Victron Energy offers one of the more generous warranty programmes in the solar and battery industry. Understanding what is covered, for how long, and how to make a claim can save you considerable stress if something does go wrong. This guide covers Victron's warranty terms as they apply to UK purchasers, plus your additional statutory rights under UK consumer law.
Standard Warranty Duration
Victron's standard warranty period is 5 years from the date of purchase for most products. This applies to the full range of inverters, inverter/chargers, solar charge controllers, battery chargers, GX devices, and accessories. Some specific product categories have different terms:
| Product Category | Warranty Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Inverters | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| MultiPlus / MultiPlus-II | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| Quattro / Quattro-II | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| SmartSolar MPPT controllers | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| Battery chargers | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| GX devices (Cerbo, Ekrano) | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| SmartShunt / BMV monitors | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
| Victron Lithium batteries | 5 years | May have cycle life limits — check specific product warranty certificate |
| Cables and accessories | 5 years | Standard Victron warranty |
The 5-year warranty period begins from the date of purchase by the end user, not the date of manufacture or the date a retailer received stock. Keep your purchase receipt or invoice as proof of the purchase date.
What the Warranty Covers
Victron's warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Specifically, this includes:
- Manufacturing defects — components that fail due to a fault introduced during manufacturing
- Premature component failure — electronic components that fail before their expected lifespan under normal operating conditions
- Firmware-related issues — if a firmware update (performed following Victron's official process) causes a product malfunction, this falls under warranty
What Voids the Warranty
The following will typically void your Victron warranty:
Overvoltage and Reverse Polarity
Connecting a product to a voltage source exceeding its rated maximum input voltage (for example, connecting too many solar panels in series to an MPPT controller, exceeding its maximum Voc) is not covered. Similarly, connecting positive and negative cables the wrong way round causes immediate damage that is not covered.
Water Damage on Non-IP Rated Products
Most Victron inverters and charge controllers are rated IP21 or IP22, meaning they are designed for indoor use only. If water enters the unit due to installation in an exposed location without an appropriate enclosure, this is not a warranty claim. Products rated IP65 or IP67 are covered for water exposure within their IP rating.
Unauthorised Modifications
Opening the case and modifying internal components voids the warranty. This includes:
- Modifying circuit boards or adding components
- Cutting or re-routing internal wiring
- Replacing internal fans or components with non-Victron parts
- Removing or modifying conformal coating
Improper Installation
While Victron is generally reasonable about installation practices, clearly improper installation that directly causes damage may not be covered. Examples include:
- Using undersized cables that cause overheating at the terminals (see our wiring guide)
- Operating the unit without adequate ventilation, leading to thermal shutdown and eventual component failure
- Using the product outside its specified ambient temperature range
Wear and Tear
Components that naturally wear out, such as fans and relays, are covered if they fail prematurely but not if they reach their normal end of life. For example, the transfer relay in a MultiPlus has a finite number of switching cycles — a relay that fails after 100,000 operations may be considered normal wear.
Damage During Shipping
If a product arrives damaged from the retailer, this is a claim against the retailer under UK consumer law (see below), not a Victron warranty claim. Document the damage with photographs before unpacking fully and contact your retailer immediately.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
Step 1: Contact Your Retailer
In the UK, your first point of contact for a warranty claim is the retailer you purchased from. Under UK consumer law, the retailer is responsible for honouring the warranty. Most UK Victron dealers have a well-established returns process.
Step 2: Provide Documentation
You will need:
- Proof of purchase — receipt, invoice, or order confirmation showing the date and retailer
- Product serial number — found on the product label or in VictronConnect under "Product info"
- Description of the fault — as detailed as possible, including when it first occurred and any error codes or messages
- VRM data (if available) — screenshots or CSV exports from the VRM portal showing the issue
- Photographs — of the installation, the product, and any visible damage
Step 3: RMA Process
If the retailer confirms a warranty claim, they will typically issue a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) number. You ship the product back to the retailer (or in some cases, directly to Victron's European service centre in the Netherlands). Victron will either repair or replace the unit.
Step 4: Turnaround Time
Warranty processing typically takes 2-4 weeks from when Victron receives the product. During peak periods or for complex claims, it may take longer. Some retailers offer advance replacements — they send you a new unit before receiving the faulty one back — though this varies by retailer.
UK Consumer Rights (Statutory Rights)
In addition to Victron's manufacturer warranty, you have statutory rights under UK consumer law that cannot be reduced by any manufacturer warranty terms. These are your rights against the retailer, not Victron directly.
Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Products must be of satisfactory quality — they should be free from defects, safe, and durable
- Products must be fit for purpose — they should do what they are reasonably expected to do, and what the retailer said they would do
- Products must match their description — they should match the specifications and features advertised
Timeframes
- 30-day right to reject — if a product is faulty within 30 days of delivery, you can return it for a full refund
- 6-month repair or replacement — if a fault develops within 6 months, it is assumed to have been present at delivery unless the retailer can prove otherwise. You are entitled to a repair or replacement.
- Up to 6 years — you can make a claim for up to 6 years after purchase (5 years in Scotland) if you can prove the product was faulty at delivery or not durable enough. After the first 6 months, the burden of proof shifts to you.
How Statutory Rights Interact with Victron's Warranty
Victron's 5-year warranty runs alongside your statutory rights. In most cases, the Victron warranty is easier to claim under because it explicitly covers manufacturing defects for 5 years without requiring you to prove the fault was present at delivery. Your statutory rights give you an additional safety net, particularly in the first 6 months (where the burden of proof is on the retailer) and for the sixth year (beyond Victron's warranty period).
Extended Warranty and Insurance
Victron does not currently offer an extended warranty programme beyond the standard 5 years. However, some retailers may offer their own extended warranty or breakdown cover for an additional fee. Additionally, Victron products installed as part of a home solar system may be covered under your home insurance policy — check with your insurer.
Tips for Protecting Your Warranty
- Keep your receipt — store a digital copy of your purchase receipt in case the original is lost
- Register on VRM — while not technically required for warranty, having VRM data proves your system was properly installed and monitored, which strengthens any warranty claim
- Follow installation guidelines — use correct cable sizes, fuse ratings, and installation practices as documented in Victron's manuals and Wiring Unlimited
- Update firmware carefully — follow the official firmware update process and note which version you update to
- Photograph your installation — take clear photos during and after installation, showing cable routing, fuse ratings, and product placement. This documentation is invaluable if a warranty issue arises.
- Use genuine Victron accessories — using third-party cables or adapters in Victron-specific ports (VE.Direct, VE.Bus) could complicate a warranty claim if the accessory causes damage
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buying from a grey market seller affect my warranty?
Victron products purchased from unauthorised resellers may not be covered under warranty. Victron's warranty applies to products purchased through their authorised distribution network. All major UK Victron retailers listed on our price comparison page are authorised dealers.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my system?
Victron's warranty is typically linked to the product serial number and original purchase date. If you sell your system to a new owner, the warranty continues for the remainder of the original 5-year period, provided the original proof of purchase is transferred.
What happens if my product is out of warranty?
Victron products that fail outside the warranty period can often be repaired by Victron or specialist repair shops. Contact your retailer or Victron directly for a quote. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit, especially for smaller products.
Victron's 5-year warranty, combined with their reputation for reliable products, is one of the reasons they remain the most popular choice for off-grid, marine, and campervan systems in the UK. For the best UK prices on Victron products from authorised dealers, use our price comparison tool.
