If your solar installer has gone out of business, you are not alone. Over 100 residential solar companies filed for bankruptcy or closed in 2024, and major collapses — SunPower, Sunnova, Titan Solar Power, Freedom Forever — have left an estimated 1.3 million U.S. homeowners without their original service provider. The industry calls these "orphaned solar systems."
This guide explains what happens to your warranties, how to get repairs done, and what steps to take to protect your investment.
What makes a solar system "orphaned"
A solar system becomes orphaned when the company that installed it ceases operations — through bankruptcy, acquisition, or simply closing. The system continues to produce power, but the service relationship that came with it disappears. That relationship typically included:
- A workmanship warranty covering the quality of the physical installation (roof penetrations, wiring, mounting)
- Access to a monitoring portal managed by the installer
- A point of contact for warranty claims, repairs, and system questions
- Coordination with the equipment manufacturer on your behalf
When the installer is gone, you lose some of these and must manage the rest yourself.
How widespread is this problem
The residential solar market declined 31% in installations in 2024. California alone lost 17,000 solar jobs in 2023 following NEM 3.0 net metering changes, and 75% of the state's rooftop solar companies were assessed at high risk of bankruptcy.
Major recent bankruptcies include SunPower (Chapter 11, August 2024, roughly 800,000 customers), Sunnova Energy (Chapter 11, June 2025, over 400,000 customers, $10 billion in debt), Titan Solar Power (Chapter 7, June 2024), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11, April 2026, nearly 190,000 homes across 35 states). Dozens of smaller regional operators have also closed.
A Harvard Business School analysis found the residential solar industry is structurally vulnerable because it operates more like housing finance than energy production — dependent on affordable credit, homeownership stability, and government subsidies. This is not a temporary correction. The orphaned-system problem will continue to grow as the installed base ages and more companies exit the market.
What you lose and what you keep
Solar systems carry multiple warranty layers from different parties. Understanding which survive is the first step.
Lost: installer workmanship warranty
The workmanship (or labor) warranty is issued by the installer, not the equipment manufacturer. It covers installation quality — proper roof sealing, correct wiring, secure racking. These warranties typically run 1–10 years.
When the installer files for bankruptcy or closes, the workmanship warranty is voided entirely. There is no remaining legal entity to honor it. Homeowner claims against the bankrupt company are unsecured — last in line behind lenders, landlords, and other creditors.
Kept: manufacturer equipment warranties
Equipment manufacturer warranties are tied to the product, not the installer. Panel manufacturer product warranties (typically 25 years), inverter manufacturer warranties (10–25 years), and battery manufacturer warranties all remain valid regardless of what happens to the installer. Solar inverters are warrantied by their respective manufacturers — Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, and others all honor their warranty obligations directly with the homeowner when the original installer is no longer available.
This applies across the industry. Enphase honors its 25-year microinverter warranty. Q-Cells covers panel defects under its 25-year product and performance warranty. SolarEdge replaces failed inverters under its standard warranty. The manufacturer's obligation runs to the product owner, not the installer.
Exception: installer-branded equipment. Some products — like SunPower's SunVault batteries — are branded by the installer or a company that has since gone bankrupt, with no independent manufacturer behind them. When SunPower filed bankruptcy, Maxeon Solar Technologies (a separate company) stepped up to honor SunPower panel warranties, and Enphase continued covering microinverters. But SunVault batteries had no independent manufacturer to back them, leaving those warranty claims effectively void.
The critical gap: parts without labor
For orphaned solar systems, the cost of replacement parts is generally covered by the manufacturer's warranty rather than the original installer — but manufacturers almost universally cover parts only, not the labor to install them.
When your inverter fails under warranty, the manufacturer ships a replacement unit at no cost. But you pay a technician to remove the failed unit, install the replacement, and verify the system is working. Typical out-of-pocket costs:
- Diagnostic site visit: $200–$500
- Panel replacement labor: $650–$1,200
- Inverter replacement labor: $480–$1,000
- Microinverter replacement labor: $480–$1,000
Industry survey data suggests that repair costs are normally split roughly one-third each among the customer, installer, and manufacturer. Without an installer, the customer absorbs the installer's share — potentially 33–67% more in repair costs than homeowners with active installer warranties.
Some manufacturers offer limited labor reimbursement programs, but the windows are narrow and the amounts may not cover actual costs:
| Manufacturer | Labor reimbursement | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Enphase | $200 per truck roll + $25 per unit | First 2 years only |
| SolarEdge | $225 + $25 per unit (years 1–2); $125 + $25 per unit (years 3–5) | First 5 years |
| Q-Cells | Up to $250 per claim via Q.PARTNER program | Varies by enrollment |
| REC (ProTrust) | Full labor coverage through any REC Certified Professional | 25 years |
REC's ProTrust warranty is an outlier — it explicitly covers labor for 25 years and continues to pay a replacement installer if the original one closes. Most manufacturers do not offer anything comparable.
How to file warranty claims without your installer
Manufacturers have processes for direct homeowner claims, though the friction level varies by brand.
Enphase allows homeowners to contact support directly. Enphase opens a case, investigates, ships replacement parts, and can recommend a certified installer nearby. The process works through Enphase's support portal using your system's serial numbers.
SolarEdge accepts warranty claims directly using the inverter serial number and proof of purchase. No certified installer is required to validate the warranty itself. SolarEdge ships replacement units within 48 hours of claim approval.
Q-Cells processes claims through its portal and requires serial numbers, invoice details, and evidence of the defect. Q-Cells provides a parts warranty covering manufacturing defects for 25 years. Claims are typically routed through a Q.PARTNER-certified installer.
SMA allows homeowners to contact the Technical Service Line directly, and covers both parts and shipping for valid claims within the warranty period.
Budget-tier panel manufacturers (Jinko, Trina, LONGi) often route warranty claims through the original distributor channel rather than directly to homeowners. Jinko's warranty explicitly states that remedies are provided to the distributor. This can create significant friction for orphaned system owners who may not know which distributor supplied their panels.
In all cases, you need your equipment serial numbers. If you do not have them, a technician can read them from the equipment labels on your roof or at your inverter.
Monitoring and system access
When an installer closes, their monitoring portal may go dark. But the monitoring hardware on your system typically communicates with the equipment manufacturer's platform, not the installer's proprietary system.
Enphase systems connect to the Enphase Enlighten platform. If the installer's account controlled access, you may need to contact Enphase to transfer ownership. This process costs $199 and requires proof of home ownership. Without the original account holder's cooperation, the transfer can be bureaucratically difficult — Enphase's transfer system expects the original account holder to initiate it — but Enphase support can typically resolve this with documentation.
SolarEdge has a formal ownership transfer process requiring proof of home ownership and the system's serial number.
Restoring monitoring access matters beyond convenience. Production data is needed to file performance warranty claims. Without documented output history, claims about underperforming panels are harder to substantiate. In some cases, manufacturers may decline performance warranty claims without supporting production data.
Net metering and interconnection
Net metering interconnection agreements are contracts between you and your utility — not between the installer and the utility. The installer submitted the application on your behalf, but the agreement runs with your property and utility account.
When an installer goes bankrupt, your net metering agreement remains in force. If you were grandfathered into a favorable rate structure (such as California's NEM 1.0 or 2.0), that status is tied to the original interconnection date, not the installer's continued existence.
The exception: if the installer closed before completing interconnection paperwork, you may be generating power without receiving bill credits. Some orphaned systems were never granted Permission to Operate (PTO) at all — the installer went bankrupt before submitting the final paperwork. Contact your utility's interconnection department to verify your enrollment status.
Solar loans and financing
If you financed your system with a solar loan, the loan obligation continues regardless of the installer's status. You still owe the lender the full balance even if the system is not functioning. Stopping payments risks default, damaged credit, and in some cases UCC-1 liens on the equipment that can complicate home refinancing or resale.
If the installer committed fraud or materially breached the contract, the FTC Holder Rule (16 CFR Part 433) may allow you to bring claims directly against the lender. This requires legal action and is not a guaranteed remedy, but it is worth discussing with an attorney if the circumstances fit.
For leased systems or power purchase agreements (PPAs), the situation is different. The leasing company owns the equipment and remains responsible for maintenance. When a company that services leased systems goes bankrupt, courts typically approve the transfer of service agreements to an acquiring company. Sunnova's 2025 bankruptcy resulted in a court-approved sale to SunStrong for continued customer servicing.
Finding a replacement installer
Owners of orphaned solar systems can hire a replacement installer to perform wiring repairs, diagnostics, or parts replacement — but the installer must be properly qualified. The key credential is NABCEP certification (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). NABCEP is the recognized industry standard, and warranty claims submitted through NABCEP-certified technicians are generally accepted by manufacturers.
Contact your equipment manufacturer first. Most manufacturers maintain lists of certified service providers. Using a manufacturer-certified installer protects your warranty and ensures the technician is familiar with your specific equipment.
Do not hire an unlicensed contractor or a general electrician without manufacturer approval. Multiple manufacturers — including Enphase, SolarEdge, Q-Cells, Tesla, and REC — explicitly state that repairs performed by uncertified or unauthorized technicians can void the remaining product warranty. The FTC's Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prevents manufacturers from requiring the original installer, but it does not prevent them from requiring a qualified one.
State licensing requirements for solar repair work vary:
| State | Required license |
|---|---|
| California | C-46 Solar Contractor, C-10 Electrical, or Class B General |
| Texas | Texas Electrical Contractor License (TECL) |
| Florida | Certified Solar Contractor (CVC) or Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) |
| Nevada | C-2g Photovoltaic subclassification |
| Arizona | CR-17/A-17 Solar or C-11/L-11 Electrical |
Practical steps for finding a replacement:
- Get three to four quotes from different providers
- Verify NABCEP certification and the correct state contractor license
- Look for companies that specialize in operations and maintenance (O&M) for third-party systems
- Ask whether they have experience with your specific equipment brands
- Consider a long-term O&M agreement rather than paying per incident
Expect new installers to be cautious. Many will want to inspect the full system before taking it on, especially if documentation from the original installation is incomplete. Some may decline to service systems with missing wiring diagrams or undocumented modifications.
Incomplete systems and permits
Some orphaned systems were never fully commissioned. If your installer closed before obtaining Permission to Operate from the utility, your system may be physically installed but legally inert — producing power you cannot use or receive credits for.
Resolving this requires hiring a licensed contractor to complete the process:
- New or updated permits from the local building department (original inspection sign-offs may have expired)
- A full system inspection to verify NEC Article 690 compliance
- Remediation of any code violations found during inspection
- Submission of interconnection paperwork to the utility
This is one of the most expensive orphaned-system scenarios because it combines contractor costs, potential code remediation, permit fees, and the ongoing cost of paying full utility rates while the system sits idle.
State consumer protections
No federal legislation specifically addresses orphaned solar systems. State protections vary widely:
Nevada passed SB 379 (effective 2025), requiring solar contractors to maintain financial oversight, provide stronger customer disclosures, and meet minimum warranty requirements — 10 years for panel parts and labor, 7 years for inverters. Nevada's Contractors Board Recovery Fund has been available to homeowners but was nearly depleted by solar-related claims.
Florida operates a Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund that covers financial losses from licensed contractor violations, including solar. Claims require a final court judgment or arbitration award and are capped at $15,000 — low relative to typical solar system costs of $15,000–$30,000.
California requires solar providers to hold valid CSLB licenses and distribute a Solar Consumer Protection Guide at first contact. The CPUC acknowledges that providers "could go out of business during the contract period" but the state does not maintain a dedicated consumer recovery fund for solar.
New York gates incentive access through NYSERDA approval and relies on Attorney General enforcement for fraud cases.
For all states, file complaints with your state's contractor licensing board and consumer protection division. The FTC also accepts reports at ReportFraud.FTC.gov.
Documents to preserve
If your installer has just closed — or if you are concerned about its financial stability — immediately gather and preserve:
- Original signed contract and itemized invoice
- All payment receipts
- Equipment serial numbers and data sheets (photograph the labels on your roof and at your inverter)
- Permits and inspection sign-off records
- Utility interconnection and net metering agreement
- Manufacturer warranty registration confirmations
- Monitoring account credentials and production data exports
- All correspondence with the original installer
Equipment serial numbers are critical. Without them, filing manufacturer warranty claims becomes significantly harder. If you cannot safely access your roof, any licensed solar technician can document them during a site visit.
Before you buy: reducing orphaned-system risk
For homeowners who have not yet purchased solar:
- Verify the installer has been in business at least 3–5 years
- Confirm NABCEP certification and the correct state contractor license
- Ask what happens to your service contract if the company closes
- Verify the installer is bonded and insured (general liability, workers' compensation, professional liability)
- Register equipment warranties directly with manufacturers at installation — do not rely on the installer to do this
- Set up monitoring accounts under your own email address, not the installer's
- Consider purchasing a third-party O&M plan or extended warranty from an independent provider
- Keep copies of all installation documentation, permits, and warranty paperwork
Summary
| What you had | What survives | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Installer workmanship warranty | Lost entirely | File with state contractor board if within statute of limitations |
| Panel manufacturer warranty | Survives (parts only) | Contact manufacturer directly with serial numbers |
| Inverter manufacturer warranty | Survives (parts only) | Contact manufacturer directly with serial numbers |
| Battery warranty | Survives if independent manufacturer exists | Contact manufacturer; installer-branded batteries may have no recourse |
| Monitoring access | May require transfer | Contact equipment manufacturer for ownership transfer |
| Net metering agreement | Survives (tied to homeowner) | Verify with utility that paperwork is complete |
| Solar loan | Continues (you still owe) | Continue payments; consult attorney if fraud occurred |
| Lease or PPA | Transfers to acquiring company | Contact the leasing company or its successor |
The bottom line: your solar equipment is still under warranty. The parts are covered. What you have lost is the labor coverage and the convenience of a single point of contact. Replacing that means finding a manufacturer-certified installer, paying for labor out of pocket on warranty claims, and taking ownership of your monitoring and documentation. It is more work and more expensive than having an active installer relationship, but it is far from a total loss.
