Unfinished Solar Installation After Your Installer Closed: What to Do

Some homeowners were left with panels on the roof that were never switched on when their installer closed. The system can usually be finished by another licensed solar company – but first you need to know exactly where the project stopped.

Step 1: Work out how far the project got

Stage	How to check
Permit issued	Search your city or county permit portal for your address, or call the building department.
Installed	Panels, racking, inverter and disconnects are in place.
Inspected	The permit record shows a passed final inspection.
Interconnection approved	Your utility has an interconnection application on file; ask its solar or interconnection team.
Permission to operate (PTO)	The utility has given written approval to switch the system on.

Never switch on a system that does not have PTO – utilities can require it to stay off until they approve it.

Step 2: Gather documents

Download everything from the installer’s portal: contract, design, equipment list, permit number, inspection results and any utility paperwork. Solar Power World advises doing this before a bankrupt installer’s portal shuts down.

Step 3: Talk to your lender or lease company

If you financed the system, the lender or lease company may already know the project is unfinished. Ask whether they have a process – or a partner installer – for completing projects, and whether payments were due to start before the system worked. Keep paying unless they confirm in writing that you do not need to.

Step 4: Hire a licensed company to finish the job

• Ask local installers whether they take over unfinished projects; many do.
• Expect them to inspect the work first and to charge for it. They may not warrant work they did not do.
• Check the license with your state contractor board and look for NABCEP-certified staff.
• Ask for a written scope: what they will fix, finish, inspect and submit to the utility.

Step 5: Get the system inspected and approved

The new installer will usually take over or reopen the permit, arrange final inspection and submit the utility interconnection paperwork. See getting PTO when your installer disappeared.

Watch out for

• Roof penetrations that were never sealed – check the attic for leaks after rain.
• Equipment that was never registered with the manufacturer – register it to protect the warranty.
• Anyone asking for large upfront payments to “rescue” your system before inspecting it.

What finishing usually involves

• Site inspection. The new company checks the roof attachments, wiring, inverter and labels against the approved plans.
• Fixes. Anything missing or not to code is corrected – for example missing conduit, labels or a disconnect.
• Permit and inspection. The permit is transferred or reopened and the final inspection scheduled.
• Utility paperwork. The interconnection application is completed and submitted.
• Commissioning. After permission to operate, the system is switched on, tested and connected to monitoring.

Questions to ask the company taking over

1. Have you finished other companies’ unfinished projects? Can I speak to a customer?
2. What exactly is included in your price, and what would cost extra?
3. Will you warranty the whole system or only your own work?
4. Who will deal with the building department and the utility?
5. How long until permission to operate, assuming the utility responds normally?

Sample message to your lender or lease company

Subject: Account [number] – installation never completed
My system at [address] was installed by [installer] but never received permission to operate; the installer has closed. Current status: [permit / inspection / utility status]. Please tell me (1) whether you have a process or partner to complete the installation, and (2) whether payments are paused until the system operates. Please confirm in writing. Thank you, [name].

If you paid upfront

If you paid cash and the work was not finished, keep receipts and the contract. You may be able to file a claim in the bankruptcy, and your state may have a contractor recovery fund – ask your state contractor licensing board. A consumer attorney can advise on your options.