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SunPower restructured. Sunnova filed Chapter 11. Multiple regional NJ installers have closed since 2024. If you are a NJ solar orphan, here is your complete action plan — your panels still work, warranties survive bankruptcy, and help is available.
YES
Warranty Survives?
LIKELY
Your System Works?
YES
ADI Still Paid?
6
Steps to Recovery
Your panels almost certainly still work. Solar panels are passive hardware — they do not stop working when a company closes.
Manufacturer warranties survive bankruptcy. Enphase, SolarEdge, Q CELLS, REC, Silfab, and other major manufacturers honor warranties regardless of installer status.
Your ADI income continues. ADI is registered with the NJ BPU under your name — it is not dependent on your installer.
Workmanship warranty may be gone. If your installer was the sole source of workmanship warranty (covering roof penetrations and installation defects), that warranty may not be collectable in bankruptcy.
A solar orphan is a homeowner whose solar system was installed by a company that has since closed, declared bankruptcy, or significantly restructured. The system still exists and (usually) still works, but the original installer is no longer available for warranty service, monitoring support, or maintenance.
New Jersey has been significantly impacted by the wave of solar company closures that accelerated after the 2025 expiration of the federal residential solar tax credit. Multiple NJ-active solar companies have restructured or closed:
NJ customers transferred to SunPower Pro or third-party servicers. Warranties transferred.
Lease/PPA customers may have ownership transferred in bankruptcy. Check your lease agreement.
Workmanship warranties lost. Manufacturer warranties intact. Monitoring may need reconfiguration.
The ITC Expiration Connection
The expiration of Section 25D (residential solar ITC) on December 31, 2025 significantly reduced the volume of new residential solar installations across the country. Many solar companies — particularly those that grew aggressively during the ITC boom years — have struggled to maintain profitability in the post-ITC market. This is expected to continue through 2026.
Follow these steps in order. Most homeowners can complete steps 1-4 within a day. Steps 5-6 may take 1-2 weeks to complete fully.
Log into your monitoring app and confirm the system is producing normally.
Log into your solar monitoring app. Common apps: Enphase Enlighten (app.enphaseenergy.com), SolarEdge mySolarEdge, SMA Sunny Portal, or Hoymiles S-Miles Cloud. Check today's production against a typical day. If production is normal, your system is working fine — this is a maintenance issue, not an emergency. Note any error alerts or offline devices.
Monitoring Apps
Enphase Enlightenhttps://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com
SolarEdge mySolarEdgehttps://monitoring.solaredge.com
SMA Sunny Portalhttps://www.sunnyportal.com
If monitoring is completely offline (not just a weather dip), it may need reconfiguration. A new service provider can reconnect it.
Find your original contract, inspection permits, or inverter/panel labels to identify the manufacturers.
Locate your original solar installation contract or permit drawings. If you cannot find these, check: (1) The monitoring app — it typically shows the specific model of inverter/microinverters installed. (2) Look in your attic/garage for the inverter box (has a manufacturer label). (3) Look at the panels — manufacturer name and model are stamped on the back edge. (4) Check your NJ municipal building permit, which lists equipment. Write down panel brand/model, inverter brand/model, and battery brand/model if applicable.
Cannot find your contract? Your NJ municipality keeps permits on file. Request a copy from your town's building department.
Contact each manufacturer directly. Their warranties survive the installer's bankruptcy.
Contact each manufacturer's customer service with your system serial numbers. For Enphase: 1-877-797-4743 or enphase.com/contact. For SolarEdge: 1-510-498-3200 or solaredge.com. For most panel manufacturers, you will need to register your panels on the manufacturer's website using serial numbers from your panels. Ask each manufacturer: "Is my system registered for warranty service?" and "Can I file a warranty claim if needed?" Manufacturer warranties are contractual obligations independent of your installer.
If your system was never registered with the manufacturer, do it now. Some warranties require registration within a specific timeframe from installation.
Confirm whether you own the system (cash/loan purchase) or lease it.
Locate your original solar agreement. A PURCHASE agreement means you own the panels — find your UCC-1 lien release if you used a loan (this confirms loan payoff or active loan status). A LEASE or PPA agreement means a third-party company owns the system. In bankruptcy, that company's assets may transfer. Contact the lease company directly (even if your installer handled billing, the lease/PPA company is separate). If they have filed bankruptcy, consult an NJ attorney — your lease may transfer to a successor entity.
If you cannot find your original agreement, request a copy from the NJ BPU Clean Energy program or check your email for the original DocuSign signature.
Find a licensed NJ installer who services orphaned systems and can handle warranty claims.
Look for a NABCEP-certified installer with an active NJ electrical contractor license. Verify the license at njconsumeraffairs.gov. Specifically ask: "Do you service solar orphan systems from closed companies?" and "Can you handle manufacturer warranty claims on my behalf?" A good service provider will: (1) Inspect your system for issues. (2) Take over monitoring access. (3) File warranty claims on defective hardware. (4) Handle ADI enrollment if incomplete. (5) Provide ongoing maintenance. Ask for references from clients they rescued from other closed installers.
Avoid companies that require you to purchase a new system to service your existing one. Legitimate orphan rescue does not require replacing working equipment.
Create a complete file of your system, its status, and the company's closure for consumer protection claims.
Compile a complete documentation package: original contract, permit, interconnection agreement, ADI registration number, monitoring screenshots, photos of equipment, and any communication with the closed company. File a formal complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (njconsumeraffairs.gov or 1-800-242-5846). If the company held a contractor bond, file a claim. Check your homeowner's insurance for any coverage related to the company's default. Consult an NJ attorney if the company's closure caused measurable damage (unresolved roof penetrations, incomplete installation, etc.).
Do not delay documentation. NJ consumer complaint deadlines can be time-sensitive. File your DCA complaint as soon as possible after discovering the company has closed.
These are the most common issues NJ solar orphans encounter, along with the fastest paths to resolution.
Common Causes
Resolution
Check your monitoring app for specific error codes. Identify whether the issue is inverter-side (no AC output) or panel-side (one panel offline). Contact the inverter manufacturer for a warranty claim. PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734, JCP&L: 1-800-662-3115, ACE: 1-800-642-3780 for grid-side issues.
Common Causes
Resolution
Do not delay — water damage escalates quickly. A new NABCEP-certified NJ installer can inspect and re-flash mounting points. Document all damage with photos for your insurance claim. This is a workmanship warranty issue — file a DCA complaint if the original installer caused the damage.
Common Causes
Resolution
Contact the inverter manufacturer directly: Enphase 1-877-797-4743, SolarEdge 1-510-498-3200. Provide the system serial number. Manufacturer will typically replace under warranty within 5-10 business days. A new service provider can handle the claim and replacement if you prefer not to manage it directly.
Common Causes
Resolution
Monitoring offline does not mean your system stopped producing — check your utility bill for lower consumption as a proxy. Reconnect by following the manufacturer's Wi-Fi setup guide. If the monitoring was cloud-based through the installer, you may need to transfer it to a new service provider. Enphase and SolarEdge allow homeowner self-service monitoring transfer.
Common Causes
Resolution
Contact the NJ BPU Clean Energy program directly at njcleanenergy.com or (866) 657-6278. Ask: "Is my system registered in the ADI program?" If not enrolled, a new service provider can complete enrollment. If enrolled but payments stopped, ask for payment history and account status.
These warranties survive your installer's bankruptcy. Contact manufacturers directly with your equipment serial numbers.
| Brand | Type | Product Warranty | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
Enphase Microinverters 25-yr homeowner warrantyWarranty is registered to the homeowner. Call to verify your serial numbers are registered. | Microinverter | 25-year warranty | 1-877-797-4743 enphase.com |
SolarEdge Extended warranty must have been purchased. Check your original contract for warranty term. | String Inverter | 12-year (extendable to 25 yr) | 1-510-498-3200 solaredge.com |
Q CELLS (Hanwha) Panel serial numbers required. Register at Q CELLS customer portal. | Solar Panel | 12-year product warranty 25-year linear performance | q-cells.us/support q-cells.us |
Canadian Solar Register panels at the Canadian Solar warranty portal. | Solar Panel | 12-year product warranty 25-year linear performance | canadiansolar.com/warranty canadiansolar.com |
REC Group REC ProTrust warranty includes installer coverage — may need transfer to new installer. | Solar Panel | 20-year product warranty 25-year linear performance | recgroup.com/warranty recgroup.com |
Silfab Solar FEOC-compliant US-manufactured panels. Register at Silfab warranty portal. | Solar Panel | 12-year product warranty 30-year linear performance | silfabsolar.com/warranty silfabsolar.com |
SMA America Standard warranty 10 years. Extended warranty may be available. | String Inverter | 10-year (extendable) | 1-888-476-2872 sma-america.com |
Tesla Powerwall Battery warranty is tied to the hardware unit — survives installer bankruptcy. | Battery | 10-year unlimited cycle warranty 70% capacity at 10 years | tesla.com/support tesla.com |
Warranty terms may vary by product generation and registration date. Contact manufacturers to confirm current warranty coverage for your specific equipment.
New Jersey has strong consumer protection laws. Use these resources.
File complaints about closed or fraudulent solar companies. Verify contractor licenses.
1-800-242-5846
Check ADI enrollment status, net metering status, and file solar program complaints.
609-913-6100
File consumer fraud complaints. NJ Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2) provides treble damages.
njoag.gov
File complaints and check company histories. Good for documenting the company's closure publicly.
bbb.org
NJ Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2)
Provides treble (3x) damages + attorney fees for deceptive business practices. If your installer misrepresented warranties or tax credits, consult an NJ attorney.
Contractor Surety Bond Claim
NJ home improvement contractors must maintain a surety bond. If your installer caused damage or failed to complete work, file a bond claim through the DCA.
Bankruptcy Creditor Claim
File a proof of claim in the bankruptcy court. Recovery is often limited, but documenting your claim is important for any potential settlement distribution.
Homeowners Insurance
If the company's closure left your system incomplete, damaged your roof, or created a hazard, file a homeowners insurance claim. Document all damage with photos.
You own the panels. The installer's bankruptcy does not affect your ownership.
Manufacturer warranties are yours to claim directly.
ADI income continues to your account.
Net metering continues through your utility (PSE&G/JCP&L/ACE) — no installer involvement needed.
Your path: Find a new NABCEP-certified NJ installer for ongoing service. File DCA complaint for workmanship warranty issues.
The financing company owns the panels — not you. The installer was often a separate entity from the lease/PPA company.
In bankruptcy: The lease/PPA company's assets (your panels) may transfer to a successor entity. Your lease agreement remains in force.
ADI income goes to the system owner (the lease company), not to you directly.
Your path: Contact the lease/PPA company directly (even if your installer handled everything). If they filed bankruptcy, consult an NJ attorney. Your lease should transfer to a successor servicer.
First, check that your system is still producing by logging into your monitoring app (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge mySolarEdge, SMA Sunny Portal, etc.). If production looks normal, your system is working. Then identify your equipment manufacturers from your original contract, as their warranties survive the installer's bankruptcy. Contact the manufacturers directly to register for warranty service. Finally, contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs to report the closure and explore consumer protection options.
Manufacturer warranties survive bankruptcy. If you have Enphase microinverters, SolarEdge inverters, or panels from Q CELLS, Canadian Solar, REC, Silfab, or similar manufacturers, those warranties are held by the manufacturer — not your installer. Enphase provides a 25-year microinverter warranty honored directly. SolarEdge provides a 12-25 year inverter warranty. Panel manufacturers typically provide 25-year performance and 10-12 year product warranties. Workmanship warranties (covering installation defects) are typically tied to the installer and may be lost in bankruptcy.
It depends on whether you purchased or leased. If you purchased the system with cash or a loan, you own the panels outright regardless of what happens to the installer. If you have a solar lease or PPA, the third-party company owns the system — not you. In bankruptcy, that company's assets (including your panels) may be transferred to another entity. Contact the lease/PPA company directly or consult an attorney to understand your rights if your lease company files bankruptcy.
Look for NABCEP-certified installers with active NJ electrical contractor licenses. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification is the solar industry gold standard. Verify licenses at njconsumeraffairs.gov. Ask specifically if the company services orphaned systems from other installers, as not all do. Request references from customers whose systems they took over. NuWatt Energy specializes in NJ solar orphan rescue and can evaluate your system, take over monitoring, and service manufacturer warranty claims.
Your ADI income is not affected by your installer closing. ADI (Administratively Determined Incentive) payments are registered with the NJ Board of Public Utilities under your name and are tied to your system's production, not your installer. You should continue receiving ADI credits as long as your system is producing. If your installer was handling ADI enrollment and never completed it, contact the NJ BPU Clean Energy program (njcleanenergy.com) directly to check your registration status and complete enrollment if needed.
If production drops or stops, identify the cause by checking the monitoring app for error codes. Common issues: (1) Inverter failure — contact the inverter manufacturer directly (Enphase, SolarEdge, etc.) for a warranty claim. (2) Panel issue — contact the panel manufacturer. (3) Monitoring system offline — the monitoring equipment may need re-connection. (4) Grid interconnection issue — contact your utility (PSE&G, JCP&L, or ACE) directly. For any hardware failure, contact a NABCEP-certified NJ installer to diagnose and file manufacturer warranty claims on your behalf.
You can file a claim in bankruptcy court as an unsecured creditor, but recovery is typically limited. More productive options: (1) File a complaint with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. (2) Check if the company had a surety bond — NJ requires contractor bonds that may cover your claim. (3) Consult an attorney about NJ Consumer Fraud Act remedies (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2), which can provide treble damages. (4) Contact your homeowners insurance if the closure resulted in system damage or unremediated roof issues.
Your underlying roof warranty from your roofing company is separate from the solar installation and is not affected by the solar company's closure. However, if the solar installer provided a workmanship warranty that covered any roof penetrations or damage from the solar installation, that workmanship warranty may be uncollectable in bankruptcy. A new solar service company can inspect the roof penetrations and mounting system to identify any existing issues before you have problems.
How to avoid bad solar companies before they become your problem.
Read guideComplete overview of solar in New Jersey after the ITC expiration.
Read guideHow ADI enrollment works and how to check your registration status.
Read guideUnderstanding your solar ownership structure and financial options.
Read guideHow to choose a replacement NABCEP-certified NJ installer.
Read guideCompare NJ solar installers by utility territory and service type.
Read guideWe specialize in rescuing NJ homeowners whose solar company has closed. We take over monitoring, file manufacturer warranty claims on your behalf, service your system, and handle ADI enrollment if it was never completed.
Free diagnostic assessment of your existing NJ solar system.
We file and manage manufacturer warranty claims on your behalf.
We check and complete your ADI registration with the NJ BPU if needed.