Installing solar panels does not void the warranty on a roof. As long as the installation is carried out by certified professionals, following guidelines from both the roofer and the roofing material manufacturer, the warranty will stand.
With that being said, the smart thing to do is to check the warranty. See if any clauses explicitly deal with solar panels and what effect they have on solar installation.
With the cost of repairing a roof ranging from $150 to $7000, you want to be double sure solar panels will not affect your warranty. In most cases, they shouldn’t. In this article, we will look at how solar panels affect roof warranty and what impact installing solar has on a roof.
Should you expect to see leaks because you have had solar panels put up? Read on to find out the answer.
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Do Solar Panels Void Gaf Warranty?
Installing solar panels on your roof does not void your GAF warranty. Provided the installation is carried out by certified professionals according to the manufacturer’s specifications, your warranty will remain valid. You should, however, check the specific details of your warranty to make sure before you go ahead with your installation.
There may be cases where the roof warranty is voided only on the section or portion where the solar panels are installed. Again, the only way to conclusively determine this is to check the warranty. Voiding of a warranty as a result of a solar installation is usually because of:
- Negligent or poor installation by the installer.
- Unauthorized equipment or improper installation methods.
- Flashings on roof penetration are not carried out correctly.
These are the three most common reasons why roof warranties are voided. It is more due to human error than it is due to the solar panels themselves.
What Does a Roof Warranty Cover?
There are three main types of roof warranty all of which have direct implications on solar installations. These are the standard manufacturer’s warranty, the workmanship warranty, and the extended manufacturer’s warranty.
1- Standard manufacturer’s warranty
A standard manufacturer’s warranty covers the roofing materials themselves. This type of cover extends over factory defects in the materials. It can also cover defects that occur within a certain period after the roof has been installed. In terms of this warranty, you’re insured for the cost of replacing any defective materials by the manufacturer.
2- Workmanship warranty
A contractor workmanship warranty is a guarantee on the installation of roofing materials. It is given by the contractor you hire to do the installation of the roof. Should anything go wrong as a direct result of their workmanship, they are held liable. (Source)
3- Extended manufacturer’s warranty
This is a comprehensive cover for both the materials and the workmanship. Here the manufacturer undertakes to give you added cover if your roof is installed by an authorized contractor. In effect, it is an “all-in-one” cover.
Is There Anything You Can Do to Keep Your Warranty Intact?
There are a few steps you can take to ensure you do not violate the terms of your warranty. The most crucial is to read and understand the terms of your warranty. Beyond that here are a few other steps you should consider taking.
- Where possible, get a contractor that offers both roofing and solar installation. Having one contractor handle the process from end to end guarantees the best results. It can even be cheaper if done by a single contractor.
- Consider having your solar panels installed on the ground or outbuildings as an alternative to roof mounting.
- Have your roofing contractor inspect your roof before installing solar panels. It is also a good idea to have them involved in every step of the installation.
What Voids Solar Panel Warranty? (All Types Of Warranties)
Installation or repair by an uncertified contractor will void the solar panel warranty. Failure to properly maintain the solar panels will also nullify the warranty.
There are three different types of warranties on a solar panel. These are the performance, product, and service workmanship warranties.
Performance warranty
The performance warranty covers the performance of the solar panel over its 25-year lifespan. Taking into consideration the natural degradation of the solar panel, the manufacturer guarantees a minimum standard of performance of the solar panel. (Source)
Performance warranty can be voided if for instance trees or buildings are shading the solar panels and thus reducing their rated performance.
Product workmanship warranty
A product workmanship warranty is given by the solar panel manufacturer. It’s a guarantee against material defects in the construction of the solar panel. Most manufacturers have a 25-year warranty. This type of warranty is voided if the installation of the solar panels is done by an uncertified contractor.
Service workmanship warranty
A service workmanship warranty is extended by the contractor who installs the solar panels. Some solar installers offer warranties of up to 10 years. If the solar panel malfunctions due to the installation, the contractor covers the cost of repairs and replacement.
The service workmanship warranty is voided if the solar panel owner hires another contractor different from the original contractor to service the solar panels.
Will Solar Panels Ruin My Roof?
Solar panels will not damage or ruin your roof if you purchase solar panels from a recognized manufacturer and have them installed by experienced contractors.
Roofing material is designed to withstand the harsh outdoor weather it experiences. If it is durable enough to take that kind of punishment, the installation of solar panels is a non-event. Negligence and acts of nature are the only real risks that can damage a roof. There is no risk when properly outlined guidelines are followed for the installation of solar.
The only caveat to this is the age of the roof. An old roof will have a high risk of damage. This is why a good solar installer will inspect the roof to check if it can hold solar panels before installation. (Source)
Also, check out our post ” Can Solar Panels Be Installed on A Flat Roof? What You Need to Know !
Are Roof Leaks Common with Solar Panels?
Roof leaks as a result of installing solar panels are a rare occurrence. Installations that require penetration of the roof are made watertight through the use of sealants.
If there is any leaking it is likely due to negligence on the part of the installer. If carried out correctly without cutting corners, there should be no leakages.
For more on this topic, check out our post ” Do Solar Panels Cause Roof Leaks? What You Need To Know! “