Orphaned Solar System? How Earthlight Helps When Your Installer Is Gone
Earthlight Technologies • October 21, 2026
A solar system is built to produce power for decades, but not every solar company is around that long. When an installer goes out of business or stops responding, homeowners can be left with panels on the roof and no one to call. These are often called orphaned solar systems, and the homeowners who own them are frequently unsure whether their system is even working.
In the video above, members of the Earthlight Technologies team explain how Earthlight's service department helps orphaned solar customers reconnect with support. Below, we cover what an orphaned system is, the signs that something may be wrong, and what to do if your original installer is no longer available.
What Is an Orphaned Solar System?
An orphaned solar system is one whose original installer has gone out of business, left the area, or no longer provides customer service. The panels and equipment still belong to the homeowner, but the company responsible for monitoring, repairs, and workmanship support is gone.
As the Earthlight team notes in the video, there have unfortunately been a lot of orphaned customers in recent years, as some solar companies did not have the staying power to remain in business. Many of these homeowners call Earthlight simply because they do not know whether their solar is working.
Signs Your Solar System May Need Attention
Without an installer keeping an eye on things, problems can go unnoticed for months. Common signs that a system may need service include:
- Your electric bill has gone up without a clear change in energy use
- Your monitoring app shows no data, low production, or has stopped connecting
- Your inverter displays warning lights or error codes
- Panels are visibly damaged, heavily shaded, or covered in debris
- You are not sure who to contact or whether your system was ever fully monitored
How Earthlight Helps Orphaned Solar Customers
The first step, as described in the video, is reestablishing the connection to the system so the team can see whether it is working and whether anything is broken. From there, Earthlight's in-house solar service department can troubleshoot issues, recommend repairs, and work with the homeowner on next steps, including warranty options where they apply.
The goal is ongoing support, not a one-time fix. In the team's words, orphaned customers become part of the Earthlight family. Earthlight's service department handles maintenance, monitoring, repairs, and inverter replacements across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon.
Why Installer Longevity Matters
Orphaned systems are a reminder that choosing a solar company is a long-term decision. The company you work with should be able to support your system for years after installation. Earthlight is family-owned, has served homeowners since 2008, and uses its own employees rather than subcontractors for design, installation, and service.
If you are comparing installers today, our guide on how to choose a solar company covers what to look for. For an example of how industry changes can affect homeowners, read our CEO's message on the SunPower news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still monitor my solar panels if my installer went out of business?
In many cases, yes, you can still monitor your solar panels, because most monitoring apps are run by the equipment manufacturer rather than the installer. Some systems, however, were set up under the installer’s account, which can cause the connection to stop working or become inaccessible. If your app shows no data or you cannot log in, a solar service team can often help reestablish monitoring. Earthlight’s service department helps orphaned customers reconnect so they can see how their system is performing.
What happens to my solar lease or PPA if the installer goes out of business?
Your solar lease or power purchase agreement usually stays in effect even if the installer goes out of business. These agreements are often held by a separate financing or ownership company, which may remain responsible for the system under the terms of your contract. Start by reviewing your agreement and contacting the company that bills you each month. If repairs are needed and no one is responding, a local service provider can evaluate the system and help you understand your options.
Do I have to remove my solar panels if my installer is gone?
No, you do not have to remove your solar panels just because your installer is no longer in business. The system can keep producing electricity as long as the equipment is working properly. What changes is who you call for monitoring, maintenance, and repairs. Rather than removing a system that still has value, many homeowners choose to have it evaluated by a new service provider. Earthlight’s service team can check the system and recommend whether any repairs are needed.
Can I sell my house if it has an orphaned solar system?
Yes, you can sell a home with an orphaned solar system, but having clear documentation makes the process smoother. Buyers and their inspectors will likely want to know whether the system works, who owns it, and what warranties remain. If the system is leased or under a PPA, the agreement may need to be transferred to the buyer. Getting a service evaluation before listing can help you answer questions confidently and address any issues ahead of time.
How often should solar panels be checked or inspected?
There is no single required schedule, but solar panels benefit from periodic checkups and regular attention to production data. Watching your monitoring app or your electric bill can help you spot changes early. It is also a good idea to have your system looked at after severe storms, if production drops unexpectedly, or if you notice inverter error messages. For orphaned systems, an initial inspection is especially helpful because the system may have gone unmonitored for some time.
Your Installer May Be Gone, but Help Is Still Available
If your solar installer is no longer available, you do not have to figure it out alone. Earthlight's service team is here to help orphaned solar customers check their systems, make repairs, and get dependable long-term support. Visit our solar service page, contact Earthlight, or call (860) 871-9700 to get started.
