SMA Extended Warranty Worth It?

[PenguinSolar]

So been researching SMA inverters and most likely purchasing a package that includes a SMA 4000TL inverter.

Wonder what people's thought on the extended warranty and worth the price? This would be on TOP of the standard 10yr warranty (which includes a $150 service credit which enphase warranty doesn't do as a comparison).

http://files.sma.de/dl/2580/B-GV-ZE-US_en-20.pdf

They have two levels, regular and plus. Plus includes a $150 service credit.

The tiers are:
Regular Warranty:
2 < 5KW System: +5yr: $275 +10yr: $525
5KW < 9KW System: +5yr: $450 +10yr: $850

Plus Warranty (w/ $150 service credit):
2 < 5KW System: +5yr: $350 +10yr: $625
5KW < 9KW System: +5yr: $525 +10yr: $950

Given the mean time to failure for string inverters is right around the 12-15yr mark, thinking getting the +5yr extended warranty is not a bad hedge. Or is the thinking that inverter prices will drop so much in 10yrs that it's no use.

I found a study online that chartered historical inverter prices and projected a 40% price reduction by 2020. Right now the 4000TL retails around $2K. So anticipating that it'll be $1000-$1200 to buy a replacement inverter in 12-15yrs later (granted with new improvements, maybe better efficiency, it glows in the dark, makes me coffee, and walks the robot dog).

Ideally I can roll this into the price of the system to get the fed credit too .

Anyone do this?

Yeah, I know in general extended warranties aren't worth it. But maybe in this case as an insurance and known mean time to failure data out there.

Other idea was to try to purchase the inverter on credit card and see if the credit card company will "double the warranty" unfortunately it's only up to a year more ...

[SoCalsolar]

If you get

If you get the warranty now it should qualify for the 30% tax credit so you spend $850 you may get $255 back and lower your cost to $600. That being said I have purchased one ex warranty in my life.

[silversaver]

If you get the warranty now it should qualify for the 30% tax credit so you spend $850 you may get $255 back and lower your cost to $600. That being said I have purchased one ex warranty in my life.

So you bought the warranty? what kind of solar system you got?

[PenguinSolar]

If you get the warranty now it should qualify for the 30% tax credit so you spend $850 you may get $255 back and lower your cost to $600. That being said I have purchased one ex warranty in my life.

So guess the question is on what? An inverter, a TV, or on a car?

I'm getting a small system so thinking the +5yrs may not be bad w/ the fed credit.

Wondering if the 'plus' is worth it but does seem that the going rate for electrical labor will probably only get higher in the future. An extra $75 for $150 more value not too bad of course only good if you actually use the extended warranty.

What is the oldest string inverter that people have seen still kickin' in the 'wild'?

[Naptown]

I have no idea
There were not many grid tie being installed 10 or more years ago. Mostly off grid and the warranties on those are typically much shorter.
There also have been some improvements in reliability in the last 15 years.
So it is hard to tell if it is worth it or not to get the extended warranty.
99% of what is out there hasn't been there long enough to fail

[sdguy]

If you get the warranty now it should qualify for the 30% tax credit so you spend $850 you may get $255 back and lower your cost to $600. That being said I have purchased one ex warranty in my life.

I have been looking into the SMA extended warranty as well.
The dealers are telling me that you can get the extended warranty any time during the initial 10 years.
i.e. at 9 years and 364 days --> get the 5 year extended warranty. (unless a new inverter is cheaper than extending the warranty)
If it is still kicking at 14 years and 364 days --> get the final 5 year extended warranty.

[silversaver]

I have been looking into the SMA extended warranty as well.
The dealers are telling me that you can get the extended warranty any time during the initial 10 years.
i.e. at 9 years and 364 days --> get the 5 year extended warranty. (unless a new inverter is cheaper than extending the warranty)
If it is still kicking at 14 years and 364 days --> get the final 5 year extended warranty.

yes, with SMA you can purcahse the extended warranty anytime.

[sdguy]

yes, with SMA you can purcahse the extended warranty anytime.

Thanks. I will probably wait until 9 years and 11 months before pulling the trigger on the extended warranty. (dependent upon current prices for a replacement inverter).
Of course -- I will give up the 30% tax credit if I bundled it into the package price now.

[russ]

Thanks. I will probably wait until 9 years and 11 months before pulling the trigger on the extended warranty. (dependent upon current prices for a replacement inverter).
Of course -- I will give up the 30% tax credit if I bundled it into the package price now.

Check on that with the manufacturer - it would be rather stupid of them to allow the last minute purchase.

[sdguy]

Check on that with the manufacturer - it would be rather stupid of them to allow the last minute purchase.

That is the great thing about the SMA extended warranty. You can wait to the last minute.

"Extended warranties can be purchased any time during the SMA America factory warranty period." [ original warranty is for 10 years ]

[silversaver]

The advantage
of an SMA extended warranty
The SMA extended warranty helps you keep
customers satisfied over the long term with
your speed and expertise. SMA’s extended
warranty plan provides the installer with:
Flexibility
» Extended warranty can be purchased
at any time during the factory warranty
period» Extendable to a maximum of 20 total
years
» A dditional sales opportunities for
extending existing customer warranties


Security
» L ong-term availability of the right
replacement devices
» C ustomers protected against unexpected
costs such as wearing parts
» F ixed costs over the entire term of the
extended warranty
Simplicity
» S MA’s warranty extension process is fast
and easy
The choice is yours: Extended Warranty or Extended Warranty Plus
Customize your service portfolio by deciding whether to choose a cost-effective
investment or to be paid a fixed amount by SMA for your service calls through a
more robust plan.
Extended Warranty
Security with a minimal
investment
The Extended Warranty is a costeffective
option and reduces
your initial investment.
Benef its
» A n SMA replacement device
» C omplete shipment
processing
» S MA Service Line support
Extended Warranty Plus
Full-service warranty security
with an added service rebate
If you want all the benefits of
the Extended Warranty with
an added bonus, the Extended
Warranty Plus is for you. If service
is necessary, we guarantee you
an SMA replacement device
plus the expert advice of our
SMA Service Line, in addition to
the SMA Service Rebate.
Benef its
» A n SMA replacement device
» C omplete shipment processing
» S MA Service Line support
» SMA Service Rebate $150

[flinstone]

I'm also getting bids on solar and have considered the extended warranty. In fact, one of the systems I was quoted uses a Kaco inverter which has the warranty built in to the price already (they guarantee the price of replacing the inverter outside 10 years won't exceed $550 for US customers).

I've decided against any extended warranty because:

1. it's additional money locked up that could go into something else
2. it pushes back my break-even point
3. technology gets better and cheaper over time
4. company may not be around to honor the extension
5. I may want to expand my system 10 or 15 years from now, at which point I'd swap out the failing inverter with a larger capacity one.

[Volusiano]

If you wait until near the end of your warranty period to buy an extended warranty like SMA offers, there's also a chance that they will reduce the price of their extended warranty by then, too. Yeah, you'll lose out on the 30% tax credit discount, but the extended warranty cost may be reduced by 30% in 10 years, too. There's no sense in buying too early if you don't have to.

[silversaver]

anyone sign up for extended warranty?