Solari Energy FAQ's Warranty Info Weather and Lifetime
How Long Does A PV System Last?
The typical PV panel is warranted for 25 years to be able to produce at least 80% of its rated capacity. Many do much better than this, and some have worked for up to 50 years. The inverter is warranted for 10 years and is more likely to suffer from a breakdown than the panels. The wiring and mounting system should last as long as the panels.
What Is The Warranty?
The panels have a 25 year power production warranty. The inverter has a 10 year warranty and the installation has a 5 year warranty.
Do I Throw Out The Panels After 25 Years?
No, the panels will only rarely stop working. Instead there will be a slow and gradual degradation in their power output after their warranted period. Typically less than 1% per year.
How Much Maintenance Is Required?
Very little if any, typically panels require no maintenance about the only thing you can do is wash them down if they get dirty, but this doesn't happen very often because of rain and snow.
What About Hail?
PV glass panels are very tough. They are tougher than a typical roof and are rarely damaged by hail. In the unlikely event that the panels were damaged they will usually be covered by your homeowners insurance. Another good reason to let your agent know about the installation.
What About Lightning?
Lightning is the chief cause of failure in PV panels. The best way to combat this problem is to ensure that all panels are well grounded. A sperate wire or grounding bond should be attached to every panel connecting them to one another and then to the ground in the house electrical system. This way baring a direct hit which breaks the panel the strike will be diverted to flow through the wire and into the ground in the house electrical system. Solari Energy will use one of two methods when grounding panels. Some panels require a grounding lug and a grounding wire is attached through each panel or some systems allow us to use a "Weeb" connection which is a UL approved system which bonds the panel to the rail and the ground wire is run through each rail to the homes electrical service. Both are equally effective in grounding the system.
What About High Winds Or Snow?
All of our installations are engineered for wind speeds, snow loads and exposure ratings per city or local code. Engineering reports are submitted along with the permit process for approval.
Are There Any Dangers From A PV System?
A PV system generates a considerable amount of electric power and thus should be treated with respect just like any other electric service in your home. The homeowner should never disconnect the system or cut wires unless they have a good understanding of what they are doing. PV systems should never be disconnected under a load condition.
Contact Us Today To Start Generating Your Own Power
mike@esolari.com 303-465-3311
