What Happens If My Solar Company Goes Out of Business?

Quick Answer

If your solar company goes out of business, your equipment warranties remain valid with the manufacturers, but you lose your workmanship warranty and local service support — unless another company adopts your system.

The Abandoned Solar Crisis

This isn't a hypothetical concern. 75–80% of solar companies that existed 3 years ago are now out of business.

Major bankruptcies include:

- Freedom Forever (largest US residential installer)

- Partial SunRun issues

- Countless regional and fly-by-night companies

Many of these companies sold systems with no intention of providing long-term service. Install, collect payment, disappear.

What You Lose When Your Installer Disappears

❌ Workmanship Warranty

This covers installation quality — roof leaks, wiring issues, mounting problems. When the company is gone, this warranty is worthless.

❌ Local Service Support

No one to call when something goes wrong. No technician who knows your system.

❌ Warranty Claim Assistance

Good installers handle manufacturer warranty claims for you. Now you're on your own navigating the process.

What You Keep

✅ Equipment Manufacturer Warranties

- Enphase microinverters: 25 years

- Most panels: 25 years

- These warranties are with the manufacturer, not your installer

✅ The Physical System

It's yours. It doesn't stop working just because the company closed.

How to Handle an Orphaned System

For Inverter Issues (95% of Problems)

Good news: Enphase and SolarEdge have customer service lines and will help you.

1. Call the manufacturer directly

2. They'll troubleshoot remotely

3. If needed, they'll connect you with a certified local installer

4. Warranty replacements still honored

I get calls almost daily from Enphase referring orphaned customers who need service.

For Panel Issues

Less good news: Panel manufacturers are harder to reach and less helpful. This is why panel failures being extremely rare is actually good news.

Finding a New Service Provider

Look for companies that offer "adoption" programs for orphaned systems. They'll:

- Take over service responsibility

- Handle future warranty claims

- Eventually bring your system under their workmanship warranty

- Be your point of contact going forward

How to Protect Yourself BEFORE Installing

1. Choose an Established Company

- In business 5+ years

- Verifiable local presence

- Real office address (not a P.O. box)

2. Check Their Manufacturer Partnerships

Enphase Platinum Partners, for example, have demonstrated staying power. Enphase doesn't grant Platinum status to fly-by-night operations.

3. Verify Certifications

Ask for:

- State contractor license number (verify it's active)

- NABCEP certification

- Manufacturer certifications

4. Ask Hard Questions

- "How long have you been in business?"

- "What happens to my warranty if your company closes?"

- "Do you have a relationship with another company that would take over service?"

- "Can I talk to customers from 3–5 years ago?"

5. Prioritize Equipment Warranties

Even if your installer disappears, Enphase's 25-year warranty is with Enphase. SolarEdge's warranty is with SolarEdge.

Avoid off-brand inverters — if that manufacturer goes under or stops supporting old products, you're truly stuck.

Red Flags of a Company That Won't Last

🚩 Brand new company with aggressive growth claims

🚩 No physical office or verifiable address

🚩 Unusually low prices (no margin for long-term service)

🚩 High-pressure sales tactics

🚩 No presence on BBB or Google reviews

🚩 Won't provide contractor license number

🚩 Uses subcontractors for everything

If You Already Have an Orphaned System

You're not alone. There are options:

1. Contact equipment manufacturers — They maintain networks of certified installers

2. Search for local adoption programs — Some companies specifically serve orphaned systems

3. Get a system assessment — Have a reputable company evaluate your system's condition

4. Document everything — Keep all original contracts, permits, and receipts

Don't let a roofer or handyman work on your system. They can void remaining warranties and create safety issues. Always use a licensed solar contractor.