Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty (also called an installation warranty or labor warranty) is a guarantee from the solar installer covering the quality of the physical installation work — including roof attachment, wiring, conduit, grounding, and overall system assembly. It is separate from the manufacturer’s product and performance warranties.

Workmanship warranties typically range from 2 to 25 years, depending on the installer. Most reputable companies offer at least 10 years, with many top-tier installers providing 25 years to match the lifespan of the panels. This warranty covers issues that arise from improper installation, such as: roof leaks at attachment points, loose or corroded electrical connections, improperly secured racking, wiring that doesn’t meet code, and any installation-related defects. The workmanship warranty is arguably the most important warranty to evaluate when choosing an installer because manufacturer warranties cover equipment defects but not installation errors. A strong workmanship warranty signals the installer’s confidence in their work quality. Key questions to ask: How long is the workmanship warranty? Does it cover roof leak repairs? Is the warranty backed by insurance or a bond? What happens if the installer goes out of business?