Solar warranty check for new owners
Good news: most UK solar warranties transfer to you when you buy a house with solar. The catch: you need to notify the manufacturer and register the equipment in your name to activate coverage. Here's what you need to know.
After this guide, you'll know:
What warranties does a solar system have?
A complete solar installation includes warranties from multiple sources. Understanding what covers what helps you know what protection you have.
Most panels come with dual warranties: Product warranty (10–12 years) covers manufacturing defects, workmanship, and materials. Performance warranty (25 years) guarantees the panels retain 80%+ of their rated output. Performance degradation of 5–10% over 25 years is normal and covered.
The inverter is the most common component to fail (though failures are still rare). Standard warranty is 5–12 years depending on brand and covers manufacturing defects. Some brands like SolarEdge offer extended 25-year options. Inverters are "working parts" of the system; failure rates are higher than panels but still low in the first 5 years.
If your system has a battery, it typically comes with 5–10 years standard warranty covering manufacturing defects and capacity degradation (retains 80% capacity). Modern lithium batteries are designed for 10,000–20,000 charge cycles (10–20 years), but degradation accelerates beyond that. Capacity fade (100% → 95% → 90% over several years) is normal.
The installer typically provides 1–5 years workmanship warranty from installation, covering labour for repairs due to poor workmanship. This usually does NOT transfer if the installer has gone bust. If the original installer is still trading, you can sometimes request they assign the workmanship warranty to you. This is the warranty most affected by installer insolvency.
Warranty responsibility order
If something fails, here's the order of responsibility:
Most failures in the first 5 years are manufacturer defects (warranty covered) or workmanship issues. Misuse is rare.
Do warranties transfer when you buy a house?
The short answer: most manufacturer warranties do transfer. The catch: workmanship warranties and extended warranties depend on the contract.
Panels, inverters, and batteries are owned by the manufacturer until they fail. The warranty is tied to the equipment serial number, not the person who owns the house. When you become the new property owner, you also become the new owner of these devices and can claim warranty. UK consumer rights law recognizes you now own the equipment and have the right to protection. Most manufacturers accept ownership transfers easily.
Example: If a SolarEdge inverter has 10 years warranty from 2022 installation and you buy the house in 2025, you have 7 years remaining.
The installer's workmanship warranty is typically tied to the original buyer. If the installer has gone bust, this warranty becomes void. However, you may be able to get a new workmanship certificate from a qualified electrician or independent solar inspection that assesses the installation. This isn't the original warranty, but it gives future coverage.
If the previous owner purchased an extended warranty from the manufacturer, it may or may not transfer depending on contract terms. Ask the previous owner about extended warranties. If they have one, contact the manufacturer with proof of property purchase to request transfer. Some manufacturers allow it; others require a new payment.
MCS Certificate as Proof
Your MCS certificate (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is an independent verification that the system was installed correctly by an accredited installer. This certificate is site-specific and stays with the property (not the person). You can use this as proof of warranty eligibility when contacting manufacturers. Find your certificate at mcscertified.com using your postcode. It shows the installation date, inverter/battery model, and installer details.
How to check your warranty coverage: 5 steps
Find the inverter and battery serial numbers
The inverter is typically mounted in a garage, loft, outbuilding, or external wall. The battery (if present) is usually nearby. Look for a label on each unit showing the model and serial number. Note these down.
Example: GE-AC-SP5000-XXXXXX (GivEnergy), SNK2K5E-XXX (Sunsynk)
Register the serial numbers on the manufacturer's portal
Most manufacturers have homeowner registration portals where you can register your equipment as the new owner. This activates your warranty. Visit the manufacturer's official website and look for "Product Registration" or "Warranty Claim" sections. You'll typically need:
Check the installation date carefully
Warranty periods are measured from the installation date, not the manufacture date. These are often different by several months. Where to find it:
Example: If installed 15 Jan 2021 with 10-year warranty, it expires 15 Jan 2031.
Contact the inverter manufacturer with proof of property purchase
Email or call the manufacturer with: equipment serial number, installation date, proof of property purchase (completion document, council tax bill, etc.), and your contact details and address. Ask for confirmation that the warranty transfers to you, the warranty end date, and any required documentation. Most manufacturers respond within 5–10 working days. Keep their response as proof for future claims.
Request the workmanship warranty from the previous owner
Ask the previous owner for the installer's workmanship warranty certificate (if they have it). This is usually a separate document from the manufacturer warranties. If the installer is still trading, you may be able to request they transfer it to your name. If the installer has gone bust, this warranty is void, but you can still claim manufacturer coverage for equipment faults.
Timeline
Common warranty issues for new owners
The installer may have registered the equipment with the manufacturer initially, but workmanship warranty is now void. The manufacturer warranty (on inverter, battery, panels) is still valid. Contact the manufacturer directly with the serial number. They have their own records and can confirm warranty status independently.
The previous owner may have registered the warranty in their personal name, locking you out of direct access. Contact the manufacturer with proof of property purchase. Most manufacturers will re-register ownership to you without needing the previous owner's involvement. Emphasize that you're now the property and equipment owner.
If the system is 5+ years old and the manufacturer warranty has expired, you have no manufacturer coverage for equipment faults. Check if the manufacturer offers extended warranty plans (some do, for a fee). Alternatively, consider getting a system health check from a qualified technician to assess condition.
Most systems last 20–25+ years, but replacement costs can be £500–£3000+ for an inverter or battery if not covered by warranty.
Without installation documentation, warranty proof may be harder to establish. The MCS certificate is site-specific and publicly searchable. Go to mcscertified.com and search by your postcode—most residential installs from 2012 onwards are listed. Use this as your primary document. If not listed, contact the manufacturer with just the serial number and installation date (visible on the inverter label).
If warranty transfer is refused
This is rare, but some manufacturers may initially claim the warranty doesn't transfer. In the UK, consumer rights law (Consumer Rights Act 2015) recognizes that you now own the equipment and are entitled to protection. If refused, politely escalate to the manufacturer's manager and cite your ownership of the property and equipment. Most will relent. Warranty claim support services can also advise on next steps if you hit a wall.
Brand warranty periods at a glance
Here's a quick reference for the most common brands in UK homes. These are standard warranties; extended plans may be available.
GivEnergy
Inverter: 10 years standard (extendable to 12)
Battery: 10 years standard (extendable to 12)
UK-based. Strong support for new owners. Warranty transfer is straightforward.
Sunsynk
Inverter: 5 years standard
Battery: Varies (typically 5–10 years depending on chemistry)
Chinese manufacturer. Warranty transfer possible but may require original documentation.
SolarEdge
Inverter: 12 years standard (extendable to 25)
Optimizers: 25 years
Premium brand. Excellent warranty terms. Transfer is easy with proof of ownership.
Growatt
Inverter: 5 years standard (extendable to 10 via MMA plan)
Battery: Varies by model (typically 5–10 years)
Chinese manufacturer. Extended warranty available for a fee. Transfer requires registration.
Solis
Inverter: 5 years standard (extendable to 10)
Battery: Typically 5–10 years
Growing UK presence. Warranty transfer straightforward with serial number and proof of purchase.
Enphase
Microinverter: 25 years (industry-leading)
Battery: 12 years
US-based. Premium microinverter systems. Best-in-class warranty terms.
When to call a professional
Some warranty issues require professional assessment or intervention. Here's when to seek expert help (YMYL compliance).
If your inverter, battery, or panels have stopped working, contact the manufacturer first. If they confirm warranty covers the failure, they may arrange repair or replacement. If the manufacturer denies the claim, warranty claim support services can review the decision and advise your options.
Consider booking an independent solar inspection to assess the system's condition and identify any issues before warranty expires. This costs £145–£300 but can save thousands if hidden problems are caught early.
If you can't locate the MCS certificate or manufacturer details, a qualified installer can identify the equipment and help you establish warranty status. They have databases of installer records and can often locate missing documentation.
If a manufacturer refuses to transfer warranty despite your proof of ownership, consumer rights law is on your side. A solicitor or consumer rights service can send a formal letter escalating the claim. Many manufacturers relent when faced with legal action.
Related guides
Learn more about protecting your investment and understanding your solar system.
Bought a House With Solar
Complete guide to buying a house with an existing solar system.
How to Identify Your Inverter
Find your inverter model and serial number in minutes.
Installer Gone Bust?
What happens to your warranty and your options.
Warranty Claim Help
Step-by-step support for submitting warranty claims.
Solar Health Plan
Annual checkups and protection plans for your system.
Book an Inspection
Professional solar system health checks and assessments.
Frequently asked questions
The manufacturer warranties on the inverter, battery, and panels still apply and transfer to you. However, the workmanship warranty from the installer (usually 1–5 years) becomes void if the installer has ceased trading. You'll still have manufacturer coverage for equipment faults, which is the most important part. If a failure is due to poor workmanship (rare after the first few years), you'd need to hire a qualified electrician to investigate and repair at your own cost.
If the inverter has failed due to a manufacturing defect (not user damage or misuse), the manufacturer is responsible under their product warranty. Most inverter warranties are 5–12 years, so a 3-year-old failure should be covered. Contact the manufacturer with your serial number and proof of ownership to claim. They may offer a replacement or repair at no cost. If the failure is due to installation or workmanship issues, and the installer is still trading, they may be responsible. If the installer has gone bust, you'll likely need to hire an independent electrician to investigate and repair at your own cost.
Some manufacturers offer extended warranty plans that you can purchase even after initial ownership transfer. For example, GivEnergy, Growatt, Solis, and others offer plans that extend from 10 to 12 years, or 5 to 10 years, for a fee of £200–£795. However, you typically cannot extend after the initial warranty period has expired. Contact your equipment's manufacturer to ask about extended warranty options. They'll require proof that the system is in good working condition.
Most manufacturers require the equipment serial number, proof of installation (MCS certificate or invoice with installation date), and proof of your new ownership (property purchase receipt, council tax bill, mortgage statement, or utility bill in your name). Some manufacturers accept just the serial number and proof of ownership. Requirements vary by brand. Contact your specific manufacturer to ask what they need. Keep the serial numbers and installation date from your MCS certificate handy—this is usually sufficient.
Unsure whether your inherited system is still under warranty?
A solar health check identifies your equipment, confirms warranty coverage, checks registration status, and tells you exactly what you're entitled to claim — before you spend anything on repairs.