What to Do if You’re a Solar Orphan Customer

When you went solar, you signed up for a system that would lower your bills now and in the long term. You made an intelligent decision, so how did you end up here?

Your solar installer has closed up shop for good or left the area. You’re now what the industry calls a solar orphan.

First, don’t worry. This isn’t your fault, and you’re far from alone. Many solar customers across the country have found themselves in the same boat. The good news? You do have options. Let’s take a look.

First, What Is a Solar Orphan Customer?

A solar orphan is a homeowner whose solar company has shut down, gone bankrupt, or exited the region, leaving you with no one to call for service, warranty help, or future upgrades.

You may have a system that still works fine. Or you might be dealing with blinking inverter errors, lowered output, structural damage, or panels that have never performed the way they should have. Perhaps you need to remove and replace panels when re-roofing your house.

Either way, you’re left with unanswered questions:

Who do I call if something breaks?
What happens to my warranty?
What if I want to add batteries or EV charging later?
Was my investment a total waste of money?
How will I ever trust a solar installer again?

Signs You Might Be a Solar Orphan Customer

Not sure if you qualify? Here’s how to know whether you’re a solar orphan:

You try to contact your installer, but the number’s disconnected.
Their website is gone, or the domain is up for sale.
You get bounced emails or vague replies.
You notice a drop in performance, but no service team will come out.
Your monitoring app isn’t working, and no one can reset it.

Why Your Solar Installer Went Out of Business

The solar industry has grown fast, but not every company was able to keep up. Some grew too quickly and couldn’t deliver consistent quality. Others weren’t in it for the right reasons and underpriced jobs to win bids, then collapsed under their own overhead.

Common Problems Orphaned Systems Face

Once the installer disappears, problems start stacking up. This might include the following:

Inverter issues: This is the brain of your system. If it fails, your panels won’t generate power.
Monitoring loss: You lose insight into what your system is producing, which makes it hard to identify problems. You need solar maintenance, but there’s no one to call.
Roof leaks: If a poor installation damaged your roof, water can seep in and cause structural issues.
Permitting gaps: Some orphaned systems were never properly closed out with local jurisdictions. That can come back to bite you when it’s time to sell your home.

How to Find a Trustworthy Solar Partner Now

You’ve been through enough. Let’s make sure your next step is the right one.

Here’s what to look for in a reputable solar provider:

Choose a company that’s based in New Mexico, not one flying in from another state.
Not every solar company wants to take on orphaned systems. Find one that offers diagnostic visits, panel cleaning, inverter replacement, and upgrade support.
And most importantly, look at how they treat their customers. Are they responsive and honest? That’s what’s needed to build long-term trust.

Next Step: Get Your System Checked

If you’re a solar orphan in the Albuquerque or Santa Fe area, it’s time to take back control of your system.

At Poulin Solar Pro, we help solar orphans get back on track with the support they should’ve had from the start.

Remember, your solar system still has value. Reach out to our team, and let’s discuss your situation.