What Happens With Shipping and Returns When You Buy Solar Panels Online in Bulk?
Summary
Full-size panels arrive on a pallet by freight truck, and the driver's job ends at the curb or driveway. Damage or missing panels have to be written on the delivery receipt before you sign, or a claim can be refused. Both Signature Solar and SanTan Solar tell buyers not to order the exact number of panels they need, because some glass breaks in transit, and returns can cost 30 to 40 percent in restocking fees.
Two sellers' posted terms
| Signature Solar | SanTan Solar (mostly used panels) | |
|---|---|---|
| How panels ship | Pallet freight, curbside; unloaded by liftgate, typically onto the driveway | Panels over 100 W ship by freight |
| Minimum to ship | No pallets for fewer than 10 panels | 10 panels per shipped order; fewer only by local pickup |
| Extra charges | Free shipping on qualifying orders of $4,000 or more | $50 for residential delivery, $50 more for a liftgate |
| Damage in transit | Must be noted on the receipt; photos emailed within 3 days | No replacements sent for panels damaged in shipping |
| Concealed damage | Report within 24 hours (FAQ) | Report within 3 days |
| Returns | Case by case, restocking fee up to 40% | Within 30 days if undamaged and unmodified; 30% restocking fee may apply |
Signature Solar spells out in capitals that damage or shortages must be noted on the driver's copy of the delivery receipt, and says a claim may be denied by the freight company if not noted within 48 hours. Its FAQ gives 24 hours for concealed damage, so the company's own pages do not agree on the window.
A 50-panel delivery day
Say a household orders fifty 400 W panels. The carrier sets the pallet down on the driveway and is not responsible for moving it any farther onto the property, so getting it to the garage or backyard falls to the homeowner. A single cracked panel spotted at that moment goes on the driver's copy before anyone signs. SanTan suggests waiting until the order has arrived and been checked before scheduling installation work, and it charges $20 a day in storage when a delivery has to be readdressed or rescheduled.
Sources
- Signature Solar — Shipping & Returns
- Signature Solar — FAQ
- Signature Solar — Home
- SanTan Solar — Terms and Conditions
- SanTan Solar — Frequently Asked Questions
We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.