Fixing Solar Orphans After Solar Closures
- Team GreenLancer
- May 15
- 5 min read
The solar energy industry has grown very quickly over the last several years, but some installers couldn’t scale up the way they planned. Numerous solar energy installation companies have gone bankrupt or shut down their operations for various reasons. Some of these companies were quite large and operated in numerous states, like ADT Solar, SunPower, and Pink Energy.
Solar closures or bankruptcies can leave homeowners with systems that aren’t connected properly, lack the necessary permits, or are simply not functioning as expected. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re still paying off a solar loan while your system isn’t reducing your electricity bills. Sadly, some of these solar orphans aren’t generating any power at all, making it difficult to enjoy the benefits of going solar.
But while this situation is a big issue, it also opens up opportunities for reliable solar providers to step in. Some financiers are even required to ensure these systems are fixed and operational, leading to new partnerships to get these solar arrays back online. For homeowners dealing with these issues, connecting with a qualified solar provider like GreenLancer can be the best path forward to finally get the clean energy benefits they expected from their investment.
GreenLancer solar maintenance services are available in over 30 states and growing as the need arises. Our skilled network of solar installers can quickly pinpoint PV system issues and complete repairs. Contact GreenLancer to get started.
Contact GreenLancer at (866) 403-0925 to get started or complete the form below.
Why Solar Closures Are Creating Solar Orphans: Impact for Homeowners
The rise in solar closures stems from several industry-wide problems:
Companies scaling too fast without proper operational or customer support infrastructure
Competitive pricing models that undercut margins and stress cash flow
Aggressive warranty promises that become financially unsustainable
When these businesses run out of funding, they often shut down abruptly, leaving behind abandoned solar panels, unfulfilled warranties, and homeowners with no support.
A well-known example is Pink Energy, which expanded rapidly across multiple states but ultimately filed for bankruptcy after struggling with poor service outcomes and internal mismanagement. Their closure stranded thousands of customers with orphaned solar systems—in many cases, systems that were either never connected, never permitted, or never fully operational.
These closures don’t just impact businesses. They create long-term frustrations for homeowners who expected decades of clean energy savings. Now, they’re left searching for new service providers, navigating incomplete paperwork, and often paying out-of-pocket for repairs or reinstallation.
Repairing and Restoring Abandoned Solar Systems
If your solar company has shut down, you may be dealing with multiple challenges—especially if the installer was responsible for long-term service. Here are some of the most common problems that come with solar orphans, and what you can do to address them.
Getting Solar Permits & Passing Inspection
Solar closures can cause incomplete paperwork, permits, or inspections. This can be a big hassle because your local jurisdiction may require certain checks before your system is fully approved.
Without the original installer to fix things or answer questions, you might have to hire a new solar company just to handle what was left behind with your solar orphan. These new companies often charge extra, especially if they need to fix code violations, such as grounding or wiring issues.
Dealing With Broken Solar Equipment
When a solar inverter or other component fails, the typical response is to contact your installer. But if they’ve gone out of business, you’re left identifying and resolving the issue on your own. Worse, many labor warranties become void when the installer shuts down, meaning you may have to pay for diagnostic visits, troubleshooting, and repairs yourself.
Some equipment warranties—such as those offered by inverter or panel manufacturers—may still apply. But these usually don’t cover labor or reinstallation. That’s where a third-party service provider like GreenLancer comes in. We specialize in diagnosing and repairing solar orphans, handling everything from inverter replacement and monitoring issues to damaged modules and production losses.
Adding More Solar Panels or Batteries to Solar Orphans
Adding more panels or installing a solar battery to an abandoned solar system can be complicated. Many installers are hesitant to work on systems they didn’t install due to design uncertainties or missing documentation. Those who do may charge a premium due to the added risk and time involved.
If your system was orphaned after a solar closure, it’s critical to find a provider experienced in retrofitting and expanding existing solar arrays. GreenLancer helps homeowners integrate battery storage and upgrade abandoned solar panels—even when the original plans are missing.
Finding Help for Solar Orphans After Solar Closures
Help is available for homeowners with abandonded solar systems.
Step 1: Contact a Qualified Service Provider
Start by contacting a third-party solar repair provider like GreenLancer. We work nationwide to inspect, repair, and upgrade solar orphan systems caused by installer closures. From handling code corrections and interconnection problems to replacing failed components, we can get your system back online.
Step 2: Review Warranties and Financing
Next, review your system documentation. Equipment warranties may still be valid and could cover parts replacement. If you financed your system, contact the lender—many financiers have partnerships with service providers to support homeowners dealing with abandoned solar systems.
Step 3: Tap Into Community Support
You’re not the only one navigating this situation. The Facebook group Facebook group Resilient Suns—Reviving Abandoned Solar Systems is a community where solar professionals and homeowners share advice, troubleshooting tips, and support. It’s a great place to learn from others who have restored orphaned systems.
Helping Solar Orphans Recover With GreenLancer
GreenLancer offers diagnostic and repair services nationwide, helping homeowners take back control of their solar energy production. Our team is experienced with:
Troubleshooting abandoned solar panels
Replacing failed inverters and optimizers
Correcting permit and interconnection issues
Upgrading orphaned systems with battery storage
We work with homeowners, financiers, and manufacturers to restore functionality and ensure your system performs as intended.
📞 Ready to get help? Contact GreenLancer at (866) 403-0925 or complete the form below to speak with a solar expert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Orphans
What is a solar orphan?
A solar orphan is a solar power system that has been abandoned by the original installer, usually due to the company going out of business. These systems often have no active labor warranty or service provider and may face issues with performance, documentation, or safety.
What happens to my warranty if my solar company closed?
Manufacturer warranties (for panels, inverters, etc.) are often still valid. However, labor warranties—which cover installation quality and service calls—are usually void after a solar closure. A third-party service provider like GreenLancer can help diagnose issues and manage eligible warranty claims.
Can I still get my abandoned solar system fixed?
Yes. Abandoned solar systems can usually be repaired or brought back online with the help of experienced service providers. GreenLancer’s national repair network specializes in fixing orphaned systems and addressing inspection, monitoring, or hardware failures.
Is it safe to keep using my orphaned system?
It depends on the condition of the system. Some solar orphans may have unsafe wiring or unresolved inspection issues. We recommend having a licensed technician evaluate the system to ensure it's operating safely and legally.
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