In recent months, the solar industry has experienced significant setbacks, with national installers like SunPower and Titan Solar facing bankruptcy or closure. As a result, many solar system owners are now left in a difficult spot, wondering where to turn for ongoing support and maintenance.
If your solar installer has gone out of business, you might be feeling uncertain about what to do next. Whether your installation is incomplete or you simply need routine maintenance, it’s important to know your options.
At Exact Solar, we’re here to assist those facing this challenge with our Solar Orphan Service®. Our local, experienced team is ready to step in and ensure your system continues to operate as it should. We can monitor performance, replace any faulty components, and address issues that may have been overlooked during the initial installation. In other words, we’ll take over exactly where your installer left off, providing you with the reliable support you need. We offer free, no-pressure consultations. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.
For those outside our service area, we still want to provide guidance to help you during this time. Below, we’ve outlined a few practical steps to help you manage your solar system’s maintenance and repairs on your own.
Find a New Solar Service Provider
To begin addressing your solar system’s needs, the first step is to find a new service provider in your area who is certified to work with your specific equipment through the manufacturer (such as SolarEdge or Enphase). If you’re unsure about the manufacturer, check your system’s online monitoring portal for this information.
Once you know the manufacturer, contact them directly or use their online or use their online “installer locator” tool. A few examples include:
It’s important to note that not all solar installers are willing to take on service contracts. If you need help finding ones that do, try searching “solar service providers near me” in your favorite search engine.
Transfer Monitoring Access
After you’ve chosen a new solar service provider, the next step is to transfer your remote monitoring access to them. This simply involves granting them access to the online portal where your solar system’s daily performance is tracked.
By providing this access, your new provider can remotely monitor your system, identify and diagnose any issues, and address problems without needing to visit your home. They can then communicate their findings and explain their plan for resolving any issues.
Transfer Your Solar System’s Warranties
If your original installer has gone out of business, your manufacturer warranties for your solar system’s components—such as inverters, charge controllers, and batteries—are generally still valid. You’ll need to transfer these warranties to your new service provider so they can handle any claims and obtain necessary parts on your behalf.
However, be aware that workmanship warranties from your original installer are typically void if they go out of business. This highlights the importance of choosing a reputable and reliable solar installer to ensure you receive quality service and support.
Your new service provider may offer warranties on any repairs or replacements they perform moving forward. However, it’s important to note that you will likely need to cover their labor costs for addressing issues related to the original installation, as the workmanship warranty from your previous installer is no longer valid. This means that while you won’t have to pay for parts covered under manufacturer warranties, you should budget for the cost of labor for any work needed to fix or improve the initial installation.
Check for Proper Documentation and Compliance
If your solar system wasn’t fully completed before your installer went out of business, it’s crucial to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order. This includes paperwork for inspections, new meter installations, and permission to operate (PTO) documents. Having these ready will help you avoid unexpected charges or complications with your power company down the line.
Rest assured, your new service provider can assist you with gathering and organizing these documents to ensure everything is compliant and properly handled.
Understand Your Financial Responsibilities
A frequently asked question by those who have financed their solar systems is, “If my installer goes out of business, do I still need to pay off the loan?” The answer is yes. Your loan is usually through a third-party financial institution, not the solar company. Therefore, your payments will continue to be directed to the lender, not your new service provider.
Additionally, since your original installer’s workmanship warranty is no longer valid, you’ll need to cover labor costs for any necessary repairs. However, parts required for these repairs are likely covered under your manufacturer’s warranty.
If significant work is needed—such as removing and re-installing your system for a new roof or correcting installation issues—you may need to enter into a new financing agreement with your new service provider. In such cases, they might offer a new workmanship warranty to help cover some future costs.
Set Realistic Expectations for Solar Service
When working with a new service provider, it’s important to set realistic expectations for how quickly issues will be resolved. During peak periods or busy seasons, service times may be longer than usual. This is particularly true if a major installer in your area has recently gone out of business, as many providers may be handling an increased volume of service requests.
Being patient during this process will help ensure that your issues are addressed thoroughly and effectively. Your new service provider will work diligently to resolve any concerns as promptly as possible.
Explore Your Legal Options
If your original installer has declared bankruptcy, your legal options might be limited. However, it’s still worth investigating if there are any class action lawsuits or legal claims against them. You may be able to contribute your information to these cases and potentially receive some form of reimbursement if a settlement is reached.
Please note that this information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consulting with a legal professional is recommended.
Consider Additional Service Contracts
Some companies offer service contracts that provide ongoing maintenance and support for your solar system. If you want added peace of mind for future issues, this could be a worthwhile option. While these contracts are more commonly available for commercial installations, many providers may offer or negotiate similar agreements for residential systems, depending on their policies. It’s a good idea to explore this with your new service provider to see if it’s a fit for your needs.
Your Solar Investment Is Worth Protecting
Going solar was a great decision—not only for lowering your energy costs, but also for making a positive impact on the environment. You deserve to enjoy the full benefits of that choice.
If you’re dealing with the unfortunate situation of your installer going out of business, rest assured that you have options. There are reliable, well-reviewed solar companies that can help. If you’re in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware and need support, visit our Solar Orphan Service® page or call us at 215-621-8353. We’re here to help you get your clean energy generation back on track