Solar Inverter Warranty Guide: Avoid Costly Inverter Repairs
- Sarah Lozanova
- 5 days ago
- 10 min read
Table of Contents
-- Reliable Inverter Repairs
Your solar inverter is the heart of your system, converting sunlight into power for your home. When your inverter is not working, your energy savings stop immediately, making your solar inverter warranty period a critical financial safety net.
If you have a SolarEdge system, note that coverage is split: the SolarEdge optimizer warranty lasts 25 years, but the SolarEdge inverter warranty typically only covers 12 years. Many homeowners choose a SolarEdge extended warranty to match their panel lifespan and avoid paying the full SolarEdge inverter price later on. By comparison, an Enphase inverter warranty usually offers 25 years of coverage standard. Other brands like SMA or Fronius generally start with a 10-year solar inverter warranty period.
Filing a claim for solar inverter repairs can be a complex and frustrating process. If your installer is unresponsive or no longer in business, GreenLancer can help. We specialize in solar inverter repairs, warranty claim assistance, and system upgrades—so your solar investment continues to perform at its best.
Solar Inverter Warranty Periods: How Many Years Are You Covered?
The length of your coverage depends largely on the technology you use. Most solar inverter warranty periods for string units range from 5 to 12 years. In contrast, an Enphase inverter warranty typically lasts 25 years because microinverters are designed to match the lifespan of the panels they support.
Many manufacturers offer a SolarEdge extended warranty or similar plans for other brands to push coverage out to 20 or 25 years. While these extensions protect you from equipment defects, they often focus on the hardware itself. It is common for manufacturers to provide a refurbished replacement rather than a brand-new unit, so reviewing your specific terms is the best way to avoid unexpected solar inverter replacement costs.
What Does a Solar Inverter Warranty Cover? (Parts vs. Labor)
Not all warranties are created equal. While a solar inverter warranty period usually guarantees the device will function, the fine print determines who pays for the actual repair.
Parts vs. labor: Many inverter warranties cover only the replacement part, meaning you’ll have to pay out of pocket for labor and service fees. Some extended warranties may include labor coverage, reducing your overall repair costs.
Shipping and replacement costs:Â If your solar inverter replacement is covered, check whether shipping costs are included. Some warranties provide free replacements, while others require you to pay for shipping or offer refurbished units instead of new ones.
Comparing String Inverter Warranty vs. Microinverter Warranty
Your inverter type affects your solar inverter warranty period, how much downtime you’ll see when something fails, and what solar inverter repairs look like over 10–25 years.
String Inverter Warranty (Including SolarEdge)
Most string inverters come with a 5- to 12-year warranty, though some manufacturers offer extended warranty options for added protection. Since a string inverter failure affects multiple solar panels at once, it can cause significant system downtime.Â
Some warranties cover replacement costs, but labor and shipping fees may not always be included. Checking your inverter warranty details can help you avoid unexpected expenses if your inverter fails.
Microinverter Warranty
Microinverters often come with a longer solar inverter warranty period (commonly 20–25 years). A single unit failure usually won’t shut down the whole array, so the impact is smaller. Still, confirm if labor, shipping, or roof access costs are included in the solar inverter warranty terms.
Which inverter type has higher failure rates?
String inverters generally have higher failure rates than microinverters, meaning you’re more likely to need a solar inverter replacement sooner if you have a string inverter system. While microinverters last longer, failures can still happen, and replacing them on individual panels can add up over time. Understanding your inverter warranty coverage ensures you're prepared for potential repairs and replacement costs.
Solar Inverter Warranties by Manufacturer
Every brand has different solar inverter warranty period terms. Most solar inverter warranties cover parts, but labor and shipping are often separate. Some policies include a full replacement inverter, while others still leave you paying for removal, reinstall, or freight. Checking your inverter warranty period now helps you budget for solar inverter repairs if your inverter is not working later.
Here’s a breakdown of solar inverter warranties by major manufacturers:
When you choose Enphase microinverters, you’re backed by the Enphase warranty, which gives you 25 years of coverage, matching the lifespan of most solar panels. That means your entire solar system is protected long-term.
The Enphase warranty covers defective microinverters and includes return shipping, but it doesn’t usually cover your labor costs. If a microinverter ever fails, you’ll still need to pay an installer to remove and replace it if the labor warranty on your system has expired or your original solar installer has closed down.
One advantage of Enphase systems is the real-time monitoring through the Enlighten app. You’ll get alerts if anything goes wrong, helping you catch issues early and minimize lost energy production. And if you had your system installed by an Enphase-certified installer, you may be eligible for extra support or faster service.
The SolarEdge inverter warranty is designed to cover the replacement of faulty equipment if your system has a warranty-eligible repair. For many residential systems, the standard SolarEdge inverter warranty length is 12 years, and you can often add a SolarEdge extended warranty to increase the solar inverter warranty period (in some cases up to 25 years). SolarEdge power optimizers typically have their own coverage term, so it’s smart to confirm your SolarEdge optimizer warranty separately.
In many situations, SolarEdge will ship a replacement unit, but most homeowners still pay for labor to remove and reinstall the inverter. That’s why it’s important to understand what your inverter warranty period actually covers: parts, shipping, and whether any service costs are included..
If you want more comprehensive coverage, you can upgrade to Power Care Premium, which includes labor, expedited service, and on-site support. This helps reduce downtime and limits surprise costs when something needs servicing.
Fronius provides a 10-year inverter warranty with an option to extend coverage. Their warranty covers replacement parts, and in some cases, labor costs may be included, but shipping fees could be the responsibility of the homeowner.
Fronius does try to make the process easier by offering extended warranty options that can include more robust coverage. Some installers also bundle extended protection into the initial installation, so it’s worth checking your paperwork carefully. If your installer is no longer in business, you may need to contact Fronius directly or work with a service provider who can coordinate warranty claims and dispatch a licensed professional to complete the repair.
SMA provides a 5- to 10-year string inverter warranty, depending on the model, with an option to purchase an extended warranty for additional coverage. Standard coverage includes replacement parts and shipping costs, but labor for diagnosis and installation may not always be included. Some extended warranties offer additional benefits, such as expedited replacements or on-site service options.
What Can Void a Solar Inverter Warranty?
A solar inverter warranty period can protect you from unexpected equipment failure, but many solar inverter warranties have strict rules. The biggest problems usually come down to unauthorized work, environmental damage, or installation issues.
DIY Inverter Repairs – Attempting to fix your inverter yourself can immediately void your solar inverter warranty. Most manufacturers—including SolarEdge—require that only certified installers or service professionals perform repairs or replacements.
For example, the SolarEdge warranty specifically states that unauthorized modifications or servicing void the coverage. That said, it’s still a good idea to try troubleshooting inverter issues yourself, like checking your internet connection or updating the inverter firmware.
Extreme Weather Damage – While inverters are built to withstand outdoor conditions, damage from floods, excessive heat, lightning, or pests may not be covered. Some warranties specifically exclude environmental factors, so it’s important to check the terms of your inverter warranty. However, your homeowner's insurance policy may cover some solar repairs.
Poor Installation – If the inverter or wiring doesn’t match manufacturer requirements or local code, a warranty claim can be denied. Common triggers include incorrect conductor sizing, improper grounding/bonding, wrong placement (heat exposure/clearances), or mismatched equipment. This is true whether you’re dealing with a string inverter or microinverters.
To keep your solar inverter warranty valid, use high-quality professionals for installation and repairs. If your inverter needs servicing, GreenLancer provides expert solar inverter replacement and repair services to get your system running again. We service all major inverter brands—including Enphase, SolarEdge, and SMA—to help ensure your system stays reliable and your warranty remains intact.
How to Contact Customer Service & File a Warranty Claim
When my inverter is not working, the warranty process can be simple if your original installer is still around. If they’re out of business, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly, gather paperwork, and wait for an RMA and replacement unit.
GreenLancer can help coordinate the solar inverter warranty claim process, work with the manufacturer, and connect you with a qualified technician for solar inverter repairs or replacement.
Step 1: Locate Your Warranty Documents
Whether you have a SolarEdge inverter warranty or coverage from another manufacturer, the first step is always the same: to track down your paperwork. Some of our customers have discovered that their solar inverter warranties had been registered online, so they were able to log into the manufacturer’s portal to download the details. However, you find it, knowing the exact inverter warranty period helps you understand what’s still covered.
Step 2: Contact Your Installer or Manufacturer
If your installer is still in business, they can usually walk you through the inverter warranty claim. But countless homeowners have found themselves calling a number that no longer works. In those cases, the manufacturer or a new solar repair technician is the next stop.
Some inverter manufacturers, such as SolarEdge and Enphase, offer helpful support lines, while others require you to provide very specific details before they’ll even open a case. For homeowners who feel stuck, GreenLancer can step in. We help coordinate warranty claims, work with manufacturers, and connect you with licensed professionals in your area who can handle the repair or replacement.
Step 3: Provide Proof of Purchase and System Details
To issue an RMA, most manufacturers will ask for:
Inverter model + serial number
Installation date + proof of purchase
Error codes and screenshots from monitoring (for SolarEdge, pull these from SolarEdge monitoring)
Step 4: Wait for Inverter Warranty Approval & Schedule a Repair
After the claim is approved, the manufacturer generally issues an RMA and ships a replacement unit or authorizes service. Coverage varies by brand: some solar inverter warranties include shipping, while labor is often separate. Once the replacement arrives, schedule the swap with a qualified solar technician.
If you need help, GreenLancer can coordinate solar inverter repairs and replacement to get production back online.
SolarEdge Extended Warranty: Is the 25-Year Upgrade Worth the Price?
A SolarEdge extended warranty can make sense if you plan to keep your system for the long haul and want a longer solar inverter warranty period than the standard coverage. Many string inverters have a shorter inverter warranty period than the expected life of the PV system, so a failure later on can mean both downtime and a meaningful replacement expense.
Should you invest in a longer SolarEdge Warranty?
If you have a string inverter system, extending your SolarEdge warranty may be a smart investment. Most standard string inverter warranties last between 5 and 12 years, and inverter failure during this period can result in complete system shutdown, leading to lost solar production and unexpected costs.
A longer SolarEdge inverter warranty can help protect against expensive replacements and provide peace of mind. In contrast, Enphase microinverter warranties typically last 20 to 25 years, aligning with the lifespan of solar panels, so additional coverage is usually unnecessary for those systems.
Cost vs. Benefit: Should You Invest in Longer Coverage?
For example, a 25-year SolarEdge inverter warranty is available for homeowners who want long-term protection against inverter faults and repair costs. If you have a SolarEdge system, upgrading your SolarEdge warranty could help prevent major expenses due to string inverter failure.
In contrast, the Enphase warranty already includes 25 years of coverage for microinverters, so an extended warranty usually isn’t needed. Always check what’s included in your solar inverter warranty—some plans cover parts only, while others include labor, shipping, and expedited service.
Protect Your Solar Investment With Reliable Inverter Repairs
A strong solar inverter warranty helps protect you from unexpected inverter failure, but regular maintenance and professional repairs keep your system running at its best. If you need help with a solar inverter replacement or troubleshooting issues, GreenLancer can help.
Whether you have a string inverter warranty or a microinverter warranty, knowing your coverage and having the right support ensures your solar investment keeps delivering reliable energy for years to come.
Need reliable and affordable solar inverter repairs, PV panel replacement, or troubleshooting? GreenLancer provides on-demand solar system repair services with expert maintenance to keep your solar system running efficiently.
FAQs on Solar Inverter Warranties
What is a typical solar inverter warranty period?
A solar inverter warranty period depends on the inverter type and manufacturer. Many solar inverter warranties cover parts, while labor and shipping rules vary by brand and model.
What does an inverter warranty period usually cover?
Most solar inverter warranties cover defects and replacement equipment. Labor, roof access, and shipping may be excluded, so read the terms before you need solar inverter repairs.
My inverter is not working. What should I do first?
Check your breakers and disconnect, then review your monitoring portal for error codes. Save screenshots and record the model and serial number because it helps with the warranty claim.
How can I contact SolarEdge?
Use the SolarEdge support and contact pages to open a case and confirm your SolarEdge inverter warranty details. If you need the SolarEdge customer service phone number, the official contact page is the safest source.
Is a SolarEdge extended warranty worth it?
A SolarEdge extended warranty can make sense if you plan to keep the system long term and want a longer inverter warranty period. Compare the price to likely replacement costs and how much downtime would matter to you.
What is SolarEdge Power Care?
SolarEdge Power Care is a service plan that can add support features beyond the standard warranty. Check whether your plan includes labor coverage and faster service, since that is often where costs add up.
Do microinverters usually have longer warranties?
Many microinverter brands offer longer terms that better match panel life. Still confirm what is covered because parts and labor terms can differ within solar inverter warranties.
What can void a solar inverter warranty?
Unauthorized repairs and modifications commonly void coverage. Poor installation and certain weather or environmental damage can also fall outside the inverter warranty period.
What do I need to file a warranty claim?
You usually need proof of purchase, install date, inverter model, serial number, and monitoring error codes. Having photos of the install and labels can also speed up approval.