"Your warranty is worthless now." That's what many homeowners hear after their solar installer goes out of business — and it's mostly wrong. Understanding which warranties survive an installer's closure (and how to use them) can save you thousands of dollars.
The three warranties on every solar installation
1. Panel manufacturer warranty — SURVIVES
Solar panels carry two manufacturer guarantees: a product warranty (typically 12–25 years, covering defects) and a performance warranty (typically 25 years, guaranteeing the panel still produces a stated percentage — usually 80–90% — of its rated output). Both come from the panel manufacturer, not your installer. Your installer's bankruptcy has no effect on them, as long as the manufacturer itself is still in business.
2. Inverter manufacturer warranty — SURVIVES
Inverters and microinverters carry manufacturer warranties too: typically 10–12 years for string inverters (often extendable) and up to 25 years for microinverters like Enphase. Again — these attach to the equipment, not the installer.
3. Installer workmanship warranty — USUALLY DIES
The workmanship warranty covered installation labor: roof penetrations, wiring, racking. When the installer dissolves, this promise usually dissolves with it. In some bankruptcy cases, another company acquires the service obligations — watch official bankruptcy notices — but don't count on it.
Rule of thumb: equipment warranties come from equipment makers and survive. Labor warranties come from the installer and usually don't.
How to file a manufacturer warranty claim yourself
Installers used to handle claims for you. Now you (or your new service pro) will deal with manufacturers directly:
- Identify your equipment. Find the brand and model of your panels and inverter — from your contract, permit documents, or the labels on the equipment itself.
- Register or locate your registration. Many manufacturers let you register as the system owner even years after installation. Do this now, before you need a claim.
- Document the problem. Monitoring data showing underperformance, photos of physical defects, and error codes all strengthen a claim.
- Contact the manufacturer's warranty department. Most major brands (Enphase, SolarEdge, Qcells, REC, etc.) have homeowner claim processes and can point you to certified local installers for the replacement labor.
- Expect to pay labor. Here's the catch: manufacturer warranties typically cover the part, not the labor to swap it. Labor for an inverter replacement usually runs a few hundred dollars.
What about extended warranties and third-party coverage?
If your installer sold you third-party coverage (such as a Solar Insure plan), that coverage is designed to survive installer bankruptcy — that's its whole point. Dig out your paperwork and check. Some manufacturers also offer labor reimbursement programs for certified installers, which a good independent pro will know how to use.
Leases and PPAs are different
If you lease your system or have a power purchase agreement, you don't own the equipment — the leasing company does, and maintenance is usually their contractual responsibility. In bankruptcies like Sunnova's, lease portfolios get sold to new servicers who inherit those obligations. Keep paying, keep records, and watch for official servicer transfer notices.
Protect yourself going forward
- Get a professional system audit to document current condition — invaluable evidence for future claims
- Register all equipment with manufacturers in your own name
- Keep monitoring active and under your control
- Establish a relationship with an independent service pro before something breaks
Need help navigating a claim or taking over an orphaned system? Find a vetted pro — several in our directory specialize in warranty takeovers for exactly this situation.