Your solar installer went out of business. Now what?
If the company that installed your solar or battery system has closed, been sold, or simply stopped answering the phone, your system is what the industry calls orphaned. The panels on your roof are probably fine — what you lost is the company that was supposed to watch them, service them and file warranty claims when something fails.
That gap is expensive. A failed inverter or a tripped component can quietly stop production for months. Without monitoring, a failed system can go unnoticed for months — many homeowners only find out when the true-up bill lands at the end of the year.
The installer adopts orphaned systems
the licensed local installer takes over orphaned systems and becomes your new installer, whatever major brand you have and whoever put it on your roof. Adoption starts with understanding exactly what you own and what condition it is in:
- Full inspection. Panels, inverters, wiring and batteries are tested, and production is compared against what the system should be making.
- Repairs and replacement parts. Failed inverters, optimizers, wiring and other faults are repaired or replaced, with a clear price agreed before work starts.
- Monitoring reconnected. Your production is visible in the app again — and The installer checks every customer's system performance weekly, so the next problem is caught early.
- Warranty help. Panel and inverter warranties come from the manufacturer, not your old installer, so they usually still apply. The installer works with manufacturers on claims for you.
- Upgrades if you want them. Add panels or a battery while the system is being brought back up to speed — only if it makes sense for your home.
Signs your system may already need attention
The app stopped updating
No data usually means a communications fault — and no visibility if something bigger fails. See monitoring problems.
Your true-up bill jumped
A sudden spike often means the system under-produced for months without anyone noticing.
Error lights or codes
A red light on the inverter is the system asking for help. See inverter problems.
Not sure which brand you have, or whether parts are still covered? Start with who services my system, or just call — a conversation costs nothing.
Adoption questions
What does it cost to adopt my system?
It starts with an inspection. You get a clear explanation of what was found and a price for any repairs before any work is done.
Will my manufacturer warranty still work?
Usually, yes. Panel and inverter warranties come from the manufacturer, not the installer. The installer helps you file claims.
What brands do you service?
Most major brands, including Enphase, SolarEdge, Tesla and Qcells.
Paperwork that speeds things up (none of it is required)
If you can find any of these, great — if you cannot, the equipment labels on your roof and at your panel tell most of the story, and adoption can start without a single document.
Permission to operate (PTO)
The letter or email from your utility saying the system was approved to run. It confirms the system was properly permitted and interconnected.
Your original contract or invoice
Lists the equipment that was installed and any warranties or service promises that came with it.
Monitoring login
Even a login for an app you can no longer fully access helps — it identifies the monitoring account that needs transferring into your name.
What the adoption inspection covers
- Safety first. Wiring, disconnects, breakers and roof penetrations are checked for damage or work that was never finished properly.
- A real production test. The system is measured making power, not just assumed to be — and compared against what an array its size should produce.
- Monitoring reconnected. The system gets reporting again, into an account in your name.
- Warranty status, component by component. Panels, inverter and other parts are checked against their manufacturers' warranties — those warranties live with the manufacturers, not your old installer, and claims can still be filed.
- Findings and a price, in writing, before any work. You decide what gets fixed, and when, with the numbers in front of you.
What if your system is leased, or on a PPA?
This one matters, because the answer changes. If you lease your system or buy its power under a PPA, the equipment belongs to the leasing company — and service is normally that company's responsibility, even if your original installer is gone. Adoption on this page is for systems you own. Not sure which you have? If your monthly payment goes to a solar company rather than a bank or dealer loan, it is probably a lease or PPA, and your agreement names the owner. If the system is yours, the inspection above is the starting point.
Get help with your solar system
Prefer to talk? Call or text (626) 888-7237 (Mon–Sat, 6 AM–8:30 PM). Or send this form and the licensed local installer will get back to you.
Solar Rescue SoCal is an independent solar information and referral website. Service inquiries are referred to one licensed local installer, who performs all inspections, quoting and installation work.