Warning Signs Your System Needs Rescue
Many RI homeowners don't realize their system is underperforming or orphaned until months after the problem starts. Watch for these indicators:
6-Step Action Plan: RI Solar Orphan Rescue
Follow these steps in order. Most can be done within 2–3 weeks. The most time-sensitive step is Step 3 (filing with the RI AG), as evidence preservation and claim filing windows may apply.
Check Your System Status Online
Log into your monitoring app (Enphase Enlighten, SolarEdge monitoring, Sense, or your installer's portal). If your installer is out of business, the monitoring account may still work under your own credentials. Check system output against expected production — a 10-kW system in RI should generate ~11,500 kWh annually. Any gaps exceeding 20% warrant investigation.
Locate Your Equipment Manufacturer Warranties
Solar panel warranties (typically 25–30 years on power output, 12–25 years on product) are held by the panel manufacturer — not the installer. Inverter warranties (10–25 years) are held by Enphase, SolarEdge, or the inverter maker. Pull together your original installation documents: panel model numbers, inverter serial numbers, and installation date. If you can't find them, pull your building permit from your municipality.
File a Claim with the Rhode Island Attorney General
Rhode Island's Attorney General office investigates deceptive business practices and contractor fraud. Call (401) 274-4400 or file at riag.ri.gov. NBC10 Rhode Island ran investigations in 2023–2024 into solar complaint patterns. The AG's Consumer Protection Unit tracks patterns and may have coordinated action underway. Document everything: your contract, payment receipts, communications with the company, and any issues.
Register Warranties Directly with Manufacturers
Contact panel and inverter manufacturers directly with your serial numbers to confirm your warranty is registered and still active. Most manufacturers maintain warranty obligations regardless of installer status. Key contacts: Enphase (1-877-797-4743), SolarEdge (1-510-498-3200), Panasonic (escalation through RMA), LG, QCells, Silfab, Canadian Solar — each has warranty hotlines. If the warranty was never registered, most manufacturers will still honor it with proof of purchase.
Get a Third-Party System Assessment
Hire a NABCEP-certified solar installer (not the company that went out of business) to perform a full system inspection. This includes: panel IV curve testing, inverter communication check, ground fault and arc fault protection testing, roof penetration inspection for leaks, conduit and wiring review, and production data analysis. Cost: $300–$600 for a thorough assessment. NuWatt performs solar orphan assessments at no cost for RI homeowners.
Restore Monitoring and Service Agreements
Transfer your monitoring account to a new installer. For Enphase systems, your local installer can transfer site ownership in Enlighten. For SolarEdge, contact SolarEdge support to migrate the site to a new installer account. Establish a new annual maintenance agreement covering inspection, cleaning, and performance verification. NuWatt offers RI solar rescue service agreements starting at $199/year.
What Warranties Survive an Installer Closure
The good news: most of the valuable warranties on your solar system are held by equipment manufacturers — not your installer. These survive business closures.
Solar Panel Warranties (Manufacturer)
SURVIVES CLOSURE- •Product warranty: 12–25 years (manufacturer covers defects)
- •Power output warranty: 25–30 years (minimum production guarantee)
- •Who holds it: Panel maker (Silfab, LG, Canadian Solar, QCells, etc.)
- •How to claim: Contact manufacturer directly with serial numbers + installation date
Inverter Warranty (Manufacturer)
SURVIVES CLOSURE- •Enphase microinverters: 25-year limited warranty
- •SolarEdge inverters: 12-year standard (extendable to 25 years)
- •Who holds it: Enphase Energy or SolarEdge Technologies
- •How to claim: Call manufacturer hotline or file online with serial number
Workmanship Warranty (Installer)
MAY NOT SURVIVE- •Typically 5–10 years from installer for labor/installation quality
- •If installer is closed: pursue through installer's liability insurance or surety bond
- •RI requires contractors to carry general liability insurance
- •RI Contractors' Board (401-222-1268) can help identify insurer
Roof Penetration Warranty (Installer)
MAY NOT SURVIVE- •Covers leaks at mounting points for the workmanship warranty period
- •If installer closed: pursue homeowner's insurance and contractor liability insurance
- •Document all leaks immediately with photos and dated records
- •RI AG Consumer Protection can assist with recovery claims
Rhode Island Resources for Solar Orphans
Rhode Island Attorney General
(401) 274-4400Consumer Protection Unit. File complaints for contractor fraud, deceptive practices, warranty non-performance.
RI Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC)
(401) 780-2000Complaints about utility interconnection, net metering account issues tied to installer closure.
RI Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
(401) 222-1268Check if installer held a valid RI contractor license. File complaints against unlicensed contractors.
National Grid RI (Interconnection)
(800) 322-3223For REG program transfers, net metering account changes, and grid connection issues after installer closure.
NBC10 Rhode Island Solar Investigations
NBC10 Rhode Island has conducted investigations into solar company practices and consumer complaints, including coverage of customers left without service after installer closures. The investigations documented patterns of missed follow-ups, warranty denials, and monitoring failures affecting dozens of Rhode Island homeowners.
If you were part of a pattern of complaints against a specific RI solar company, connecting with other affected homeowners through the RI AG's office or NBC10's investigative tip line may strengthen your collective claim and expedite resolution.
Note: NuWatt Energy has no affiliation with NBC10 or any media organization. We reference this publicly available information to help RI homeowners understand the broader context of the solar orphan issue in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
My solar company went out of business in Rhode Island. What do I do first?
Do solar panel warranties survive if the installer goes out of business?
Who do I contact to report a closed solar company in Rhode Island?
Will my REG program payments stop if my installer closed?
Can NuWatt take over service of my orphaned RI solar system?
My monitoring stopped working after my installer closed. Is my system broken?
What if I have a leaking roof where my solar company made penetrations?
How much does it cost to transfer a solar monitoring account to a new installer?
NuWatt RI Solar Rescue: Free Assessment
NuWatt is a NABCEP-certified RI solar installer. We offer free orphan rescue assessments for Rhode Island homeowners — including system performance review, monitoring transfer, and warranty claim assistance. No obligation, no charge for the initial assessment.