Solar contractors service arrays after original installers shutter

If your solar panels were installed by a company that has since gone out of business, you're not stuck. Some homeowners end up with "orphaned" systems when their original installer shuts down, leaving no one to fix faulty parts, finish setup, or honor warranties. A number of solar contractors have started taking on these customers as outside clients, even though they had no hand in the original install.

Two examples: Atma Energy in San Antonio, Texas, and Green Power Energy in Annandale, New Jersey, both began accepting orphaned systems in the past few years as inquiries picked up. They offer phone troubleshooting and, if needed, send a technician to inspect the array, fix faulty equipment, complete unfinished commissioning (the final steps that get a system officially up and running), or help homeowners work through warranty claims. In some cases, issues can be resolved entirely over the phone at no cost. Green Power Energy also offers an annual check-up plan that reviews how the system is performing and helps homeowners understand what to look for on their utility bills.

This kind of service is becoming more common as market conditions push some installers out of business. If your system's original installer is no longer around, it's worth checking whether another local solar contractor offers this kind of outside maintenance or repair support, since availability and offerings can vary by company and location.