AllGuard Enhanced Limited Warranty
This confidential AllGuard Enhanced Limited Warranty (this “AllGuard Warranty”) of Panasonic Life Solutions Company of America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America (“Panasonic USA”), is available for Authorized AllGuard Installers only under the terms and conditions set forth herein. Please see Section 12 below for the definitions of certain terms used throughout this AllGuard Warranty.
This AllGuard Warranty provides certain limited warranties for the following components:
I. The Panasonic Module.
II. The Micro Inverter.
III. The Monitoring System.
IV. The Racking System (optional – see Section 2-3 and 2-4 below).
NOTICE: Please note that this AllGuard Warranty is effective for a PV System ONLY if the PV System has been installed by an Authorized AllGuard Installer and registered within sixty (60) days after installation through the Panasonic USA registration website located at www.panasonicusahitwarranty.com. Each Authorized AllGuard Installer will provide Panasonic’s form of registration certificate to the Owner on successful registration of a PV System.
1. The Authorized AllGuard Installer Program
Panasonic USA operates a program through which it designates, at its discretion, certain companies to receive benefits as Panasonic USA-authorized installers if such companies comply with certain conditions (each an “Authorized Installer”). Authorized Installers may be located at: www.hitsolarinstallerlocator.com. Panasonic USA may select certain Authorized Installers (each a “Authorized AllGuard Installer”), as Panasonic USA may determine in its sole and absolute discretion (and on written notice from an authorized representative of Panasonic USA granting Authorized AllGuard Installer status), as eligible to participate in this AllGuard Warranty. “Authorized AllGuard Installer” is just one type of Authorized Installer and this AllGuard Warranty is not available for all Authorized Installers.
2. What Is Covered?
2-1. Panasonic Module.
A. Limited Warranty Covering Panasonic Module Product Workmanship and Labor.
25-Year Workmanship Warranty. Panasonic USA warrants that each Panasonic Module will be free from defects in materials and product workmanship under normal application, installation, use, and service conditions for a period ending twenty-five (25) years from the Warranty Start Date.
25-Year Labor Warranty. Panasonic USA will cover necessary and reasonable shipment and labor costs at Approved Rates associated with the installation, removal or reinstallation as a result of in-warranty claims for a period ending twenty-five (25) years from the Warranty Start Date ONLY for Products installed by an Authorized AllGuard Installer.
B. Panasonic Module Power Output Limited Warranty.
Power Output Coverage.
(1) VBHNxxx Model
Panasonic USA warrants the power output of the Panasonic Module coupled with a non-defective Micro Inverter will be no less than 97% of the designated DC Maximum Power (Pmax) stated in the product data sheet for the first year from the original Owner’s date of purchase of the Panasonic Module and the power output degradation will be no more than 0.26% per year for the following 24 years, so that, at the end of the 25th year, the power output will be at least 90.76% of Pmax. The power output values under this Power Output Limited Warranty shall be those measured under Panasonic USA’s Standard Test Conditions (STC) as follows: (a) Irradiance 1000 W/m2, (b) Cell Temperature of 25ºC, and (c) Air Mass of 1.5g.
(2) EVPVxxx, EVPVxxxK, EVPVxxxH Model
Panasonic USA warrants the power output of the Panasonic Module coupled with a non-defective Micro Inverter will be no less than 98% of the designated DC Maximum Power (Pmax) stated in the product data sheet for the first year from the original Owner’s date of purchase of the Panasonic Module and the power output degradation will be no more than 0.25% per year for the following 24 years, so that, at the end of the 25th year, the power output will be at least 92% of Pmax. The power output values under this Power Output Limited Warranty shall be those measured under Panasonic USA’s Standard Test Conditions (STC) as follows: (a) Irradiance 1000 W/m2, (b) Cell Temperature of 25ºC, and (c) Air Mass of 1.5g.
(3) EVPVxxxPK Model
Panasonic USA warrants the power output of the Panasonic Module coupled with a non-defective Micro Inverter will be no less than 98% of the designated DC Maximum Power (Pmax) stated in the product data sheet for the first year from the original Owner’s date of purchase of the Panasonic Module and the power output degradation will be no more than 0.5% per year for the following 24 years, so that, at the end of the 25th year, the power output will be at least 86% of Pmax. The power output values under this Power Output Limited Warranty shall be those measured under Panasonic USA’s Standard Test Conditions (STC) as follows: (a) Irradiance 1000 W/m2, (b) Cell Temperature of 25ºC, and (c) Air Mass of 1.5g.
Testing. If the original Owner or subsequent title holder of the Panasonic Module submits a timely and eligible claim under this Power Output Limited Warranty, Panasonic USA or its designated representative may conduct measurements, including under STC to determine the actual power output of the Panasonic Module. Should Panasonic USA decide to conduct measurements, Panasonic USA’s measurement shall be the sole determination for purposes of warranty settlement. If Panasonic USA measures power output levels under the warranted output levels set out above, taking into account a ±3% measurement tolerance range, and such power loss is the result of a product defect, as determined by Panasonic USA in its sole and absolute discretion, Panasonic USA will provide one of the remedies set forth below.
C. Panasonic Module Limited Warranty Remedies
Remedies. If the Owner submits a timely and eligible claim under the Module Product Workmanship Limited Warranty or the Power Output Limited Warranty set forth above, Panasonic USA will provide either: (1) an additional new or refurbished Panasonic Module, (2) repair and replace the Panasonic Module, or (3) a provide a refund to Owner in limited circumstances only in accordance with “Refund Terms” below. Panasonic USA will not accept the return of any Panasonic Module unless accompanied by a valid return material authorization and prior written authorization issued by Panasonic USA.
Refund Terms. If repair or replacement of the Panasonic Module is not possible, Panasonic USA will refund the cost of purchasing the Panasonic Module to the Owner, except that any refund will be pro-rated by the number of months from the date of original purchase by the original Owner and/or may be calculated based on the difference between actual power output (Panasonic Module measured under STC) and minimal guaranteed output.
D. Limited Warranty Covering Micro Inverter Product Workmanship and Labor.
Enphase 25-Year Limited Warranty. Enphase will be solely responsible for providing the twenty-five (25) year limited warranty applicable to the Micro Inverter in accordance with terms and conditions set forth in the Enphase Warranty available at https://enphase.com/installers/resources/warranty (or any successor URL or web address hosting the Enphase Warranty, as Enphase may determine from time to time). Panasonic USA is not responsible and shall not be held liable for claims under the Enphase Warranty.
Panasonic 25-Year Labor Warranty: In addition to the Enphase Warranty remedies, if an Authorized AllGuard Installer installed the PV System at the original installation location, Panasonic USA will cover necessary and reasonable shipment and labor costs, in accordance with the then-current Approved Rates, associated with the installation, removal or reinstallation associated with any eligible claim under the Enphase Warranty for any such Micro Inverter that qualifies as a “Covered Product” (as defined in the Enphase Warranty).
2-2. Monitoring System Limited Warranties.
Panasonic 5-Year Labor Warranty. For each installation of a PV System, Panasonic will pay for Authorized Installer necessary and reasonable labor costs associated with servicing valid claims under any Monitoring System warranty but only to the extent of (1) removing any defective Monitoring System hardware, (2) re-installation of repaired or replacement Monitoring System hardware, or (3) the removal, installation or troubleshooting of Monitoring System hardware electrical systems. Such payment from Panasonic to an Authorized AllGuard Installer shall be in accordance with the then-current Approved Rates.
For each Monitoring System covered under this labor warranty, the duration of this labor warranty is 5 years commencing on the Warranty Start Date.
Enphase Product Warranty. Enphase may offer a warranty covering the Monitoring System, including a warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship, that is separate from and in addition to the Panasonic 5-Year Labor Warranty described in this section. Please contact Enphase for any claims under any such Enphase warranty in accordance with the terms set forth therein. Panasonic does not guarantee and hereby disclaims all liability relating to any such Enphase warranty.
2-3. [Optional] Unirac Racking Limited Labor Warranty.
Please note that this Unirac Racking Limited Labor Warranty is optional, meaning if an Authorized Installer uses solar module mounting hardware from any manufacturer other than Unirac, this labor warranty does not apply but the remainder of this AllGuard Warranty remains in full force and effect for installations of a Panasonic Module, a Micro Inverter, and a Monitoring System as part of a PV System installation.
Panasonic 25-Year Labor Warranty. For each installation of Unirac Racking as part of a PV System installation, Panasonic USA will pay an Authorized AllGuard Installer necessary and reasonable labor costs associated with (1) the removal of any defective Unirac Racking covered under an applicable Unirac warranty, and (2) re-installation of a repaired or replacement Unirac Racking for valid claims under any such Unirac warranty. Such payment from Panasonic USA to an Authorized AllGuard Installer shall be in accordance with the then-current Approved Rates.
For any Unirac Racking covered under this labor warranty, the duration of this labor warranty is 25 years commencing on the applicable Warranty Start Date.
Unirac Product Warranty. Unirac may offer a product warranty covering the Unirac Racking, such as a warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship, that is separate from and in addition to the Panasonic 25-Year Labor Warranty described in this section. Please contact Unirac for any claims under any such Unirac warranty in accordance with the terms set forth therein. Panasonic USA does not guarantee and hereby disclaims all liability relating to any such Unirac warranty.
2-4. [Optional] Ironridge Racking Limited Labor Warranty.
Please note that this Ironridge Racking Limited Labor Warranty is optional, meaning if an Authorized Installer uses solar module mounting hardware from any manufacturer other than Ironridge, this labor warranty does not apply but the remainder of this AllGuard Warranty remains in full force and effect for installations of a Panasonic Module, a Micro Inverter, and a Monitoring System as part of a PV System installation.
Panasonic 25-Year Labor Warranty. For each installation of Ironridge Racking as part of a PV System installation, Panasonic USA will pay an Authorized AllGuard Installer necessary and reasonable labor costs associated with (1) the removal of any defective Ironridge Racking covered under an applicable Ironridge warranty, and (2) re-installation of a repaired or replacement Ironridge Racking for valid claims under any such Ironridge warranty. Such payment from Panasonic USA to an Authorized AllGuard Installer shall be in accordance with the then-current Approved Rates.
For any Ironridge Racking covered under this labor warranty, the duration of this labor warranty is 25 years commencing on the applicable Warranty Start Date.
Ironridge Product Warranty. Ironridge may offer a product warranty covering the Ironridge Racking, such as a warranty against any defects in materials and workmanship, that is separate from and in addition to the Panasonic 25-Year Labor Warranty described in this section. Please contact Ironridge for any claims under any such Ironridge warranty in accordance with the terms set forth therein. Panasonic USA does not guarantee and hereby disclaims all liability relating to any such Ironridge warranty.
3. Limited Remedy Conditions.
When Panasonic USA provides any of the remedies set forth above, the following conditions apply:
a. Authorized AllGuard Installers shall be the primary point of contact with the Owner.
b. This AllGuard Warranty is effective for ONLY if the PV System has been installed by an Authorized AllGuard Installer and registered within sixty (60) days after installation through the Panasonic USA registration website: https://na.panasonic.com/us/form/product-registration-solar-form.
c. This AllGuard Warranty is effective ONLY where the Authorized AllGuard Installer initially installs the Panasonic Module, Micro Inverter, Monitoring System, and Racking System (if applicable) together at the same time.
d. The warranty remedy will extend only to claims received before the end of the applicable warranty period.
e. The original warranty period remains in effect and will not be extended, nor will a new warranty period begin, upon repair, replacement, addition, or prorated refund of the applicable defective product.
f. The purchase date of original Panasonic Module shall determine the start of the warranty period if regardless of any repair, replacement, addition, or refund.
g. If a limited warranty set forth above includes remedy options, those remedy options may not be combined.
h. Each warranty remedy set forth above applies to the specified PV System product for such remedy only and does not apply to any other PV System components.
i. When the Panasonic Module is the subject of third-party financing, any applicable refund will be paid to the title holder of the Panasonic Module.
j. A Panasonic Module that is removed by Panasonic USA shall become the property of Panasonic USA. Panasonic USA reserves the right, at its sole option, to deliver another type of new or refurbished product that may differ in size, color, shape, model number, and/or power level.
4. Exclusions
The warranties and remedies above are void and do not apply under the following circumstances:
a. Products sold and/or installed outside the United States, except that any PV Systems sold and/or installed in any of the U.S.A. territories located in the Pacific Ocean (including American Samoa, Saipan, Guam), or in all island nations and territories located in the Caribbean Sea, except Cuba, are covered by the warranties above.
b. Expiration of warranty, no registration, no evidence of purchase, or no proof of installation by a qualified licensed solar or electrical contractor. Altered, removed, or illegible Panasonic Module serial number(s).
c. Any Panasonic Module repaired by anyone other than Panasonic USA.
d. Cosmetic variations, stains or scratches that do not affect power output.
e. Marine, recreation vehicle, or mobile installations of any kind. Multi-axis tracking systems are not considered mobile installations.
f. Improper applications, such as, but not limited to, use with mirrors, concentrated sunlight, and contact with solar thermal systems.
g. Damage due to lack of compliance with the General Installation Manual, national or local codes, such as the National Electric Code, or any Authority Having Jurisdiction.
h. Damage or corrosion resulting from environmental pollution such as soot, chemical vapors, acid rain, direct contact with saltwater such as ocean spray, immersion in water, whether caused by flooding or otherwise, and any type of mold.
i. Damage from sound, vibration, rust, scratches, or discoloration that is the result of normal wear and tear, aging or continuous use.
j. Damage caused by inadequate or improper usage, alteration, installation, wiring, handling, removal, maintenance, storage, packaging, transportation.
k. Claims made more than one year from the date the alleged power output degradation, or product workmanship defect, reasonably should have been discovered.
l. Damage caused by abuse, neglect, vandalism, accident, animals or insects, or external stress, such as, but not limited to, stepping on Panasonic Module, impacts from falling objects such as tools, golf balls, rocks, hailstones, or other debris.
m. Damage from non-compatibility with, or defects in, system-related parts and components.
n. Damage from extreme natural conditions such as earthquakes, typhoons, tornados, volcanic activity, tsunami, lightning, heavy snow or ice, fire, or other unforeseen circumstances.
o. Damage to the backsheet such as, but not limited to, cuts, scrapes, scratches, punctures, penetrations, or wear and tear, from objects such as, screws, bolts, nails, tools, system or structural components, sharp edges, constant rubbing, tree branches, etc.
p. Damage from terrorist acts, riots, war, power surges, power failures, or other man-made disasters.
q. This Extended Warranty shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee covering, and Panasonic USA expressly disclaims any responsibility for, any Authorized AllGuard Installer services. If any Owner has a claim relating to Authorized AllGuard Installer services, whether arising out of breach of contract, tort, or otherwise, the Authorized AllGuard Installer shall bear sole and absolute responsibility to the Owner for any such claims.
5. Right to Discontinue.
Panasonic USA may terminate and discontinue this AllGuard Warranty, in whole or in part, at any time in its sole and absolute discretion.
6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL CONSTITUTE THE ONLY PANASONIC USA WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THE PV SYSTEM. TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, PANASONIC USA HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, USE,ORAPPLICATION,ANDALLOTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON PANASONIC USA’S PART, UNLESS SUCH OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ARE EXPRESSLY AGREED IN WRITING BY PANASONIC USA. TO THE EXTENT THAT LAW PROHIBITS A DISCLAIMER OF ANY SUCH WARRANTIES, PANASONICUSAHEREBY LIMITS THE DURATION AND REMEDIES OF SUCH WARRANTIES TO THE DURATION OF THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY. PANASONIC USA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE IN ANY WAY FOR DAMAGE OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, OR FOR OTHER LOSS OR INJURY RESULTING FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PV SYSTEM, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY DEFECTS IN THE PV SYSTEM, OR FROM USE OR INSTALLATION. IN NO EVENT SHALL PANASONIC USA BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF PRODUCTION, OR LOSS OF REVENUES FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, PV SYSTEM FAILURE, IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER GOODS, INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PV SYSTEM. PANASONIC USA’S TOTAL LIABILITY, IF ANY, IN DAMAGES OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE INVOICE VALUE PAID BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER FOR THE PV SYSTEM WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF CLAIM OR DISPUTE.
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY IN SOME STATES THAT DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF DAMAGES.
7. Obtaining Warranty Performance.
Enphase is Panasonic USA’s representative for performance of duties under this warranty. Owners who believe they have a justified claim covered by this AllGuard Warranty must first immediately notify the authorized Enphase representative and follow the warranty procedures described in the section entitled “How To Obtain Warranty Service” in the Enphase Limited Warranty attached hereto. You may also contact Enphase as follows:
Enphase Energy, Inc. 1420 N. McDowell Blvd Petaluma, CA 94954 Phone: (877) 797-4743 https://enphase.com/warranty/us
8. Severability.
If a part, provision or clause of this AllGuard Warranty, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, void or unenforceable, such holding shall not affect this AllGuard Warranty and all other parts, provisions, clauses or applications shall remain, and, to this end, such other parts, provisions, clauses or applications of this AllGuard Warranty shall be treated as severable.
9. Disputes.
The Owner may bring no action, regardless of form, arising out of or in any way connected with this AllGuard Warranty, more than one (1) year after the earlier of (a) the date the Owner is aware, or, with reasonable diligence, should have been aware, of a defect of power loss in excess of the warranty minimum output and (b) the date of the first claim by the Owner under this AllGuard Warranty.
The parties shall resolve any dispute or claim relating in any way to Panasonic Module or Micro Inverter coverage under this AllGuard Warranty by following the step-by-step procedures described under Section 13 (Arbitration) in the attached Enphase AllGuard Warranty with the understanding that “Covered Product” (as that term is used therein) includes the Panasonic Modules. The alternative dispute resolution mechanism described in the Enphase AllGuard Warranty includes participation in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) with Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS) for a neutral third-party arbitrator.
10. Force Majeure.
Panasonic USA shall not be held responsible or liable to the Owner or any third-party arising out of any non-performance or delay in performance of any terms and conditions of sale, including this AllGuard Warranty, due to acts of God, epidemic, pandemic, quarantine, war, civil commotion, terrorist acts, riots, strikes, unavailability of suitable and sufficient labor, material, die, or capacity or technical or yield failures and any unforeseen event beyond its control, including, without limitations, any technological or physical event or conditions which is not reasonably known or understood at the time of the sale of the Panasonic Module or the claim.
11. Transferability of Warranty.
This warranty is transferable to any subsequent new Owner, so long as the PV System remains installed at the original installation location, and upon satisfactory proof of succession or assignment.
12. Definitions.
“Approved Rates” means Panasonic USA’s pre-approved rates published to Authorized AllGuard Installers from time to time for payment of installation or removal services relating to components of the PV System covered under this AllGuard Warranty.
“Authorized AllGuard Installer” has the meaning provided in Section 1 above.
“Enphase” means Enphase Energy, Inc., Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Fremont, California.
“Enphase Warranty” means the twenty-five (25) year limited warranty applicable to the Micro Inverter in accordance with terms and conditions set forth in the “Enphase Limited Warranty – United States, United States Territories, and Canada” referenced in section 2-1(D) above.
“Ironridge” means Ironridge, Inc., a California corporation with its principal place of business in Hayward, California.
“Ironridge Racking” means Ironridge-manufactured and sold Racking.
“Micro Inverter” means a DC to AC micro-inverter manufactured by Enphase under model number IQ7-series, IQ-8 series and sold by Panasonic USA either as part of an AC Panasonic Module or separately for installation into a DC Panasonic solar Module.
“Monitoring System” means the integrated Enphase Enlighten™ software platform, mobile application, and hardware created, manufactured, and sold by Enphase under model number IQ Combiner-series that connects to and communicates with Panasonic Modules.
“Owner” means the individual or entity that owns the title to the installation site where an Authorized AllGuard Installer installed the PV System and for so long as the PV System remains installed and in operation at such site.
“Panasonic Module” means: (1) an AC photovoltaic panel manufactured by Panasonic USA (or any of its contract manufacturers or its affiliated companies, divisions, or units), a Micro Inverter that Panasonic USA (or its contractor) installs into such panel, and that Panasonic USA (or any of its affiliated companies, divisions, or units) sells under the VBHN330SA17E and VBHN330KA03E model number; or (2) a DC photovoltaic panel manufactured by Panasonic USA (or any of its affiliated companies, divisions, or units), that Panasonic USA (or any of its affiliated companies, divisions or units) sells under the VBHNxxxSA17, VBHNxxxKA03, EVPVxxx, EVPVxxxK, EVPVxxxH, and EVPVxxxPK model number series and that an Authorized Installer uses for separate assembly with a Micro Inverter and installation into a PV System (xxx = rated power).
“PV System” means the Panasonic Module, Micro Inverter, Monitoring System, and Racking (whether Unirac Racking, Ironridge Racking, or other Racking) as installed simultaneously together by an Authorized AllGuard Installer.
“Racking” means mounting hardware that affixes solar modules to a roof.
“Unirac” means Unirac, Inc., a New Mexico corporation with its principal place of business in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
“Unirac Racking” means Unirac-manufactured and sold Racking.
“Warranty Start Date” is the earlier of (i) the date of PV System interconnection to the grid, or (ii) six (6) months following the date of Panasonic Module delivery to the original Owner. If the delivery date cannot be verified, the manufacturing date will be used in its place.