Solar Panel Warranty in India 2026: Product vs Performance Warranty, Inverter Cover and PM Surya Ghar 5-Year Maintenance

Rooftop solar is a 25-year purchase, so the warranty matters as much as the price. Many Indian homeowners only learn the difference between a "product warranty" and a "performance warranty" when something goes wrong. This guide explains each warranty in a solar system, what is usually covered and not covered, what PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana requires from vendors, and how to make a claim without stress.

The four warranties in a rooftop solar system

A solar system is not one product. Each major part carries its own warranty, usually from a different manufacturer:

• Solar panel product warranty: covers manufacturing defects such as broken junction boxes, frame faults or delamination. Leading brands commonly offer around 10 to 15 years; some premium panels offer more.
• Solar panel performance warranty: promises the panel will still produce a set share of its rated power after many years, typically about 90% at 10 to 12 years and about 80% at 25 years, depending on the brand and panel type.
• Inverter warranty: on-grid string inverters commonly carry about 5 to 10 years, often extendable at extra cost.
• Installation (workmanship) warranty: given by the installer, it covers wiring, mounting structure, earthing and leaks caused by the installation work.

Batteries, used in hybrid and off-grid systems, carry a separate warranty that is usually shorter. If you plan to add storage later, read our on-grid to hybrid upgrade guide.

Product warranty vs performance warranty

All solar panels lose a little output every year; this is called degradation. A performance warranty does not mean the panel stays at 100% forever. It means that if output falls below the promised level for its age, the manufacturer will repair, replace or compensate. A product warranty, on the other hand, covers physical defects regardless of output. Always check both numbers on the datasheet and warranty certificate, not just the headline "25 years".

What PM Surya Ghar requires

For subsidy under PM Surya Ghar, systems must use DCR (domestically manufactured) solar panels and be installed by a registered vendor. The scheme also requires the vendor to provide five years of comprehensive maintenance for the installed system. Keep the warranty and maintenance papers safe, along with your commissioning certificate from the portal. Read more on the official PM Surya Ghar portal and in our DCR vs non-DCR guide.

What warranties usually do not cover

• Damage from storms, floods, lightning, fire or falling objects (this is where home insurance helps).
• Cracks or hot spots caused by people walking on panels or by rough cleaning.
• Faults from unauthorised repairs, rewiring or moving panels.
• Low output caused by new shade from trees, tanks or a neighbouring building.
• Panels and inverters bought without a valid invoice or serial number record.

Gentle, regular cleaning protects both output and warranty. See our solar panel cleaning and maintenance guide.

Documents to keep for a smooth claim

1. GST invoice listing panel and inverter make, model and quantity.
2. Panel and inverter serial numbers (photograph the labels at installation).
3. Manufacturer warranty certificates and the installer's written warranty.
4. Commissioning certificate and net-meter details.
5. Monthly generation readings from the inverter app or meter.

Generation records are your best proof in a performance claim. If output drops suddenly, first check the common causes in our guide on why a solar panel produces less electricity.

Questions to ask before you sign

• Which panel and inverter brands and models will be used, and are the panels DCR?
• What are the product and performance warranty terms, in writing?
• Who handles the claim: the installer or me directly with the manufacturer?
• What does the five-year maintenance include, and how quickly will you respond?
• Will payment go only into the company's official bank account?

How SolarConnect helps

SolarConnect India (Techsr Enterprise, Serampore, West Bengal) handles warranty support for its customers directly, along with site survey, installation, net metering, subsidy application and loan assistance. We apply for PM Surya Ghar subsidy through our partner Pro Power Energies, an empanelled PM Surya Ghar vendor. All terms are given in writing, and payments are accepted only into the official Techsr Enterprise company account.

Have a question about solar warranty or want a written quotation? Call +91-33-3183-5203 or send an enquiry on our contact page.

FAQ

How long is the warranty on solar panels in India?

Most good brands give a product warranty of about 10 to 15 years and a performance warranty of about 25 years, often promising around 80% output at year 25. Check the exact terms for your panel model.

Is the inverter covered for 25 years?

No. On-grid inverters usually carry about 5 to 10 years of warranty, and many can be extended at extra cost.

Does PM Surya Ghar include maintenance?

Yes. The scheme requires the registered vendor to provide five years of comprehensive maintenance for the installed system.

Does cleaning panels with a hard brush void the warranty?

Physical damage caused by improper cleaning is usually not covered, so use soft cloths or brushes and clean water.