Due to the nature of the industry and the highly competitive atmosphere in the solar industry, you may call your previous solar company or installer about a maintenance issue. You find the phone number no longer in service. What do you do when you find your solar company goes out of business?
The short answer to this dilemma is simple: Call KC Solar.
What Do You Do When Your Solar Company Goes Out of Business?
Start by reaching out to a local and reputable solar company and asking for their help. They can assist with service and deliver whatever maintenance needs you have. Most, including KC Solar, will accept this request and provide the service for a one-time fee.
Reputable companies will be ones that have existed through financial dips in the market. Also look to good reviews on Google, Yelp. Or better yet, ask if you talk to previous customers. Taking the time to research and look through these areas will help in determining who is around to stay and who may be filing for bankruptcy in 12-18 months.
If you discover the installer was bought by a larger entity, sometimes it can be as simple as reaching out to the new company. You can find out if they are taking over operations and can perform the service you require.
If not, a more targeted approach would be to call the customer service line for your inverter manufacturer or your module manufacturer. Most of the products in use on your solar power installation are under warranties, regardless of who installed them. Depending on the time left on the warranty, the solar manufacturer could provide the maintenance you’re looking for.
The new standard for panel warranties have recently extended to 25 years and materials coverage may only have 10 years. In the case of an expired warranty, investing in a complete replacement may be required in order for the system to continue to operate correctly.
Proactive Measures to Consider
There are a few options for customers to combat this issue.
Get insurance for the solar installation. Most insurance companies are willing to insure renewable energy systems in homes. That will cover most panel repairs and damage caused by external factors.
If you’re worried about the length of your warranty, buying an extended warranty could help offset the cost of future repairs. This can especially help with needed items between 10-25 years. Most sources agree that buying a third-party extended warranty offers peace of mind and protection from any part of the chain going out of business.
Note: If both your installer and manufacturer go out of business, you may be at risk of losing all warranty protections you had previously. This is why third-party protections can be very helpful.
Case Studies in Bankrupt Solar Companies
Companies like EnergyOne have left roughly 180 customers adrift after suddenly declaring bankruptcy after servicing customers nationwide.
EnergyOne, a solar installer firm, sold and contracted many systems all over the Midwest and in the South during its heyday. The installations were reportedly not well serviced. And soon after customers paid their fees paid, they began calling in with issues with their systems. EnergyOne went bankrupt after enough people left the company online reviews. The ineffective systems left frustrated customers unsure of how to proceed.
Luckily, installers are not hard to find. And warranties could’ve been in effect for some of the customers impacted by EnergyOne.
In contrast, ineffectual or declining solar panels manufactured by SolarWorld have required complete replacement and new installations so far. When the company went bankrupt, it was released that warranties and replacements could be upheld by the entity that purchased the company. It’s unclear if that actually occurred.
In many cases, customers with SolarWorld panels have reported declining effectiveness and producing less power. This could warrant a complete replacement. But if the power output is bearable, it may be more cost-effective to keep the system and replace it at a later date.
So when your solar company goes out of business, consider KC Solar. Why?
KC Solar is Here for the Long Haul
We are here to provide the most effective and powerful service we can. It can be extremely stressful and overwhelming when the solar company you trusted has suddenly disappeared and is unreachable, but KC Solar can guide you through the process.
At KC Solar, we work to provide the educational resources you need to navigate the world of solar. We pride ourselves on having effective and well-thought out conversations about your home when deciding if solar is a commitment you’d like to make.
If you are looking for the best solar company in Kansas City, look no further than KC Solar. They are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business.
KC Solar is the only local solar company in Kansas City with KC natives who own and operate the daily activities of the business. What does that mean for you? We care about you because we care about this city, and we only want the best for it.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
We look forward to serving you!
