, you need to check the fine print on three distinct warranties that work together to protect your investment. Understanding these is the key to choosing a reliable system that will stand up to the Queensland sun.

The three types of solar panel warranties in Australia

Every solar system quote you get should clearly outline three different warranties. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag. Let’s break down what each one covers.

• Product Warranty (The important one): This covers the physical integrity of the solar panel itself. It protects you against defects in materials and manufacturing. Think of it like the warranty on a new appliance; if it fails because of a fault in how it was made (like frame corrosion, faulty wiring, or moisture getting inside), the manufacturer is responsible for repairing or replacing it.

• Performance Warranty (The efficiency guarantee): This guarantees your panels will continue to produce a certain amount of power over their lifetime. All solar panels degrade slightly over time, but this warranty ensures they won’t lose efficiency too quickly.

• Workmanship Warranty (The installer’s promise): This warranty is provided by your local Brisbane installer and covers the quality of their work. It protects you against issues caused by the installation process, like faulty wiring, roof leaks from incorrect mounting, or loose components.

Standard solar panel product warranty length in Australia

A decade ago, a 10 or 12-year product warranty was the standard. Today, the market has matured significantly. For good quality solar panels in Australia, you should look for a product warranty of 15 to 25 years.

Many of the most reputable brands now offer a 25-year solar panel product warranty as standard on their residential panels, which is a fantastic indicator of their confidence in the manufacturing quality. Some premium brands even push this to 30 or 40 years. This is arguably the most important warranty to pay attention to, as a panel that physically fails is of no use to anyone.

Solar panel performance warranty explained

The performance warranty, sometimes called a power output warranty, guarantees that your panels will still generate a high percentage of their original rated power after decades on your roof.

All panels experience a small, gradual decline in output due to exposure to sunlight and the elements—a process known as degradation. A typical performance warranty will guarantee that the panel’s output won’t fall below a certain level. The industry standard is around 80-85% of the original output after 25 years.

High-performance panels built with N-type silicon cells often have lower degradation rates and may guarantee closer to 87-90% after 25 or even 30 years. The warranty usually specifies a maximum loss in the first year (often around 1-2%) and then a smaller annual degradation rate (e.g., 0.4% per year) for the remainder of the term. Gigi’s Pro Tip: When looking at performance warranties, don’t just look at the final number in year 25. Check the degradation rate for the first year and the annual rate after that. A lower annual degradation rate means more power—and more savings—for you over the life of the system.

What is a solar installer workmanship warranty?

The workmanship warranty is your installer’s direct promise to you that they’ve done a high-quality job. It covers the labour and quality of the installation itself and is separate from the manufacturer’s warranties on the physical products.

This is crucial because many potential system faults arise from poor installation practices, not faulty panels. A solid workmanship warranty should cover:

• Faulty wiring and loose connections

• Water leaks through roof penetrations

• Structural issues with the mounting frames

• Any other defects arising directly from the installer’s work

In Australia, a government-mandated minimum workmanship warranty is often 5 years, but from my analysis of the Brisbane market, a reputable installer will offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty. This shows they stand behind their work and plan to be in business for the long haul.

Best solar panel warranties in Australia 2025

While the “best” warranty depends on your budget and priorities, some brands consistently offer superior protection and have a strong Australian presence for support. From my research, these are the brands to look for in 2025.

Gigi’s Pro Tip: A warranty is only as good as the company that backs it. Choose brands that have an established office and support team here in Australia. This makes any potential solar panel warranty claim process much smoother than dealing with an overseas entity. Jinko, Trina and REC all have a strong local presence.

Case Study: A Family in Bridgeman Downs The Nguyen family were getting hit with quarterly power bills over $700. They installed a 6.6kW system using Trina panels and a Sungrow inverter for a total cost of around $6,500. They chose the installer based on their 10-year workmanship warranty and positive local reviews. Their annual savings are now over $2,100, meaning their system is on track to pay for itself in just over 3 years, and their last bill was in credit.

Australian Consumer Law and your solar panel warranty

On top of the warranties provided by manufacturers and installers, your entire solar system is protected by Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The ACL provides consumer guarantees that the products you buy are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and will last a reasonable amount of time.

This is a powerful protection. It means that if a component fails prematurely, even just after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you may still have rights to a repair, replacement, or refund. Crucially, under ACL, your contract is with the solar installation company you paid. They are your first point of contact and are responsible for sorting out any warranty claims with the manufacturer on their behalf. They can’t just give you a phone number and tell you to deal with it yourself.

Key features to look for in a solar panel warranty Brisbane

Feeling more confident? Here’s a final checklist to use when you’re comparing quotes for your Brisbane home:

• Product Warranty Length: Aim for 25 years from a reputable manufacturer.

• Performance Warranty Degradation Rate: Look for a guaranteed output of at least 85% after 25 years.

• Workmanship Warranty: A minimum of 10 years from your installer is a sign of quality.

• Australian Presence: Does the panel manufacturer have an office and support team in Australia?

• Clear Documentation: Ensure all three warranties are clearly written in your quote and final contract.

• Installer Reputation: Choose an SAA-accredited installer with a long history and positive reviews in the Brisbane area. A great warranty means nothing if the installer disappears.

Navigating warranties can seem complex, but getting it right ensures your solar investment is secure for its entire lifespan. If you want to cut through the jargon and get quotes from fully-vetted local installers who I trust, I can help.

I can connect you with a trusted local expert who can provide a clear, obligation-free quote and explain every aspect of the warranty. Just fill out the form below to get started.