Investing in solar panels is a significant step towards energy security and dramatically reducing utility cost over the long-run, with the end goal being to save money while living and working more sustainably.

One roadblock that can occur happens when a solar installation company goes out of business before completing the installation. Having served Texas since 2007, NATiVE Solar has watched many companies come and go in this industry. We’ve weathered the ebbs and flows over the years, and kept our company’s finances on solid ground while maintaining our reputation in good standing. In this article and the video below, we explore what commercial and residential property owners can do if they find themselves in this situation, and a path to get your solar project back on track.

Has the Solar Installer You Hired Gone Out of Business?

Before delving into the solutions, it’s essential to recognize the signs that your chosen solar installation company has indeed gone out of business. Some red flags include:

• Unresponsive Communication: When phone calls, emails, or messages go unanswered for an extended period, it may indicate trouble within the company.
• Delayed or Abandoned Projects: If your installation has stalled, or the company has halted operations without any explanation, this can be a worrying sign.
• Online Research: A quick online search might reveal news articles, customer complaints, or legal actions against the company.

This Isn’t a Rare Event —It’s an Ongoing Wave

This problem hasn’t gone away -if anything, it’s accelerated. The U.S. commercial and residential solar market has been through a prolonged stretch of bankruptcies, closures, and restructurings since 2022, and it’s hit companies of real size, not just small regional installers:

• Sunnova Energy, headquartered in Houston, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2025 and later moved to sell off its assets and wind down operations, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide — many in Texas — with uncertain service and warranty coverage.
• Freedom Forever, one of the largest residential solar installers in the country, pulled out of ten state markets and laid off roughly a fifth of its workforce before filing its own Chapter 11 in 2026.

For commercial properties and homeowners caught in the middle, the impact looks pretty much the same regardless of the installer’s size: missed deadlines, deposits paid with no work to show for them, incomplete or unverified installations, and no clear point of contact.

What Recourse Can You Take If This Happens?

If you find yourself in a situation where your solar installer has gone out of business, there are several steps you can take to protect your investment and complete your solar installation:

• Review Contracts and Warranties: Begin by reviewing your contract and warranty documents. Check for any clauses or provisions related to the company’s bankruptcy or closure. This information will help you understand your legal rights and options.
• Contact Authorities: Reach out to local and state authorities, such as consumer protection agencies or the attorney general’s office, to report the situation and seek guidance on potential legal actions.
• Consult an Attorney: If necessary, consult an attorney who specializes in consumer protection or contract law. They can advise you on the best course of action, such as pursuing a legal claim against the defunct company.
• Explore Insurance Options: Check if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers solar installations. Some policies offer protection against contractor defaults or project interruptions.

Lastly, you may need to seek a replacement installer. It’s essential to hire a reputable solar installation company to complete the project, like NATiVE Solar. Our team has extensive experience working with partially installed systems and can assess the existing work for safety and compliance. Our dedicated service team has provided maintenance, upgrades, and additions to solar PV systems originally installed by other companies across the state.

NATiVE Solar is the Solution for Your “Orphaned” System

At NATiVE Solar, we understand the frustration and uncertainty homeowners face when their solar installation company goes out of business. We are committed to helping solar-equipped properties like your get the installation back on track and harvesting energy as the system was designed to do.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Experienced Installers: Since 2007, our team has designed and installed solar and battery storage systems across Texas, including many projects left incomplete by other companies. We understand the intricacies of orphaned systems and can take over your installation.
• System Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of the existing work to identify any safety concerns or compliance issues. Our goal is to ensure your solar system functions properly and meets applicable safety standards.
• Transparent Communication: We prioritize clear and transparent communication throughout the process — keeping you informed on progress and answering your questions along the way.
• Warranty and Support: We stand by our work, offering a 10-year workmanship warranty and ongoing service and support for the long-term performance of your system.

Having a solar installation company disappear on you can be a distressing situation for any homeowner. But by reviewing contracts, consulting legal experts, and working with a reputable replacement installer, you can still get the benefits of solar you originally sought. If you’re dealing with an incomplete or abandoned installation, don’t let it deter you — reach out to our team and let’s #TakeYourPowerBack.

What Recourse Can You Take If This Happens?
If you find yourself in a situation where your solar installer has gone out of business, there are several steps you can take to protect your investment and complete your solar installation:

• Review Contracts and Warranties: Begin by reviewing your contract and warranty documents. Check for any clauses or provisions related to the company’s bankruptcy or closure. This information will help you understand your legal rights and options.
• Contact Authorities: Reach out to local and state authorities, such as consumer protection agencies or the attorney general’s office, to report the situation and seek guidance on potential legal actions.
• Consult an Attorney: If necessary, consult an attorney who specializes in consumer protection or contract law. They can advise you on the best course of action, such as pursuing a legal claim against the defunct company.
• Explore Insurance Options: Check if your homeowner’s insurance policy covers solar installations. Some policies offer protection against contractor defaults or project interruptions.

Lastly, you may need to seek a replacement installer. It’s essential to hire a reputable solar installation company to complete the project, like NATiVE Solar. Our company has extensive experience working with partially installed systems and can assess the existing work for safety and compliance. Our dedicated service team have been providing maintenance, upgrades, and additions to many solar PV systems originally installed by other companies across the state.

NATiVE Solar is the Solution for Your Orphaned System
At NATiVE Solar, we understand the frustration and uncertainty homeowners face when their solar installation company goes out of business. We are committed to helping homeowners like you get your installation back on track and ensure that you are satisfied with your solar system.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Experienced Installers: Our team comprises experienced solar installers who have successfully completed numerous projects over a 16 year period, including those left incomplete by other companies. We understand the intricacies of orphaned systems and can seamlessly take over your installation.
• System Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of the existing work to identify any safety concerns or compliance issues. Our goal is to ensure that your solar system functions optimally and meets all safety standards.
• Transparent Communication: We prioritize clear and transparent communication throughout the process. We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your installation, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.
• Warranty and Support: Rest assured that we stand by our work. We offer a 10-year warranty on the workmanship of your system as well as ongoing support to ensure the long-term performance and durability of your solar system.

Having a solar installation company ghost you can be a distressing situation for any homeowner. However, we hope that outlining the steps needed to protect your investment and get your solar project back on track was helpful. By reviewing contracts, consulting legal experts, and working with a reputable replacement installer like NATiVE Solar, you can still achieve your goal of going solar. Don’t let the setback deter you from receiving the benefits of solar that you initially sought. #TakeYourPowerBack with NATiVE Solar!