Warranty - 5 Year Solar Warranty

Workmanship Warranty – 5 Years

Open Waters Design and Manufacturing, doing business as Open Waters Solar, warrants that its solar panels are free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. Each panel is individually tested to meet our stringent quality standards. If a defect in workmanship is discovered, the Buyer must follow the warranty claims process outlined below to return the panel for inspection. Upon confirmation of the defect, Open Waters Solar reserves the sole right to determine whether to repair, replace, or provide additional panel(s) to address the issue.

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Performance Guarantee – 5 Years

Open Waters Solar guarantees that, for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase, each solar panel will maintain at least eighty percent (80%) of its rated power output under Standard Test Conditions (STC).


Standard Test Conditions (STC)

  • Irradiance: 1,000 W/m²
  • Cell temperature: 25°C
  • Air mass: 1.5

If any panel's power output falls below 80% under STC within this timeframe, Open Waters Solar will, at its discretion:

  1. Replace the underperforming panel(s) with new panel(s) of comparable capacity from the current product line, or
  2. Provide additional solar panel(s) to make up for the lost power output.


Special Considerations for Performance Issues

If the panel maintains above 80% efficiency but the Buyer is dissatisfied with performance, Open Waters Solar will conduct a minor investigation into factors such as:

  • Proper setup
  • Equipment compatibility
  • Wiring integrity
  • Shading or environmental factors

If the investigation indicates room for improvement or unresolved inefficiencies, Open Waters Solar may, at its discretion, provide additional solar panel(s) to make up for the lost efficiency and ensure customer satisfaction.


Exclusions

This warranty does not cover damage arising from the following:

  • Acts of God: Including, but not limited to, hurricanes, floods, lightning, and other natural disasters.
  • Improper Installation: Panels must be installed by a certified professional following all installation guidelines. This includes ensuring panels are mounted on reinforced structures and are not installed below the waterline or in areas unsuitable for photovoltaic systems.
  • Misuse or Neglect: This includes, but is not limited to, physical impacts such as those caused by collisions, improper mounting locations (e.g., on the bow of a vessel where collisions with docks or other vessels are likely), and failure to maintain the panels as outlined in the care and maintenance guide.
  • Unauthorized Modifications: Any alterations to the panel's structure or functionality void this warranty.


Warranty Claims Process

  1. Contact Us: Email info@warranty.openwaterssolar.com with the subject line "Warranty Claim" and include:
    • Proof of purchase (e.g., receipt or invoice)
    • A description of the issue
    • Supporting evidence (e.g., photographs or test results)
  2. Return the Panel: Upon request, ship the panel to Open Waters Solar at the address provided. The Buyer is responsible for shipping costs. Reimbursement for shipping may be considered if the panel is confirmed defective.
  3. Resolution: Open Waters Solar will inspect the panel within 30 days of receipt and determine whether repair, replacement, or provision of additional panel(s) is appropriate. If replacement is required, a comparable model will be provided from our current product line.


Care and Maintenance Requirements

Failure to follow the care and maintenance instructions provided with your solar panels may void this warranty. Key requirements include:

  • Regular cleaning of the panel surface to prevent debris buildup
  • Ensuring panels are not exposed to excessive environmental stress or physical impacts
  • Proper storage and handling during installation and transport

The complete care and maintenance guide is available at www.openwaterssolar.com/care.


Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

  • Open Waters Solar shall not be liable for incidental, indirect, or consequential damages, including but not limited to lost profits, arising from the use or inability to use the product.
  • Remedies under this warranty are limited to repair, replacement, or provision of additional panel(s) as explicitly stated.


Arbitration Clause

Any disputes arising under this warranty shall be resolved exclusively through arbitration in Prince George, British Columbia, in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and applicable federal Canadian laws. By purchasing this product, the Buyer agrees to waive the right to a trial by jury. Each party shall bear its own arbitration costs unless otherwise ordered.


Governing Law

This warranty agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. Any claims or disputes shall be resolved in accordance with these laws.


Acceptance of Terms

By purchasing a product from Open Waters Solar, the Buyer acknowledges and accepts this warranty agreement, including all exclusions and limitations. The Buyer further agrees that this warranty supersedes any prior representations, whether oral or written, not explicitly included in this document. Acceptance is confirmed at the point of purchase, where the Buyer must agree to the terms as a condition of sale.