When a solar inverter develops a fault or a system needs servicing, most people turn to the company that arranged their installation. Discovering that business has since closed can make an otherwise straightforward repair or warranty enquiry considerably more complicated. The company that sold the system may have been a solar retailer, with the installation completed by subcontracted electricians and the solar panels and inverter supplied by separate manufacturers. For customers who dealt with only one company throughout the process, it may not be clear where each business's responsibilities begin and end.
These distinctions become particularly important when a solar installer goes out of business. Although manufacturer warranties and other avenues for support may still be available, accessing documentation, arranging maintenance and establishing who can handle a warranty claim can become more difficult without the original provider. Understanding how these responsibilities are divided can help existing solar owners secure ongoing support for their systems, while giving prospective buyers a clearer understanding of what to consider before choosing an installer.
What Happens To Your Solar Warranties If Your Installer Goes Out Of Business?
The warranties attached to a solar system do not all come from the same business, so the closure of your original installer does not automatically leave you without protection. Manufacturer product warranties cover defects in equipment such as solar panels and inverters, while solar panel performance warranties guarantee that panels retain a specified percentage of their rated power output over time. These warranties may remain valid through the manufacturer or its Australian representative, even if the solar company that arranged your installation has ceased trading.
Installation workmanship warranties are different, covering faults arising from how the system was installed rather than defects in the equipment itself. If the business responsible for providing that warranty has closed, pursuing a claim can be more difficult. However, if you purchased your solar system through a retailer that remains operational, it may still be responsible for installation issues, even where the work was completed by subcontractors.
Australian Consumer Law also provides automatic consumer guarantees that apply independently of written warranties. Solar equipment must be of acceptable quality, and installation services must be carried out with due care and skill. These protections may extend beyond the stated warranty period, although enforcing them against a business that has ceased trading can be challenging.
Importantly, a manufacturer agreeing to replace faulty equipment does not necessarily mean the associated labour is covered. Another solar company may need to conduct diagnostics, manage the warranty claim, remove the faulty equipment and install its replacement. These are professional services involving time and labour, and a new provider is not responsible for absorbing those costs or honouring workmanship warranties issued by another business. Unless appropriate labour coverage or reimbursement has been arranged, you should expect to pay for the services you engage them to perform.
Before proceeding with a warranty claim, check whether the manufacturer or another responsible party covers the costs of inspection, removal and reinstallation, and whether reimbursement may be available under Australian Consumer Law. This distinction is particularly important when your original installer is no longer available to carry out the work.
3. Can Another Solar Company Take Over Your System's Servicing And Repairs?
If your original installer has gone out of business, another qualified solar company can provide ongoing maintenance, inspections and repairs to your existing system. A licensed electrician with experience in solar technology can assess the condition of your solar panels, inverter, electrical wiring and other equipment, investigate faults and carry out the servicing needed to maintain safe and reliable operation. This may involve reviewing inverter error codes, testing electrical components or investigating a decline in solar energy production and system performance.
One complication can be access to your system's monitoring platform. Some manufacturers provide installers with administrative access to monitoring accounts, allowing them to review technical data, identify faults and adjust system settings. If your original installer managed this access, another provider may need to arrange a transfer before they can use the same diagnostic tools. Manufacturers such as SolarEdge and Enphase have processes for assigning a new installer or service provider, although the requirements vary between platforms. Your inverter serial number, system details and proof of ownership may be needed to complete the process.
While a new provider can become your point of contact for future technical support and maintenance, they do not automatically assume responsibility for the original installation or its workmanship warranty. Any inspections, repairs or servicing arrangements are generally undertaken as new, paid services, with responsibility for that work resting with the company engaged to perform it.
4. How Can You Choose A Reputable Solar Installer From The Beginning?
Choosing a reputable solar installer involves more than comparing equipment, warranties and installation costs. Solar panels are expected to generate electricity for decades, making the company's financial stability, industry experience and commitment to after-sales support important considerations. While no business can guarantee it will remain operational indefinitely, researching its history and reputation can help reduce the risk of being left without support.
Before accepting a quote, check how long the company has been operating through the Australian Business Register and review independent customer feedback. Look beyond reviews describing the initial sale and installation, paying particular attention to how the business responds to warranty claims, repairs and ongoing servicing requests. You should also verify the relevant electrical contractor licence and Solar Accreditation Australia accreditation, and establish whether the company provides its own maintenance services or relies on subcontractors. A reputable provider should be transparent about who will complete the installation, who handles technical support and what happens if equipment develops a fault.
Equally important is obtaining a complete set of installation documents before the job is considered finished. These records establish what equipment was supplied, how the solar system was configured and which businesses are responsible for different aspects of its performance and warranty coverage.
Your solar installation documentation checklist:
- Contract and invoice: The original agreement, proof of purchase and contact details for the solar retailer and installer.
- Equipment records: Solar panel and inverter model numbers, serial numbers, manufacturer information and product manuals.
- Warranty documentation: Manufacturer product and performance warranties, installation workmanship warranty and any applicable labour coverage.
- Installation and compliance records: System design and connection diagrams, commissioning reports, Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work (CCEW) and relevant grid connection approvals.
- Monitoring and maintenance information: Access to your monitoring app, account credentials, operating instructions, maintenance recommendations and emergency shutdown procedures.
Retaining these documents in an accessible location can make future servicing, fault diagnostics and warranty claims considerably easier, particularly if the original solar company ceases trading. It also allows another qualified technician to understand the installation without having to reconstruct information that should have been provided from the outset.
A reliable solar installation should be supported by clear documentation, appropriate qualifications and a company prepared to provide assistance beyond the initial sale. For further guidance on assessing installers, read our article, How To Compare Solar Quotes And Choose The Right Installer.
