Over the last decade, millions of homeowners installed solar. But not every solar company survived.
If your installer went out of business—or simply stopped responding—you may be left with questions like:
- Who services my system now?
- Are my warranties still valid?
- What happens if something breaks?
- Can I upgrade or add a battery later?
While the company may be gone, the system is still yours. And in most cases, there are clear paths forward once you understand how existing systems are handled.
You’re Not the Only One in This Situation
The solar industry grew quickly, and not every installer was built to last. Changes in incentives, financing structures, and operating costs caused many companies to shut down or consolidate.
For homeowners, this often means the system itself is fine, but the original point of contact no longer exists. That’s a common situation, especially for systems installed five or more years ago.
What Actually Changes When an Installer Is Gone
Your panels don’t stop working just because the installer disappears. However, support gaps can show up over time.
Service and Repairs
If something fails—such as an inverter, wiring component, or monitoring device—there’s no longer a company automatically responsible for diagnosing or fixing the issue.
Monitoring Access
Some systems rely on installer-managed monitoring portals. When access is lost, homeowners may not realize their system isn’t producing at full capacity.
Warranty Confusion
Most homeowners aren’t sure which warranties still apply or how to use them without the original installer acting as the intermediary.
Are My Solar Warranties Still Valid?
In many cases, yes.
Manufacturer Equipment Warranties
Panels, inverters, and batteries usually come with manufacturer-backed warranties. These warranties are tied to the equipment itself, not the installer, and often last 10–25 years depending on the component.
Claims can typically still be filed, though the process may require a qualified solar service provider to diagnose and document the issue.
Workmanship Warranties
Labor or workmanship warranties were usually provided by the installer. If that company no longer exists, those warranties typically end with it.
This doesn’t mean your system is unserviceable—it simply means repairs may no longer be covered under the original agreement.
Can Another Company Service My Existing Solar System?
Yes, but not all companies choose to do so.
If you find yourself in this situation and need help, we can step in and take care of it. You’re welcome to reach out anytime—call us at (844) 647-0401 or request a call back, and we’ll walk you through next steps.
Servicing an existing system requires experience with:
- Multiple panel and inverter brands
- Older system designs
- Manufacturer warranty procedures
- Diagnosing systems without original installation records
Homeowners often need a company that specializes in service, diagnostics, and system takeovers—not just new installations.
Common Issues That Show Up Over Time
Even well-installed solar systems can develop problems after years of operation. Some of the most common include:
- Inverter failure or reduced efficiency
- Monitoring or communication dropouts
- Individual panels underperforming
- Electrical components aging or failing
- Roof penetrations needing resealing
These issues are usually solvable once the system is properly evaluated.
Can I Upgrade or Add to My Existing System?
In many cases, yes.
Homeowners with older systems often look into:
- Adding battery storage for backup power
- Replacing aging inverters
- Improving system monitoring
- Expanding panel capacity to cover increased electric use
Whether upgrades are possible depends on your existing equipment, electrical setup, and local regulations. A system review can clarify what makes sense and what doesn’t.
Repair, Upgrade, or Replace: How to Think About the Decision
The right path depends on a few key factors:
- The age of the system
- The condition of major components
- How well the system meets your current and future energy needs
Some systems only need minor repairs. Others benefit from partial upgrades. In some cases, replacement may be the most practical option—but that decision should be based on clear information, not assumptions.
Practical Next Steps for Homeowners
If your installer is no longer available, a few steps can help bring clarity:
- Gather any documentation you have, including equipment models or monitoring apps
- Check whether your system is currently producing electricity as expected
- Have the system evaluated by a qualified solar service provider like our team at Solar Me.
The goal is to understand what you have, how it’s performing, and what options exist going forward.
Getting Help With an Existing Solar System
If you’d like help reviewing your solar system, understanding its condition, or exploring repair or upgrade options, you can schedule a consultation here.
This is often the simplest way to get clear answers about what’s working, what isn’t, and what steps—if any—make sense next.
