Navigating Solar Contractor Bankruptcy – What Happens What To Do When Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business
The US solar market has cooled from its rapid 2020-2022 growth levels, impacted by rising capital costs and uneven state-level landscapes. However, indicators point to regional resiliency and a commercial segment acting as a counterweight.
The solar industry is navigating turbulent waters, caught in the ebb and flow of regulatory shifts, economic volatility, and market saturation. Higher interest rates and policy changes have led to a spike in contractor bankruptcies and a plunge in proposal activities in states like California.
As per PV Magazine, the past year has seen a six-fold increase in residential solar installer bankruptcies compared to the last five years. This unsettling trend, coupled with a political climate that appears increasingly skeptical of residential solar, makes it crucial for consumers and businesses to stay informed and strategically agile.
This article will delve into the nuances of this evolving landscape and how consumers can deal with the potential of their installer going out of business.
If you have learned that your installer has become insolvent and your solar system has not yet been granted Permission To Operate (PTO), please follow the instructions below.
If your solar system has achieved PTO, Solar Insure’s new SolarDetect+ Program returns the support residential solar owners lack. Backed by long-term protection, the new warranty helps reestablish confidence for those abandoned in the solar ownership process.
Table of Contents
1. Check Your Inspection Status
Local government agencies are responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections to ensure the solar installation complies with building codes, safety regulations, and zoning requirements. Contact your city or county inspector and find out where you are with your inspection.
Inspections expire!
If yours is active, determine when the inspector can do the inspection. Let the inspector know that your installer has gone out of business.
You may also request copies of any inspection reports or records. This information can help you understand what work has been completed and inspected and any outstanding issues that need to be addressed.
If your inspection has expired, you must hire a new installer. Please go to the bottom of this page to the appropriate website for your manufacturer to find an installer in your area that can assist you in completing your solar installation. In addition, your lender can help you find an installer to finish the installation.
2. Contact Your Lender
If your solar installation was financed, you should notify your financing company about the solar installer’s bankruptcy. They may be able to guide the following steps and have partnerships with other solar contractors to help complete the project.
When reaching out, please have the information below ready:
Details of the solar installer: Include the name and contact information of the solar contractor that filed for bankruptcy and any relevant project or contract numbers.
Explanation of the situation: Clearly explain the current status of the solar installation, including the extent of work completed, any remaining tasks, and any issues or complications that have arisen due to the contractor’s bankruptcy.
Documentation: Share copies of any relevant documents, such as contracts, invoices, payment receipts, account numbers, and any correspondence with the solar contractor
Timeline: Mention any relevant dates, such as the expected completion date of the installation, the date you learned of the contractor’s bankruptcy, and any upcoming deadlines or milestones related to the project.
Please reference the below lender contacts to determine the finance company for your solar loan.
3. Call your Electric Company
You can move to the next phase if you have been inspected and passed the process. If your former installer has turned in your approved inspection report to your electric company, call your electric company and ask when they will be out for your net metering (NEM) appointment.
Electric companies have three ways they prepare you for NEM.
- Install a new meter.
- Reprogram your meter.
- Install a separate meter.
Ask the questions below.
When will you be able to prepare me for net metering?
When will I begin to be compensated for metering on the grid?
Do I need to sign up for a buyback program, or am I automatically enrolled?
Utility companies are typically involved in the final stages of solar installation, including granting permission to operate (PTO) and connecting the solar system to the grid.
This proactive communication can also help prevent potential issues or delays related to the solar installation, interconnection, and potential impact on incentives or deadlines.
4. Monitor Your System
Once your NEM has been set, you must begin monitoring your system.
Monitoring is essential. At this stage, you will have already sought out an installer to take over the maintenance of your system. The new installer will help you with maintenance and warranty issues and can answer questions about monitoring.
Regularly review your system’s performance data to ensure it generates electricity as expected. Monitor key performance metrics such as energy production, system efficiency, and error or warning messages.
Below, you will find phone numbers and websites to assist you with monitoring your solar system.
5. Solar Companies That Have Gone Out of Business
The solar contractor bankruptcy complete list can be found here.
ASA – American Solar Advantage
Code Green Solar
Erus Energy
GCI Solar
Green Nrg
Gulf South Solar
Harness Power
Kuubix Energy
Moxie Solar
New Mexico Solar
Peterson Dean Solar
Pink Energy
Saveco Solar
Solar Advantage
Solar Electrical Systems
Solar Is Freedom
Solar Spectrum
Contacts
Lenders
Dividend Finance
Website: https://www.dividendfinance.com/
Customer Service: (844) 805-7100
Mosaic
Website: https://joinmosaic.com/
Customer Service: (855) 746-7849
Goodleap
Website: https://www.goodleap.com
Customer Service: (844) 562-6725
Sunlight Financial
Website: https://sunlightfinancial.com/
Customer Service: (888) 850-3359
Sungage Financial
Website: https://www.sungagefinancial.com/
Customer Service: (844) SUN-LOAN (786-5626)
EnerBank USA
Website: https://www.enerbank.com/
Customer Service: (866) 405-7600
Manufacturers
Find An Enphase Installer Link Connect Envoy to Wifi
Enphase Customer Service 877-797-4743
Connect SolarEdge Inverter to Wifi
SolarEdge Customer Service 510-498-3200
We hope this information and list of solar contractor bankruptcies has been helpful in getting you through this difficult time. You will find that many installers are welcoming and willing to help.