You invested in solar to help manage your energy costs. Now the company that installed your panels has closed, your calls go unanswered, and you are wondering who will help if something goes wrong.
If your solar company goes out of business, an operating solar system can continue producing electricity. However, you may need a new service provider for troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance. Manufacturer warranties may still apply, depending on your equipment and coverage terms.
At SunnyMac, our orphaned solar campaign connects homeowners with support for systems we did not originally install. From a free virtual solar system diagnostic to an in-person visit when needed, our team helps you understand your system and the next step toward getting answers.
What Is an Orphaned Solar System
An orphaned solar system is a system whose original installer is no longer available to provide support. Homeowners may be left without a clear contact for service, monitoring questions, or installation concerns.
Having an orphaned system does not automatically mean your solar panels are broken or need replacement. It means you may need a new team to review performance and arrange service when necessary.
Will My Solar Panels Still Work
Your panels do not depend on the original installation company staying in business to produce electricity. If the system is complete, approved to operate, and functioning properly, the installer’s closure alone should not stop production.
Pay attention to unexpected production drops, inverter warnings, missing monitoring data, or higher electric bills. These changes do not always mean equipment has failed. Weather, seasonal daylight, household electricity use, and monitoring connectivity can affect what you see.
Is My Solar Warranty Still Valid
Equipment warranties come from manufacturers and may cover qualifying defects in panels, inverters, or batteries. These may remain available after your installer closes. For example, Enphase states that its component warranties continue when an installer goes out of business, subject to the applicable terms. [1]
Workmanship warranties generally come from the installer and address installation work. Getting support may become difficult if that company closes. Check your paperwork for a separate warranty administrator or third-party backing.
Labor coverage also needs a closer look. A covered replacement component does not necessarily mean every diagnostic visit, shipping charge, or installation cost is covered. Ask for an explanation of coverage and expected costs before approving work.
What Should You Do First
1 Gather Your Solar Records
Collect your installation contract, warranties, equipment details, monitoring account information, recent electric bills, production reports, and previous service records. Save any notices about the installer’s closure.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends identifying the panel and inverter manufacturers when the original installer is no longer in business. These details give your next service provider a useful starting point. [2]
2 Check Your Monitoring App
Look for recent production data and alerts. Save screenshots of error messages or unusual changes to share with a technician. If the app has stopped updating, that alone does not prove your panels have stopped producing. A communication problem can interrupt reporting.
3 Review Your Financing or Ownership Agreement
If you have a solar loan, lease, or power purchase agreement, contact the company listed on that agreement to clarify your account, service responsibilities, and any changes following the installer’s closure. For leased systems or systems under a power purchase agreement, check with the system owner before authorizing outside work.
4 Find a Solar Service Provider
Look for a team that services existing systems and can evaluate equipment installed by another company. Ask whether the provider works with your equipment, what the diagnostic includes, and how pricing is explained before additional work begins. Leave rooftop inspections and electrical troubleshooting to qualified professionals.
How SunnyMac Helps With Existing Solar Systems
SunnyMac supports homeowners in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania with service for existing solar systems, including systems installed by other companies. Our technicians can investigate production concerns, evaluate reported equipment issues, and explain recommended work.
The right service depends on the condition of your system. Support may include:
- Solar system diagnostics, maintenance, and repair.
- Solar panel cleaning when appropriate for the equipment and conditions.
- Pest abatement and critter guard solutions for concerns around the array.
- Snow guard options and ongoing care through the Sunshine Membership.
For example, a monitoring alert and a concern about animals beneath the panels need different kinds of attention. Tell our team what you are seeing so we can discuss an appropriate starting point. Cleaning alone will not resolve every production issue, and some problems require an on-site inspection.
Start With a Free Virtual Solar System Diagnostic
If your original solar company is no longer available, SunnyMac offers eligible new customers a free virtual solar system diagnostic as a starting point. Our team can review available system information and discuss the concerns you are experiencing. Some problems require an on-site visit to confirm the cause.
Eligible new maintenance customers can also receive 50% off an in-person diagnostic, reducing the diagnostic price from $200 to $100.
The discounted diagnostic applies to new maintenance customers whose solar systems were not installed by SunnyMac and who have not previously received maintenance from SunnyMac. The hourly service rate remains $125. Additional labor, repairs, and parts are separate from the diagnostic offer.
The free virtual diagnostic and discounted in-person diagnostic are separate offers. The 50% discount applies to the in-person diagnostic, rather than all service or repair charges.
Call 302-397-3398 to discuss your system with SunnyMac, or use the link below to request support.
Request solar system support from SunnyMac
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Another Solar Company Service My Panels?
Yes. Another qualified solar service provider may be able to inspect, diagnose, and repair your system. Availability depends on your equipment, location, and service needs.
Do I Need New Panels Because My Installer Closed?
No. An installer’s closure alone is not a reason to replace functioning panels. Have the system evaluated before making a replacement decision.
Can SunnyMac Help If Another Company Installed My System?
Yes. SunnyMac offers service support for systems installed by other companies. Contact our team to discuss your equipment and the issue you are experiencing.
I Bought a Home With Solar and Do Not Know Where to Start?
Gather any solar records from the home purchase and identify the panel and inverter manufacturers. Contact the monitoring provider about account access, and confirm whether you own the system or it is covered by a lease or power purchase agreement. SunnyMac can help you discuss the system’s service needs.
Does the Free Virtual Diagnostic Include Repairs?
No. A virtual diagnostic is an initial review of available system information. On-site diagnostics, labor, parts, and repairs are separate services.
Your original installer may be gone, but you still have options for solar support. Start with SunnyMac to understand your system and take the next step.