If you’ve made the switch to clean, renewable energy, chances are you’ve already worked with a solar energy company to design and install your system. It’s a smart investment—but when something goes wrong, especially within the warranty period, it can be frustrating to find out that you’re still on the hook for certain costs.
Why Do I Have to Pay to Get My Solar Fixed If It's Still Under Warranty?
The Big Question
One of the most common questions we hear from solar customers is:
“Why am I being charged for a repair when my system is still under warranty?”
It’s a fair question—and the answer comes down to understanding what the warranty actually covers, and what it doesn’t. This is something every homeowner should know, especially when working with a solar energy contractor for ongoing solar maintenance or solar repair services.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Service Labor
When you invest in solar, your system typically comes with a manufacturer's warranty. This covers the hardware itself—like your panels and inverters—but not the labor required to diagnose, remove, replace, or reinstall any faulty components.
For example:
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A microinverter might be worth around $200+
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A string inverter could cost up to $5,000+
If either one fails, the manufacturer will usually ship out a replacement part at no cost—but it doesn’t mean they’re covering the costs for a solar energy contractor to come out, troubleshoot, pull permits (if needed), swap the equipment, and re-test your system.
That’s where service fees come in.
The Real Cost of Sending a Technician
Even though your part might be free under warranty, the solar energy company servicing your system still has real-world expenses to handle:
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Labor (paying certified technicians to do the work safely and professionally)
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Insurance (protecting your home, our workers, and our business)
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Vehicles (fuel, maintenance, and insurance for trucks and service vans)
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Tools and materials
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Company overhead (office staff, licensing, software, communication tools, etc.)
In other words, when you’re charged for a warranty-related solar repair, you’re not paying for the part—you’re paying for the professional solar maintenance and everything required to make it happen reliably and safely.
What We Recommend
At CRTFD Home Services, we believe in transparency and education. That’s why we offer affordable, flat-rate monitoring plans that catch problems early and give you the confidence of having a trusted solar energy company on call when something goes wrong.
If you’re unsure what your warranty covers—or you’ve been left hanging by your original solar energy contractor—we can help. Reach out and we’ll walk you through your options for ongoing solar maintenance and repair services.