Last Updated: June 2025
If your solar installer is out of business (or just won’t call you back), you’re not alone. Across New Jersey, more homeowners are getting stuck with an “orphan” solar system: the panels are on the roof, but there’s no support, no answers, and sometimes no production.
The good news: you’re not stuck. A solar system can be taken over and supported by a qualified service team—often without replacing everything.
This guide walks you through what to do next, what to avoid, and how a takeover typically works.
Step 1: Figure out what kind of problem you actually have
There are two very different scenarios that feel the same to homeowners:
Scenario A: Your system is producing, but you can’t see it
This is often a monitoring issue, not a solar failure:
- new Wi-Fi router/password
- dead gateway/cellular modem
- app login/ownership not transferred
- platform shutoff after installer disappeared
Scenario B: Your system isn’t producing (or is underproducing)
This could be:
- inverter failure
- optimizer/microinverter issues
- tripped breaker/disconnect
- wiring/conduit damage
- critter damage under the array
- grid/utility fault events
The fastest way forward is a proper diagnostic—not guesswork.
Step 2: Do these 5 quick checks before you call anyone
You can save time (and money) by collecting basic info first.
1) Check your inverter lights
- Green/normal = likely producing
- Red/fault = needs service
- No lights = power issue or shutdown
Take a photo of the inverter label and any error screen.
2) Check your monitoring app
Look for:
- today’s production
- missing days
- alerts
- last communication time
If you can’t log in, note which platform you used (SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, etc.).
3) Check your breakers/disconnects
A tripped breaker after storm work, electrical work, or roofing is common.
4) Walk the property (don’t touch wiring)
Look for:
- nests/debris under panels
- exposed conduit
- obvious damage from storms or trees
5) Find any paperwork you have
If you have it, grab:
- original contract
- equipment list
- permit paperwork
- interconnection/PTO email
- monitoring account email
Don’t worry if you have none—service teams can still identify most systems.
Step 3: Know what “takeover” really means
A solar system takeover is basically:
“We become your new service provider and get control, visibility, and performance back.”
A proper takeover usually includes:
- identifying system equipment and architecture
- restoring monitoring access (or rebuilding it)
- diagnosing production issues
- coordinating repair options (including warranty support where possible)
- documenting system health and next steps
- offering ongoing service support going forward
This is why it’s different from a one-off repair: you’re re-establishing a stable support path.
Common reasons orphan systems fail (NJ reality)
If your installer vanished and now your system is acting up, these are the most common root causes:
1) Inverter or component failure
Inverters are the most common failure point in many systems.
2) Critter damage
Squirrels and rodents chewing wiring is extremely common in NJ and can cause intermittent faults or shutdowns.
3) Monitoring/communications failure
The system may be fine—but you have no visibility.
4) Roof or weather impact
Storm damage, roof leaks, or water intrusion can affect wiring and connections.
5) Partial system outage
One string/section down can cut production significantly without “total failure.”
Mistakes homeowners make (avoid these)
Don’t assume it’s “normal” to have rising bills
If your solar savings disappear, something changed. Diagnose it.
Don’t ignore alerts for months
Many systems limp along underproducing quietly.
Don’t let a random electrician “guess”
Solar troubleshooting is specialized. A general electrician can accidentally create bigger issues.
Don’t detach/reset solar during roof work without a plan
If you have a roof job coming, coordinate it properly—or you can end up with long downtime and extra cost.
What to expect from a solar diagnostic visit
If you call SolarMe (or any serious service provider), a real diagnostic should result in:
- clear identification of what you have
- a breakdown of what’s wrong (production vs monitoring vs both)
- repair options (with a recommendation)
- timeline and expectations
- confirmation of monitoring after the work is complete
That’s what gets you out of the “mystery problem” loop.
When a takeover leads to an upgrade (and why that can be smart)
Sometimes the best move is not just “fix it” but fix + improve. A takeover is often the perfect time to consider:
- battery backup
- critter guard installation (prevention)
- inverter upgrades
- repower/retrofit (for older systems)
- removal & reinstall during roof replacement
We’ll always start with the simplest path first—but if the system is near end-of-life, we’ll tell you plainly.
How SolarMe helps orphan system owners
SolarMe supports homeowners with systems we didn’t install—because that’s the reality of the market now.
We can help you:
- regain monitoring access
- restore production
- repair wiring/inverter issues
- prevent repeat issues (like critter damage)
- coordinate roof + solar projects cleanly
- create a reliable service plan going forward
Ready to take control of your solar system again?
If your installer is out of business or unresponsive, don’t wait until you’ve lost months of savings.
Schedule a takeover diagnostic and we’ll quickly confirm:
- whether your system is producing
- what’s actually wrong (if anything)
- what it will take to get you back to full performance
