"Extending the warranty gives security"

In the SMA warranty concept brochure, SMA explains how solar power professionals can best incorporate the SMA warranty concept into their own service portfolios. But what advantages does it have for plant operators? Why should they decide to purchase an extended warranty? And what are the best arguments for solar power professionals to use? I interviewed Karsten Bachmann, our Product Manager Services, to find out.

Karsten, why should plant operators purchase an extended warranty for their inverter?

For plant operators, security is clearly the primary focus. The inverter is the heart of a PV plant. However, if it does actually develop a problem at some point, the system unfortunately goes down. If the inverter is still under warranty, plant operators immediately receive a replacement device free of charge so the system is up and running again as quickly as possible. This keeps potential disruptions brief and plant operators secure their yield over the long term. Though in the end, figures are not the main concern. With an extended warranty, plant operators also ensure that they can produce their own power over the long term, securing their independence from energy providers. This is certainly an important aspect considering the steady rise in energy costs.

Why don’t people just buy a new inverter after 10 years instead of investing in an extended warranty?

Purchasing a new inverter is certainly worth considering, but there is no guarantee that it will be compatible with the PV plant’s technology and design. This can quickly lead to additional unexpected costs. SMA guarantees that customers can receive a replacement device even 10 years later that is compatible with their system and contains the latest technology.

When people are investing in a PV plant, additional costs can often be prohibitive. Can plant operators purchase an extended warranty later on?

Of course. SMA manufacturer’s warranty is valid for five years. During this time, our customers are always on the safe side: If they have a service issue, they receive a replacement device immediately and can rely on the support of our SMA service technicians. An extended warranty can be purchased anytime during the manufacturer’s warranty period. There are often even tax advantages to reinvesting in the system. Additionally, 10, 15, 20 or 25 year extensions are available upon request. If interested, plant operators should contact their installer directly.