What Happens When Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business?
The solar industry is growing rapidly, but not all solar companies survive in the long run. If your solar installer goes out of business, you might be left wondering what happens to your system, warranties, and future service needs. While this situation can be stressful, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure your solar investment continues to perform as expected. At Solar GuidePro, we help homeowners navigate these challenges. Here’s what you need to know if your solar company shuts down and how to stay prepared.
12/12/20242 min read
What Happens to Your Solar System?
The good news is that your solar panels will continue to generate electricity, even if your original installer is no longer in business. However, you may face challenges when it comes to:
Warranty Claims – Who handles repairs if your panels or inverter fail?
System Monitoring – Can you still track your energy production?
Service & Maintenance – Who will inspect or troubleshoot your system if needed?
Key Considerations When a Solar Company Closes
1. What Happens to Your Solar Warranty?
Solar systems typically come with two main types of warranties:
🔹 Manufacturer Warranty (Covers Equipment)
Solar panels often have a 25-year performance warranty and a 10-25 year product warranty.
Inverters usually have a 10-15 year warranty (sometimes extendable).
Batteries have a warranty based on years or charge cycles.
If your installer is out of business, you will need to work directly with the manufacturer to file any claims.
🔹 Workmanship Warranty (Covers Installation Issues)
Most solar installers provide a 5-10 year workmanship warranty to cover issues like faulty wiring or roof leaks caused by the installation.
If your installer is gone, this warranty may no longer be valid, meaning you’ll have to pay out of pocket for labor-related issues.
2. Can You Still Monitor Your Solar System?
If your system includes online monitoring, make sure you have direct access to the monitoring platform (not just through the installer’s website).
If monitoring is not working, you may need to contact the inverter manufacturer for troubleshooting.
3. What If You Need Repairs or Maintenance?
If your solar company is gone and you need repairs, follow these steps:
✅ Check your manufacturer warranty – If a component fails, contact the manufacturer to see if it's covered.
✅ Find a new solar service provider – Many companies offer repair and maintenance services for systems they didn’t install.
✅ Consider an independent solar audit – If your system isn’t performing as expected, a professional review can help diagnose the issue.
4. Does Your Solar Loan or Lease Get Affected?
If your system is financed or leased, your contract is likely with a third-party company, not the installer. This means:
Loan payments must still be made to the lender.
Leased systems remain the responsibility of the leasing company, which should still honor its warranty and maintenance agreements.
How to Protect Yourself Before Problems Arise
If your solar installer is still in business, take these proactive steps to protect yourself:
✔️ Get copies of all warranties (equipment and workmanship).
✔️ Obtain system documentation, including permits, interconnection agreements, and design specs.
✔️ Ensure you have direct access to your monitoring system and account credentials.
✔️ Research backup service providers in your area in case you need future maintenance.
Need Help with a Solar Company Shutdown?
If your solar installer has gone out of business and you’re unsure about your next steps, Solar GuidePro can help! We offer independent system reviews, troubleshooting support, and warranty guidance to keep your solar system running smoothly.
🔹 Contact us today for expert advice on managing your solar investment!
