If your solar company has gone out of business, don’t worry. You don’t need a whole new solar system. Solar Medix can inspect your system, make repairs, restore monitoring, help with warranty claims, and keep your panels running properly. The best thing to do is have your system checked so you know exactly what it needs.
We hear this more often now:
“My solar installer went bankrupt. What happens to my system?”
It is a horrible feeling.
You paid for solar because you wanted lower bills, more control, and a system that would work for years. Then one day the company that installed it stops answering. The phone number does not work. The website is gone. Your monitoring app is not updating.
Or worse, the system is down, and nobody from the original installer is there to help.
Even Harvard Business School reported in June 2026 that roughly 100 US solar companies had filed for bankruptcy protection since 2023 due to higher interest rates, financing pressure, and a weaker residential solar market.
That is what it means to be a solar orphan. If this has happened to you, you are not the only one. It is becoming a real problem for homeowners across the country.
Your Solar Panels May Still Be Running, But Who Is Looking After Them?
A solar system is not something you install once and forget forever. Yes, panels are built to last. Yes, many systems keep working after the original installer disappears. But your solar system is more than panels on a roof.
It includes the wiring, inverter, monitoring system, roof mounting hardware, communication devices, and electrical connections. Together, these parts capture sunlight, convert it into electricity, and deliver usable power to your home.
So the real question is not only: “Are my panels still there?”
The better question is: “Is anyone checking whether my system is still safe, connected, and producing what it should?”
That is where many homeowners get stuck.
What Is A Solar Orphan?
A solar orphan is a homeowner whose original solar installer is no longer available to support their system.
That can happen when the installer:
- Goes out of business
- Files for bankruptcy
- Merges with another company
- Stops taking service calls
- Stops supporting older systems
- Leaves the state or local market
- Stops responding after installation
You may still have panels on the roof. You may still have a loan, lease, or power purchase agreement. You may still have manufacturer warranties.
But the company that was meant to help with service, repairs, monitoring, and warranty claims is gone.
That is a solar orphan. At Solar Medix, we usually hear it like this:
“My installer disappeared.”
“My app stopped working.”
“My inverter has an error and I do not know who to call.”
“My roof needs work, but the solar company is gone.”
If that sounds like your situation, you are not stuck forever. You just need the right support.
How Homeowners Become Solar Orphans
Most homeowners do not wake up one morning and know they are a solar orphan. It usually starts with something small. Maybe the app stops updating. Maybe the electric bill looks wrong. Maybe a roof leak appears near the solar array. Maybe the inverter shows a fault code.
Then you try to contact the installer and realise nobody is there. The most common paths are:
- The installer shuts down
This is the clearest one. The company closes, files for bankruptcy or stops operating. - The installer still exists, but no longer services your system
Some companies focus on selling new systems, not repairing older ones. That leaves past customers chasing help. - The system has too many parties involved
There may be an installer, a finance company, a manufacturer, a monitoring platform, and subcontractors. When something goes wrong, it can feel like everyone points somewhere else.
That is why we treat orphaned systems differently.
The first job is not to sell you something new. It is to find out what you already have, what still works, and what needs attention.
Signs Your Original Solar Installer Is No Longer Supporting You
You may be a solar orphan if:
- Your installer’s phone number is disconnected
- Emails bounce back
- Their website is down
- Your monitoring app has stopped showing production
- Nobody responds to service requests
- You cannot access your installer portal
- The manufacturer tells you to call your installer, but your installer is gone
- You are still paying for the system, but nobody is servicing it
- You had roof or inverter issues and could not get clear help
Silence is usually the biggest warning sign. If nobody is checking the system, you may not know there is a problem until your utility bill tells you.
What Happens When Your Solar Installer Closes?
First, your system does not automatically stop working because the installer closed. That part is important.
Panels do not know the company went out of business. If the equipment is healthy and connected, the system may keep producing.
But you do lose your support path. And that matters.
Does Your Solar System Keep Working?
In many cases, yes. If the panels, inverter, wiring, and grid connection are still working, the system may keep producing power. But “working” and “working properly” are not the same thing.
We have inspected systems that were still producing, but had hidden problems. One part of the array was underperforming. Monitoring was offline. Wiring had wear. Critters had caused damage under the panels. The homeowner had no idea because the app either looked normal or was not reporting at all.
That is why a solar orphan inspection matters.
You need someone to check the system, not just guess from the app.
Is Your Solar System Still Safe To Run?
Maybe. But it should be checked before anyone gives you a confident answer.
Solar systems are electrical systems. If there has been storm damage, roof work, water intrusion, animal damage, loose wiring, inverter faults, or a burnt smell near equipment, do not ignore it.
At Solar Medix, we do not try to scare homeowners. That is not how we work. We look at what is actually happening.
Our solar O&M work includes system performance monitoring, preventive inspections, inverter diagnostics, panel performance checks, warranty coordination, and corrective maintenance. That matters because an orphaned system often needs more than a quick look from the ground.
What Happens To Your Monitoring App?
This is one of the most common orphan issues. The app stops updating, and the homeowner thinks the whole system has failed. Sometimes that is true.
Sometimes the system is still producing, but the monitoring connection has dropped. It could be an internet issue, gateway issue, inverter communication issue, or an account access issue linked to the old installer.
Your app is not the same thing as your system. It is the window into the system.
If the window goes black, the system may still be working, but you still need someone to check.
Solar Medix offers residential solar monitoring with 24/7 monitoring options and investigation response support, which helps homeowners see what their system is actually doing instead of waiting for a surprise bill.
Hidden Risks Of An Unchecked Solar System
Most solar problems do not start as a huge failure. They start quietly. A small drop in production. A panel not reporting. A loose connection. An inverter fault. A squirrel problem under the panels. A roof issue after work was done around the array.
Then months pass.
The homeowner keeps paying the loan or lease, but the system is not giving back what it should.
That is why we always tell homeowners the same thing: Do not wait until the system is fully down.
If your original installer is gone, get a baseline inspection. Find out where things stand now.
Do Your Solar Warranties Still Apply?
This is where it gets confusing. And honestly, we understand why. Solar warranties can sound simple when the system is being sold. Then something breaks, the installer is gone, and suddenly everyone is using different terms.
- Equipment warranty.
- Workmanship warranty.
- Manufacturer warranty.
- Labour. RMA.
Let’s make it simple.
Equipment Warranty vs Workmanship Warranty
Most solar systems have two main types of warranty.
Equipment warranty
This usually covers parts like panels, inverters, optimisers, batteries or monitoring equipment. These warranties are usually backed by the manufacturer.
Workmanship warranty
This covers the work done during installation. That can include mounting, wiring, roof penetrations and general installation labour.
If your installer closes, your workmanship warranty may be hard or impossible to use because the company that promised it is no longer there.
But your equipment warranty may still apply if the manufacturer is still operating and the part is within its warranty period.
The FTC advises homeowners to check what warranties apply to the panels, inverter, and installation work because they are not all the same.
Does The Manufacturer Warranty Still Apply If The Installer Closed?
Often, yes. But it is not automatic. The manufacturer may need proof that the part has failed. That can include testing, error codes, photos, serial numbers, production data, and technician notes.
This is where a lot of homeowners feel stuck. The manufacturer may say, “Contact your installer.”
But your installer is gone.
That is exactly why Solar Medix helps with warranty replacement and RMA support. We understand that manufacturers do not simply hand over a new component on request. There are troubleshooting steps, and in many cases a qualified service technician needs to be involved. And that’s the very reason we are here to help you.
How Warranty Replacement Claims Work
An RMA means Return Merchandise Authorisation. That is the manufacturer’s process for approving a faulty part for replacement, repair or return.
Here is what it usually looks like at Solar Medix:
- We inspect the issue
- We confirm which component may have failed
- We check the model and serial number
- We review the likely warranty path
- We collect the details the manufacturer needs
- We submit or assist with the RMA request
- Once approved, the replacement process begins
- The system is tested again after the part is replaced
Solar Medix has built relationships with many manufacturers and can often contact them directly to process RMA requests. That can save the homeowner a lot of calls, confusion, and waiting around.
What Happens To Your Solar Lease Or Loan?
This is separate from the installer. If you financed your system, leased it, or signed a power purchase agreement, the payment agreement may continue even if the installer is gone.
That surprises a lot of homeowners.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that buying, leasing, and signing a power purchase agreement (PPA) all come with different responsibilities. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also notes that residential solar financing includes loans and leases, and that solar-specific loan structures can be complex.
So do not assume payments stop because the installer shut down.
Before making decisions, check your paperwork and speak with the finance company. Then get the system inspected so you know whether it is producing properly while you are still paying for it.
Who Can Service Your Solar System Now?
This is usually the big question. “My installer is gone. Who do I call now?” The answer is: a qualified solar service company that works on systems installed by other companies. That is exactly the type of work we do at Solar Medix.
Can Another Solar Company Service Your System?
Yes. A qualified solar service company can usually inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and support a system they did not originally install.
That does not mean they take over the old installer’s workmanship warranty. In most cases, they cannot honour a warranty from a company that no longer exists.
But they can help you understand:
- Whether the system is producing
- Whether monitoring is working
- Whether a part has failed
- Whether a manufacturer warranty may still apply
- Whether there are roof, wiring, or critter issues
- What needs to happen next
That is why we started Solar Medix. We wanted to help homeowners when something goes wrong after their solar system is installed. Whether it’s low energy production, monitoring problems, critter damage, or a roof leak, we’re here to find the problem and fix it.
With more than 17 years of experience, over 4,800 completed projects, and 14 certified technicians, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners get their systems back on track.
That experience matters when the original installer is gone.
Should You Call The Manufacturer, A Large Installer Or An Independent Solar Service Company?
You can call the manufacturer first if you already know which part failed. Most homeowners do not. They may only know the app is blank, the inverter has a red light, or the bill looks wrong.
That is not enough to file a proper warranty claim.
A large installer may be able to help, but many larger solar companies are built around new installations first. Service can be slower, especially if they did not install the system.
An independent solar service company is often the better first step when:
- The original installer went out of business
- You need troubleshooting
- Monitoring is offline
- The inverter has an error
- You need help with a warranty claim
- Panels need to be removed for roof work
- You want someone to inspect before selling you anything
We are not there to tell every homeowner they need a new system. Most of the time, the better question is:
What can be fixed?
What To Look For In A Solar Orphan Service Provider
Look for a company that understands the full situation. Not just panels. Not just cleaning. Not just sales. You want someone who can help with:
- System inspections
- Production checks
- Inverter diagnostics
- Monitoring repair
- Warranty and RMA support
- Roof-related solar removal and reinstallation
- Critter damage checks
- Wiring and connection issues
- Clear reports
- Real communication
Also check that they service your area.
Solar Medix provides solar maintenance services across multiple locations in New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts, including Freehold, NJ; New Windsor, NY; Cypress, TX; and Southborough, MA.
What To Do First If Your Solar Installer Has Disappeared
If your installer has gone quiet, do not start by tearing the system apart. Start simple.
Step 1: Check Whether Your System Is Still Producing
Open your monitoring app, if you have access. Look for:
- Today’s production
- Last week’s production
- Last month’s production
- Any sudden drop to zero
- Any communication error
- Any inverter fault message
Then check your utility bill. If your bill has jumped and your app is not showing normal production, something needs checking.
If the app is offline, do not assume the whole system is dead. It may be a monitoring issue, not a production issue.
Step 2: Gather Your Solar System Documents
Find whatever you have. This may include:
- Original contract
- Panel brand and model
- Inverter brand and model
- Monitoring login details
- System design
- Interconnection paperwork
- Lease, loan or PPA documents
- Warranty documents
- Past service records
If you do not have everything, that is okay. We can still inspect the system, but documents help speed things up.
Step 3: Check Your Manufacturer Warranty
Look at the equipment brands. You want to know:
- Who made the panels?
- Who made the inverter?
- Is there a battery?
- Is there a monitoring device?
- What are the serial numbers?
- Is the failed part still under warranty?
- What does the manufacturer need before approving a replacement?
If this feels like a lot, that is because it is. Most homeowners were never taught how to manage this side of solar. That is why Solar Medix exists.
Step 4: Book A Solar Orphan System Inspection
This is the step that gives you answers. A proper inspection should check:
- System production
- Inverter status
- Monitoring connection
- Visible roof and panel condition
- Wiring and connections where accessible
- Signs of critter damage
- Error codes
- Warranty replacement options
- Safety concerns
- Next repair steps
One homeowner came to us after having a bad experience with another installation company. The panels had to be removed, and the roof had to be redone. They were unsure about reinstalling the panels at all. After speaking with the Solar Medix team and seeing how the removal work was handled, they felt comfortable moving ahead.
Later, they said they were happy with the results after Solar Medix reinstalled the system and corrected problems created by the previous company.
That is the kind of work that does not show up in a product brochure. It shows up when there is a real problem on a real home.
How Solar Medix Helps Solar Orphans
Solar Medix is a solar maintenance and service company. That matters because orphaned homeowners usually do not need another sales pitch.
You need answers. You need someone to check the system, explain what is wrong, help with warranties where possible, and get the monitoring back online if it can be restored.
Solar Orphan System Inspections
We start by looking at the system you already have. Not what the old installer promised. Not what the app may or may not be showing.
The actual system on the roof.
That inspection helps us understand whether the system is producing, whether there are visible issues, whether the inverter is reporting correctly, whether monitoring is connected, and what needs attention.
Sometimes the fix is simple. Sometimes there is a bigger issue. Either way, you get a clearer answer.
Warranty Replacement And RMA Assistance
If a component has failed, we help work through the warranty path where possible. That may involve:
- Inverter replacement
- Optimiser issues
- Panel warranty questions
- Monitoring equipment problems
- Manufacturer troubleshooting
- RMA paperwork and follow-up
We can contact most manufacturers directly and help manage incoming and outgoing products during the replacement process. That matters because homeowners should not have to learn manufacturer claim language just to get their system working again.
Solar Monitoring Restoration
Solar monitoring lets you see how your system is performing. If it stops working, you may not realise there’s a problem until your power bill increases. We restore, repair, and set up solar monitoring so you can track your system with confidence and know it’s performing as it should.
Support For Leased, Financed And Owned Systems
We work with homeowners in different situations. Some own their system outright. Some have a loan. Some have a lease or PPA.
Each one needs to be handled carefully. The equipment, payment contract, warranty rights, and service responsibility may not all sit in the same place.
So we inspect the system first, then help you understand the practical next step.
Solar Orphan Support Across New Jersey, New York, Texas And Massachusetts
Solar Medix supports solar maintenance customers across New Jersey, New York, Texas and Massachusetts.
We know the orphan problem can look different in each market.
In New Jersey and New York, we often see older systems, roof coordination issues, monitoring dropouts and warranty questions.
In Texas, we often see heat, storm exposure, inverter issues and homeowners who need faster answers when the system goes down.
In Massachusetts, monitoring, snow, roof access and system age can all play a role.
The state may change. The feeling is usually the same.
“My installer is gone. I need someone to help me figure this out.”
And that is where Solar Medix shines.
Your Installer May Be Gone, But Your Solar System Still Has Options
If your solar company went out of business, do not wait until the system fully fails.
Check the app.
Look at your bill.
Gather your documents.
Then book an inspection with a solar service company that works on orphaned systems.
At Solar Medix, we help homeowners pick up where the original installer left off. We inspect systems, restore monitoring where possible, help with warranty replacement claims, and repair what can be repaired.
Your original installer may be gone. Your solar investment does not have to be.
FAQs
What is a solar orphan?
A solar orphan is a homeowner whose original solar installer is no longer available to service, monitor, or support their solar system. This can happen when the installer closes, files for bankruptcy, merges, stops taking service calls, or stops supporting older systems.
How do I know if I am a solar orphan?
You may be a solar orphan if your installer does not answer calls, their website is down, emails bounce back, your monitoring app has stopped updating, or nobody from the original company will inspect or repair your system.
Does my solar warranty still apply if my installer went out of business?
Your manufacturer warranty may still apply if the part is still within warranty and the manufacturer is still operating. Your workmanship warranty is different. If that warranty came from the installer and the installer is gone, it may be difficult or impossible to use.
What is the difference between an equipment warranty and a workmanship warranty?
An equipment warranty covers parts like panels, inverters, batteries, optimisers and monitoring devices. A workmanship warranty covers the installation labour, such as mounting, wiring, roof penetrations and how the system was installed.
Can another solar company service my system if my original installer closed?
Yes. A qualified solar service company can inspect, troubleshoot, repair and support a system installed by another company. They may not take over the old workmanship warranty, but they can help with repairs, monitoring and manufacturer warranty claims.
My solar monitoring app stopped working. What should I do?
First, check whether your system is still producing. If the app is blank or not updating, the issue could be the monitoring device, internet connection, inverter communication, or the system itself. Book a monitoring inspection so someone can confirm the real issue.
Is my solar system safe to run without professional monitoring?
It may be safe, but you should not assume. Without monitoring, you may miss inverter faults, production drops, wiring issues, critter damage, or other problems. A professional inspection gives you a clearer answer.
What is a manufacturer RMA claim?
An RMA claim is a Return Merchandise Authorisation. It is the process used when a manufacturer reviews and approves a faulty part for replacement, repair or return. A technician may need to inspect and document the issue before the claim is approved.
What happens to my solar lease or loan if my installer shuts down?
Your lease or loan usually continues because it is a separate finance contract. Review your paperwork and contact the finance company. Then have the system inspected so you know whether it is producing properly while you are still making payments.
Does Solar Medix service solar orphan systems in New Jersey, New York and Texas?
Yes. Solar Medix supports solar orphan homeowners in New Jersey, New York and Texas. Solar Medix also lists Massachusetts as a service location, so homeowners in that area can contact the team to check available support.
