What kind of warranty does AIKO offer?

AIKO Solar Panel Warranty Explained: Coverage, Length & Terms

Every quality module sold in Australia comes with two separate promises:

1. Product warranty – coverage for physical or manufacturing faults (think junction-box failures, delamination, or frame corrosion).
2. Performance warranty – an assurance that normal age-related degradation will stay within a defined limit, so power output remains high.

AIKO pairs a 25-year product warranty with a 30-year performance warranty on its flagship residential panels. That extended coverage rivals other premium manufacturers and far exceeds the 10 to 15-year product warranties still offered on some budget panels. Knowing both protections— and the difference between them—helps you judge true whole-of-life value.

Typical AIKO warranty terms for Australian homes

For the Neostar and other N-Type ABC ranges commonly stocked by CEC-accredited retailers, AIKO lists:

• 25-year product warranty

• 30-year linear performance warranty ensuring output of at least 88.85 per cent after year 30, with first-year degradation capped at ≤1 per cent and only ≤0.35 per cent each year thereafter.

Commercial-focused models (e.g., some Comet variants) may carry a shorter 15-year product term, so always confirm the exact certificate with your installer before purchase. AIKO’s Melbourne office provides local support, simplifying any future claim.

Why AIKO can stand behind a 30-year promise

Several design choices give AIKO confidence to offer one of the longest combined warranties in the country:

• N-Type cell technology resists light-induced degradation better than older P-Type silicon, slowing the long-term drop in efficiency.
• All Back Contact (ABC) layout hides busbars on the rear of the cell. More of the front face can absorb sunlight, and moving conductors away from the surface reduces microcracking risk, key to a low solar panel degradation rate.
• Extensive in-house manufacturing gives AIKO tight control over cell and module production, helping maintain consistent quality.
  
• Low temperature coefficient (typically around –0.26 % / °C) keeps performance high on hot Australian rooftops, easing thermal stress on solder joints and backing sheets.

Together, these features create durable modules that can realistically meet the ambitious power-retention guarantee.

AIKO versus other premium panels

On paper, AIKO’s 25- / 30-year offer lands it firmly in the top tier. SunPower, REC, and a few others match or slightly exceed those headline numbers, yet many reputable brands still stop at 15– 20 years on product. Where the real separation lies is the annual degradation allowance: AIKO’s ≤0.35 per cent cap means more electricity—and bigger bill savings—over three decades than a panel limited to 0.5 per cent or higher. In short, warranties are not just about years; the fine print on performance matters too.

Reading the fine print: Five things to double-check

1. Full warranty document – It spells out exclusions such as extreme weather damage or unauthorised repairs.
2. Installation standards – Claims normally require fitting by a CEC-accredited installer under AS/NZS 5033 and 5139 wiring rules.
3. Workmanship warranty – Separate from the panel warranty, your installer should provide at least five years’ cover on labour and balance-of-system components.
4. Australian Consumer Law – Regardless of any certificate, goods must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. These statutory protections override conflicting clauses.
5. Transferability – If you sell, an AIKO warranty can usually pass to the new owner, provided documentation is supplied and AIKO is notified—an attractive resale talking point.

Making a claim: A quick roadmap

1. Contact your installer or retailer first. They know your system layout and can test for simple faults like loose connectors.
2. Document everything. Photos, inverter error codes, and purchase invoices speed diagnosis.
3. Follow the prescribed process. Your installer may lodge the claim with AIKO; alternatively, AIKO’s Melbourne team can guide you. Claims usually involve an on-site inspection and may require shipping faulty modules for lab testing.
4. Stay within maintenance guidelines. Periodic cleaning and visual checks noted in the warranty booklet help demonstrate you’ve met your obligations.

A streamlined solar warranty claim process often hinges on good paperwork and working with reputable professionals from day one.

Beyond the certificate: Why installation quality still reigns

Even the strongest factory warranty cannot rescue a poorly installed array. Correct tilt, rail spacing, earthing, DC isolator placement, and cable management are essential for safety, output, and long-term reliability. A qualified electrician following Clean Energy Council guidelines will also optimise for local conditions—be that cyclone loading in North Queensland or bushfire exposure in Victoria—to minimise future warranty events.

Conclusion: Decades of confidence with AIKO solar panel warranties

For Australians hunting for reliable, eco-friendly rooftop solar, AIKO’s 25-year product and 30-year performance warranties provide strong reassurance. Backed by durable N-Type ABC engineering, strict manufacturing oversight, and local support, these guarantees translate into sustained energy savings and a lighter carbon footprint across the system’s life. Just remember: choose an accredited installer, keep your paperwork handy, and give your panels occasional care. With those boxes ticked, an AIKO system offers peace of mind, proven performance, and a valuable selling point should you ever move on.

Need tailored advice? Your Energy Answers can connect you—free of charge—to vetted, accredited installers who’ll assess your roof and recommend the right solution for your budget, location, and energy goals.