You’re looking at solar batteries and figuring out which one to buy. One brand says it has a 10-year warranty. Another talks about cycles and energy limits. Some say they’ll cover problems, but only under certain conditions.
It’s hard to know what’s real and what’s just marketing.
This matters because batteries are an investment. If yours stops working too soon, and the warranty doesn’t help, you could be left with a hefty bill and no backup power.
At PSC Energy, we’ve worked with all the major battery brands in Australia. We know how their warranties really work. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners understand what they’re signing up for before they buy. We also help them navigate warranty claims with our service department.
In this article, you’ll learn about the following:
- What Is a Solar Battery Warranty?
- Types of Solar Battery Warranties
- How Solar Battery Warranties Are Measured
- Why Throughput in a Solar Battery Warranty Is So Important
- What If the Solar Battery Brand Disappears?
- What Solar Battery Warranties Do Not Cover
- How to Compare Solar Battery Warranties
By the end of this article, you will learn how solar battery warranties work, what to look out for, and how to pick a battery that gives you the right kind of protection for your home.
What Is a Solar Battery Warranty?
A solar battery warranty is a promise from the battery company. It says the battery will work as expected for a certain amount of time. That could mean several years, several full charges and discharges, or the total amount of energy the battery gives you over time.
Most warranties end when you reach whichever limit comes first.
A good warranty can save you money. If the battery stops working early or does not hold enough charge, the company may fix it or give you a new one.
However, each warranty is different. Some cover more than others. Some are easier to use if something goes wrong. You need to know what the warranty covers before buying the battery.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the warranties for the products we install, you might want to check out the following article titled, A Complete Guide to Solar Warranties.
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Types of Solar Battery Warranties
There are five main types of warranties you may see with a solar battery. Each one means something different.
1. Product Warranty
This is the most common type. It promises that the battery has no factory problems when it is new. If the battery stops working because of a defect, the company may repair or replace it. Most product warranties last around 10 years. Some high-end batteries may give you a longer warranty, while low-end batteries offer a shorter one.
2. Cycle Warranty
A full battery cycle means one complete charge and discharge. This warranty gives a number that tells you how many complete cycles the battery can do before the warranty ends. For example, a battery with a 6,000-cycle warranty should give you 6,000 full charges and discharges. If you use the battery once a day, it would last about 16 years. But most warranties also have a time limit. If the time ends first, so does the warranty.
3. Throughput Warranty
Throughput is the total energy a battery sends out over its life. It is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh). For example, a 10kWh battery with a 30MWh throughput warranty can give you 30,000 kWh of energy in total. If you use 10kWh a day, you will reach the limit in 8.2 years. If you only use 5 kWh a day, it could last more than 16 years. This kind of warranty is important if you use a lot of energy.
4. End-of-Warranty Capacity Guarantee
Batteries lose some power over time. This type of warranty says how much of the battery’s original capacity will remain at the end of the warranty period. Many companies promise your battery will still have 70% of its original power after 10 years.
5. Installation or Workmanship Warranty
This warranty does not come from the battery company. It comes from the company that installs your battery. It covers mistakes made during the installation. For example, if the installer does not seal the battery box and water gets in, this warranty may cover the damage. In Australia, the Clean Energy Council recommends a 5-year minimum workmanship warranty.
At PSC Energy, we’re proud to say our workmanship warranty is 10 years.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about home warranty insurance, you might want to check out the following article titled, Home Warranty Insurance for Solar Installations in NSW.
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How Solar Battery Warranties Are Measured
Most solar battery warranties use three limits. The warranty ends when you reach the first one. These are:
- The number of years, like 10 years.
- The number of complete battery cycles, like 6,000 cycles.
- The total energy throughput, like 30MWh.
This means you may not get the full number of years if you use the battery a lot. If you charge and discharge it more than once a day, you could reach the cycle or energy limit faster.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about your energy needs, you might want to check out the following article titled, How Much Solar Do You Need?
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Why Throughput in a Solar Battery Warranty Is So Important
Throughput tells you how much total energy passes through your battery before the warranty ends. For many homes, this is the most important number.
Imagine your battery holds 10kWh and the warranty covers 30,000 kWh of energy. That is 3,000 complete cycles. If you use 10kWh per day, you will hit that limit in just over 8 years. Even if the warranty says “10 years,” you may only get 8 years of coverage. If you only use 5 kWh per day, you can get more than 16 years.
This number is essential if your house uses a lot of energy or if your battery is part of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP). In these cases, you may reach the limit faster.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about power and energy, you might want to check out the following article titled, Power vs. Energy: kW vs. kWh.
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What If the Solar Battery Brand Disappears?
If the battery company goes out of business, you may worry about your warranty. In Australia, your rights stay with the local company that sold or imported the battery. But if they also close, you may be unable to make a claim.
To lower this risk:
- Choose a brand with a local office in Australia.
- Use a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer.
- Ask who handles warranty claims: the installer or the manufacturer.
You can find this information at Solar Accreditation Australia or by asking PSC Energy directly.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about IQ Batteries, you might want to check out the following article titled, What is the Lifespan of the Enphase IQ Battery 5P?
Let’s go solar today. Click here.
What Solar Battery Warranties Do Not Cover
Most warranties do not cover everything. Here are some things that are usually not covered:
- Damage from storms, hail, or fire.
- Accidents, like flooding or impact.
- Small losses in battery power over time.
- Mistakes during installation.
- Using the battery the wrong way.
Because of this, many people also add battery coverage to their home insurance. Ask your insurance provider or your solar installer if this is possible.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about the Powerwall 3, you might want to check out the following article titled, Powerwall 3: Is It Worth It?
How to Compare Solar Battery Warranties
Here is a simple list of what to look for when comparing warranties:
- Years Covered: At least 10 years. Some high-end batteries offer up to 15 years.
- Throughput: Look for 30 MWh or more for a 10kWh battery.
- Cycle Life: Aim for 5,000 to 10,000 complete cycles.
- End-of-Warranty Capacity: Around 70% for 10 years or so.
- Local Support: Make sure the brand has a local office or certified Australian distributor.
- Installer Warranty: At least 5 years for workmanship.
PSC Energy can help explain all these terms and how they apply to the different brands we install.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about the cost of SigenStor, we recommend you check out the following article titled, How Much Does the Sigenergy SigenStor Cost?
Final Tips to Protect Your Investment
Before you buy a solar battery, ask your installer these questions:
- How many cycles or how much energy does this battery cover?
- What can make the warranty void?
- Who do I call if I have a problem?
At PSC Energy, we want your battery to work for many years. We only work with trusted brands. We also help you understand what you are getting so you can feel safe and confident with your purchase.
When you compare batteries, do not only look at the price or brand name. Look at the warranty details. A good battery with a strong warranty will save you more money in the long run.
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about the federal solar rebate, also known as the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, you might want to check out the following article titled, What the 2025 Federal Election and the Government Rebate Means for Solar Batteries in Australia.
FAQ: Solar Battery Warranties
What does a solar battery warranty cover in Australia?
A solar battery warranty covers the battery’s performance over time. It promises the battery will function properly for a set period or until you hit a usage limit. Most warranties include product defects, energy throughput (how much power the battery gives you), and the number of full charge-discharge cycles. Some also include how much storage capacity the battery retains at the end of the warranty period.
How many years should a good solar battery warranty last?
A good solar battery warranty should last at least 10 years. Some premium batteries offer warranties up to 15 years. However, the warranty may end earlier if you reach your cycle or throughput limit before the time runs out. Always check for time, cycle count, and throughput terms together.
What is a solar battery product warranty?
A product warranty covers factory defects or faults in the battery. If the battery fails due to a manufacturing issue, the company may repair or replace it. Most product warranties last around 10 years, but cheaper batteries may offer less coverage.
What is a solar battery cycle warranty?
A cycle warranty promises your battery can complete a certain number of full charges and discharges. One cycle means one full use of the battery’s energy. For example, a 6,000-cycle warranty means the battery can be charged and discharged 6,000 times before the warranty ends. This matters if you plan to use the battery every day.
What is a solar battery throughput warranty?
A throughput warranty is based on how much total energy your battery sends out over time. It is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or megawatt-hours (MWh). For example, a 10kWh battery with a 30MWh throughput warranty can give you 30,000kWh of energy before the warranty ends, even if the 10 years are not up.
What does an end-of-warranty capacity guarantee mean?
This type of warranty says how much of the battery’s original power it should still hold at the end of the warranty period. Most batteries are guaranteed to keep at least 70% of their capacity after 10 years. If the battery drops below that early, the warranty may let you make a claim.
Does the solar battery installer offer a separate warranty?
Yes. Your solar installer should provide a workmanship warranty. This covers problems caused by incorrect installation, like faulty wiring or poor sealing. In Australia, the Clean Energy Council recommends a 5-year minimum. At PSC Energy, our workmanship warranty lasts 10 years.
How are solar battery warranties measured?
Most solar battery warranties end when one of three things happens:
- You reach the warranty time limit (like 10 years),
- You hit the cycle count (such as 6,000 full charges),
- Or you exceed the throughput (like 30MWh of energy output).
The warranty ends when you reach whichever limit comes first.
Why is battery throughput an important part of the warranty?
Throughput tells you how much energy your battery can give before the warranty ends. For heavy-use homes or VPP (Virtual Power Plant) participants, throughput limits may be reached faster than the time or cycle limits. Always check if the throughput matches your daily usage.
What happens to my solar battery warranty if the brand goes out of business?
If the battery brand disappears, your rights may transfer to the local importer or supplier. In Australia, warranties follow consumer law, but if the company and the importer both vanish, you might not be able to make a claim. Choose a brand with a local office and ask your installer who manages warranty claims.
What does a solar battery warranty not cover?
Solar battery warranties usually do not cover:
- Storm, fire, or hail damage,
- Floods or physical impact,
- Gradual loss of power over time,
- Incorrect installation,
- Improper use or neglect.
How can I compare solar battery warranties?
Here’s what to look for when comparing solar battery warranties:
- Warranty length: Minimum 10 years
- Throughput: At least 30 MWh for a 10kWh battery
- Cycle life: 5,000 to 10,000 full cycles
- Capacity guarantee: Around 70% after 10 years
- Local support: A company with offices or certified importers in Australia
- Installer warranty: 5 years or more, ideally 10
A good warranty protects your investment and gives you peace of mind.
Can solar battery warranties be voided?
Yes. Warranties can be voided if:
- The battery is not installed by a certified installer,
- It’s used outside of manufacturer guidelines,
- You alter or damage it.
Always follow your installer’s advice and keep important documents.
Who should I contact if I need to make a battery warranty claim?
You should first contact the company that installed your battery. At PSC Energy, we handle warranty claims for the batteries we sell. If your installer is unavailable, contact the battery manufacturer or certified distributor listed on your warranty documents.
