Key Takeaways: GetSolar's Rent-to-Own plans include a built-in performance guarantee: we monitor your system daily, cover all maintenance for the full 5 or 10 year term, and pay you back if output drops below 90% of what we projected in writing. The risk of an underperforming system shifts from you to us.
What happens if the solar system on your roof generates 15% less than projected? Under most solar contracts, that shortfall is your problem — absorbed quietly into a utility bill that's higher than it should be.
GetSolar's Rent-to-Own (RTO) plans works differently. If your system's actual energy output falls below 90% of the projection we committed to in writing, we compensate you for the financial difference. Here's exactly how that works, what can cause underperformance in the first place, and who qualifies for the guarantee.
Why Solar Panels Sometimes Produce Less Than Projected
Solar energy projections are models, not guarantees. Several real-world variables can push actual kilowatt-hour (kWh) generation below the initial estimation.
- Soiling and Shading: Dust, leaves, or new construction on neighbouring properties can block solar irradiance and reduce daily yields.
- Inverter Faults: Technical failures within the solar inverter can restrict or halt power conversion entirely.
- Component Degradation: Solar panels naturally lose efficiency over time. Most manufacturer warranties guarantee around 90% output at year 10, declining to roughly 80% by year 25.
- Weather and Cloud Cover Seasonal patterns and extended overcast periods introduce natural annual variances in Singapore's solar irradiance.
PV modules are built to last up to 25 years, but longevity doesn't guarantee consistent monthly output. Without active management, you absorb the financial impact of every dip.
What GetSolar's Performance Guarantee Actually Covers
Standard manufacturer warranties cover physical defects and equipment failure. They ensure faulty components get repaired or replaced, but they don't account for total energy shortfalls or lost utility savings. We cover that gap in our guide to solar panel warranties.
GetSolar’s performance guarantee is built around actual energy yield. As part of our Rent-to-Own plans, you get:
- Daily monitoring: We track your system every day and act the moment production dips.
- Free maintenance: Cleaning, servicing, and repairs are covered for the full 5 or 10 year term at no cost to you.
- A payback promise: If output falls below 90% of our projection, we compensate you for the shortfall, in writing as part of your contract.
Hardware Warranty vs. Performance Guarantee: What's the Difference?
Sources: GetSolar Singapore; Solar Panel Warranty guide (2025).
A warranty fixes a broken panel. The guarantee makes sure the system pays you back when the numbers fall short.
How the Performance Guarantee Process Works
To keep things accountable, the financial adjustment process follows a clear, structured method.
- System Modelling: Before installation, we establish a baseline energy projection using software that factors in roof's dimensions, orientation, tilt, and local shading profile.
- Daily Data Collection: Continuous digital monitoring tracks your system's power generation every day.
- Corrective Action: If a performance dip or fault is detected, our technical team is dispatched to service or repair the system at zero cost to you.
- Annual Yield Verification: Total energy production is audited against the 90% performance baseline at the end of each year.
- Financial Settlement: If the system fails to short of the 90% threshold, the value of the missing kWh is calculated and credited to the client as outlined in the contract.
Who Gets the Payback Promise
The performance guarantee is built into GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own programme and it's not a standalone add-on you need to request.
Under RTO, you go solar with zero upfront cost and pay a fixed monthly fee over a 5 or 10-year term. During that term, GetSolar handles all maintenance and operational concerns. We take on the technical risk so you can enjoy immediate utility bill savings and participate in available grid sell-back mechanisms.
If you'd prefer to buy outright, that's an option too. Upfront ownership typically delivers a higher long-term return on investment, but it also transfers all asset management, maintenance, and performance risks to you as the property owner.
For a deeper look at how the model works end to end, see our complete overview of Rent-to-Own solar.
Guaranteed Output, or We Pay You Back
Going solar shouldn’t feel like a gamble. Under our RTO framework, the operational risk sits with us, not you. For the full duration of your 5 or 10-year contract, GetSolar remains accountable for your system's performance through daily digital monitoring, covered maintenance, and a financial payback if total energy production falls below the 90% threshold.
Use our free solar calculator to see what your roof could save, speak with a solar advisor for a no-obligation assessment.
Rent-to-Own Solar for Business with Guaranteed Performance
Immediate ROI
Rent-to-Own Solar. $0 Upfront cost. Guaranteed Savings
(10-Year RTO plan)
+ 10-Year Free Maintenance
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