Panel warranties: product and performance
A panel's product warranty covers manufacturing defects in the module itself. Its performance warranty promises that output will not fall below stated levels over the years, judged against the manufacturer's rated values. They are different promises with different lengths, and neither covers damage from poor installation, shading or physical impact. Ask for the warranty document of the exact module model named in your quotation, not a brochure.
Workmanship and the scheme's system cover
Workmanship covers the installation: mounting, waterproofing, wiring, earthing and commissioning. For scheme installations, the model agreement published with the PM Surya Ghar guidelines covers design, supply, installation, commissioning and five-year comprehensive maintenance, and states that the complete system should be warranted for five years from commissioning. Your signed agreement is what applies, so check that it matches and names who attends faults. Use the installer checklist to record it.
Making a claim without surprises
Before signing, ask who diagnoses a fault, who pays for removal, transport and reinstallation, how long a replacement usually takes and whom to contact if the original salesperson has left. Keep serial numbers, the invoice and commissioning records together in your handover pack; most claims start with them. Read the exclusions, for example those for shading, roof leaks or electrical surges.
Who covers what
| Check | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Panel product warranty | Manufacturer · defects in the module |
| Panel performance warranty | Manufacturer · output above stated levels over time |
| Inverter warranty | Manufacturer · the inverter unit; ask how service works during a claim |
| Workmanship | Installer · mounting, wiring, earthing, waterproofing |
| Scheme system warranty and maintenance | Vendor under the PM Surya Ghar agreement · complete system, 5 years from commissioning |
A useful definition
- Comprehensive maintenance
- A maintenance commitment for an agreed period that covers service and repairs; the signed agreement sets what it includes and excludes.
A common question
Does a 25-year warranty mean everything is covered for 25 years?
No. A figure like that usually refers to a panel performance warranty. The inverter, workmanship and the scheme's system cover have their own terms and lengths, so ask the installer to list each one.
Sources for this guide
MNRE · PM Surya Ghar
Model consumer–vendor agreement (Annexure 2)
Covers design, supply, installation, commissioning and 5-year comprehensive maintenance; states the complete system should be warranted for 5 years from commissioning. Read through a search excerpt; the 5-year system warranty and free maintenance are corroborated by the REC vendor framework (November 2024) and the Delhi O&M procedure.
Access attempted: Direct check neededDelhi EE&REM
Operation and maintenance procedure
The installing vendor provides cleaning and all-inclusive O&M for 5 years at its own cost; consumers should make sure the agreement includes this clause. Corroborates the 5-year terms of the model agreement.
Checked: Official sourceUPNEDA / MNRE
Model consumer–vendor agreement
Written equipment, price, responsibilities, maintenance and service terms. Adapt to the actual contract.
Checked: Rules can changeUPNEDA / MNRE
Rooftop technical specifications
Module, inverter, structure, protection and metering scope to discuss with the installer.
Checked: Rules can change