No, SolarCircle does not use micro-inverters, but only SMA string inverters. The reason is that micro-inverters are additional components that can make a solar power system more prone to faults. Additionally, they are exposed to harsher external conditions, such as high temperatures directly under the panels. If they fail, they are harder to reach and replace.

String inverters, on the other hand, are a reliable and efficient option. We use inverters from SMA. SMA is the global leader in high-quality inverters known for their reliability and quality.

There are several warranties for the different components of a solar energy system. Below, we discuss each of them in detail.

Installation warranty

The installation warranty means that SolarCircle will repair defects in the system free of charge within a period of 2 years. The installation warranty covers the installation from the meter cabinet to the solar panels. The communication of the inverter with the internet is excluded from the installation warranty due to its dependence on third parties such as the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Defects caused by natural disasters or damage by third parties are also excluded from the installation warranty. The installation warranty becomes void if any modifications are made to the system by another party after installation.

Product and Performance warranty

Each component of a solar energy system has its own product warranty, which is often longer than the installation warranty. The product warranty is generally covered by the product’s manufacturer.

Solar Panel warranty

Solar panels usually come with both a product warranty and a separate performance warranty. The product warranty means that the product will be replaced or repaired within the warranty period if a defect is detected.

Solar Panel Performance warranty

The performance warranty means that a panel’s output will not degrade faster than expected. All panels degrade over their lifespan, usually by about 0.6% per year. The performance warranty states that you are entitled to compensation if the panel degrades faster than anticipated.

This is a tricky warranty to claim: how do you prove that a panel has degraded faster than planned? Often, specialised equipment is needed to determine this.

Furthermore, the manufacturer may find that a decline in performance is due to a defect. This would then fall under the product warranty rather than the performance warranty. This makes a big difference: suppose your solar panels have a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. After 12 years, a panel starts to lose power. After extensive research, it turns out that the power decline is due to a broken cell. What will you be compensated for? Nothing, because the product warranty has already expired.

Below you will find an overview of the warranties on the solar panels installed by SolarCircle. For the exact terms and conditions, you can click through to the terms from SunPower.

Brand:
Sunpower

Performance warranty:
25 years

Product warranty:
25 years

What is covered?:

Repair or replacement of the panel with a compatible type.
Shipping installation of the defective and the replacement or repaired panel.

Click here for the conditions

Below you will see an overview of the warranties on the inverters installed by SolarCircle.

Brand:
SMA

Product warranty:
10 years

What is covered?:

Repair or replacement of the inverter with the same or a compatible type.
Shipping and installation of the replacement device and collection of the defective device.

Click here for the conditions

Although we at SolarCircle have never had to use the warranty for the mounting materials, you will find the terms and conditions for our house brands Schletter, SunBeam, and Esdec in the overview below.

Brand:
Schletter

Product warranty:
10 years

What will you be reimbursed for?:
Replacement or repair of the defective part.

Click here for the conditions

Brand:
SunBeam

Product warranty:
10 years

What is covered?:

Replacement, repair, or crediting an amount (not exceeding the purchase price).

Click here for the conditions

Yes. You will purchase significantly less electricity from your supplier, thereby lowering your energy bill. However, you will still maintain your connection to the electricity grid and a contract with an energy supplier for the additional electricity you need. This means you will also keep the fixed costs on your energy bill. You will pay the grid operator’s network costs and the energy supplier’s standing charge.

Solar panels always generate electricity when there is sufficient daylight. If you consume electricity at that moment, it comes directly from the solar panels. There are also times when you use less electricity or none at all. The solar power generated is then fed back into the electricity grid. This returned electricity can be offset against the electricity you purchase from your energy supplier. This is called the Virtual Battery.

1. The energy generated by the solar panels is used to meet the energy needs of the home.
2. If at any point surpluses are produced, they are fed back into the electricity grid
3. The energy supplied to the grid is compensated in euros and stored in the virtual battery. The price at which the surpluses are settled is the price agreed upon when signing the contract with the energy company, and it can be a fixed price or a market price.
4. The money collected in the virtual battery is used to provide a discount on your next energy bill, which can be as low as €0.