My Solar Installer Went Out of Business. Who Can Repair My System in the Bay Area?

If your solar installer closed, you can still have the system assessed and, in many cases, repaired by another qualified contractor. Here is your roadmap to taking back control.

Start by identifying who owns the system, what equipment was installed, whether it is actually producing electricity, and which warranties apply to each component.

A manufacturer warranty, an installer workmanship warranty, monitoring access and a service agreement are separate matters. The right next step is a diagnosis of the existing system, followed by a written repair and warranty path—not an automatic replacement proposal.

First, is the solar system actually working?

Losing contact with the installer can feel like losing control of the system. But an installer closing and a solar system failing are different events. Likewise, a blank monitoring app is not proof that the panels stopped producing. A changed Wi-Fi password, disconnected gateway or failed communications device can interrupt reporting while the electrical system continues to operate.

If there is visible damage, water intrusion, burning smell or an electrical safety concern, keep clear of the equipment and seek qualified help promptly.

Who is responsible when the original installer is gone?

The answer depends on the specific obligation, not merely the name on the original proposal.

Question	Where to look first	What to verify
Who owns the system?	Purchase, loan, lease or PPA agreement	If a third party owns it, identify its current service contact before authorizing outside work.
Is a component defective?	Manufacturer warranty for the exact model and serial number	Term, registration, exclusions, claims procedure, parts and labor coverage.
Was the installation work faulty?	Installer workmanship and roof-penetration warranty	Whether the original company or any successor is still responsible and how a claim can be made.
Who controls monitoring?	App account and equipment-maker support	Whether the homeowner can regain access or transfer site administration to a new service provider.
Who pays for diagnosis and replacement labor?	Warranty, service agreement and proposed repair scope	A covered replacement part does not automatically mean free site work. Get the scope and charges in writing.

The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to read the written warranty for its actual coverage, exclusions, claims process, labor and shipping terms. There is no universal answer for all solar brands or contracts.

Manufacturer Support Routes

Some manufacturers provide a route even when an installer has closed:

• SolarEdge: Directs owners to review the inverter warranty and find a new installer. Their site-transfer process allows eligible owners to request monitoring administration for a new installer.

• Enphase: Provides a specific homeowner support route.

  
  

The process and eligibility still depend on the equipment and account.

What can a new solar contractor do?

A contractor familiar with the installed equipment can inspect and test the system, determine whether monitoring and electrical production disagree, identify fault codes, document component and site conditions, and prepare a repair scope.

This prevents a functioning array from being treated as a total replacement project because its app went offline. It also prevents a battery from being proposed as a cure for an unresolved solar fault.

What should I send before the first assessment?

The most useful initial packet is small:

• Your address or ZIP code

• The original installer's name

• Whether you purchased or use a lease/PPA

• Inverter and monitoring brands

• A photo of any fault code & recent production screenshot

• A recent PG&E bill (if the concern is a higher bill or true-up)

Do not worry if the original paperwork is incomplete. The first assessment can identify the system and specify what records still need to be recovered. Tell the contractor whether your immediate concern is no production, uncertain production, loss of monitoring, a roof issue, or a planned upgrade.

Can Maelo assess a system it did not install?

Yes. Maelo's Repairs & Retrofits service diagnoses and repairs many existing Bay Area home solar systems, including systems installed by other companies. Its approach is to diagnose before recommending replacement. Whether a particular repair or warranty claim is feasible depends on equipment access, parts, manufacturer support and site conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with an orphaned solar system?

Request an orphaned-system assessment today. Include your equipment brand, original installer's name, and ZIP code so we can determine the appropriate diagnostic next step.

Request System Assessment

✓ CA Licensed Contractor #1148834 | Serving the San Francisco Bay Area.