Consumer Protections for Clean Technologies FAQs

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Are you ready to leap into home energy upgrades, but looking for some sort of safety net? Read on to learn how to investigate product performance, contractor qualifications, and your recourse if a bad thing should happen.

What can I expect about the safety and operation of any system I buy?

First of all, home energy technology products—solar arrays, heat pumps, and electric vehicles—fall under consumer product safety laws, meaning that they must meet certain safety and quality standards before being sold to the public. They are rigorously tested before they are allowed on the market to ensure they meet industry safety and performance standards. Regulatory bodies, including the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Electrical Code (NEC), set minimum safety standards for these products.

Industry Standards: Organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) establish performance and safety standards, which manufacturers must comply with.

Also basic are certifications from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) for safety and Energy Star ratings for energy efficiency.

Operation Expectations: Systems should operate within specified efficiency and performance parameters. For example, a properly installed heat pump should reduce heating and cooling costs significantly, and an EV should meet its advertised range and charging capabilities.

Maintenance: Understanding the basic maintenance requirements can help prolong the life of the system. This could include regular cleaning of solar panels or annual servicing of heat pumps.

Consumer Responsibility: It’s crucial for consumers to understand their role in maintaining the safety of these systems by following manufacturer guidelines and scheduling routine inspections or services as recommended.

What can I expect in a warranty?

Rooftop Solar

Equipment Warranty: Typically covers defects in the solar panels and related components, lasting between 10 to 25 years.

Performance Guarantee: Ensures that the panels will produce a certain percentage of their rated power output (e.g., 90 percent for the first 10 years) and often extends up to 25 years.

Installer Warranty: Covers labor-related issues, usually for a shorter period (5 to10 years).

Home Battery Storage Systems

Cycle Life Warranty: Specifies the number of charge and discharge cycles the battery is warranted for.

Capacity Retention Warranty: Guarantees the battery will retain a certain capacity level (e.g., 70 percent) after a set period (usually 10 years).

EV and Battery

Powertrain Warranty: Covers the battery, electric motor, and other key components, typically ranging from 8 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles.

Battery Degradation Warranty: Guarantees that the battery will not degrade below a certain capacity level (e.g., 70 percent) over the warranty period.

Electric Appliances (e.g., lawn mower, snow blower)

Motor and Parts Warranty: Covers the electric motor and other components against defects for a certain period, often two to five years.

Battery Warranty: If battery-operated, check for a separate battery warranty specifying cycle life and capacity retention.

Induction Stove

Cooktop Warranty: Typically covers glass and electronics for defects, usually for one to five years.

Electronic Components: May have a separate warranty for internal electronics and controls.

Insulation

Material Warranty: Covers the insulation materials against defects, often for 10 to 25 years.

Installation Warranty: Some companies offer warranties that ensure the installation was performed correctly, reducing the risk of settling or sagging.

What should I consider when choosing a solar installer?

Get at least three estimates, and get bids from both national and local companies to compare different options. Take your time, don’t feel pressured to make a decision or sign a contract. Ask questions about customer service and warranties. Look at both the manufacturer’s warranty and the installer’s warranty. Read online reviews and check references for the company you’re considering.

If you aren’t sure if you want to own or lease your panels, get quotes for both and compare. If you choose to own your solar panels, you will be entitled to a federal income tax credit that you can’t claim if you lease. If you purchase the system, you will be responsible for maintaining the system after the workmanship warranty expires. Solar is a reliable technology at this point, but it’s important to select a reputable contractor who will install the system properly and provide good customer service.

I have heard of solar companies going out of business—does this make leasing solar panels on top of my house a risky choice?

Leasing solar panels is not particularly risky. If the company goes out of business, your service or contract may shift to a different provider. Even if the solar installer you used goes out of business, that will not void the manufacturer’s warranty. When considering a solar lease, look for a performance guarantee. The proposal should be clear how much energy is going to be produced. Any good lease should have a performance guarantee.

There are different risks to leasing and owning. If you own, you assume more of the risk for future repairs and maintenance (although you are generally well protected by warranties). If you lease, you pay a company for the electricity that is produced—if the system underperforms, you pay less. The solar company will be motivated to keep their technology working and producing well. One important consideration is that if you lease your solar panels, the lease will have to transfer or be paid out when you sell your home.

What can I do if I’m not getting appropriate customer service from my solar company?

If your company is not being responsive or not providing good service, you can threaten to call the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If this gets no response, you can actually file a complaint through the BBB. The Department of Public Service also has a consumer affairs hotline. Good news, though: if you have done the homework above, you probably won’t have to.

Alyssa Rivera is a Climate Justice Fellow with Sustainable Hudson Valley.

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