Recently, you may have heard that several solar companies—both local and national—have gone out of business. Understandably, many homeowners are feeling worried about their solar systems and unsure where to turn for help.

First and foremost, we want you to know:
✅ Solar is still an excellent investment when it’s properly designed and installed.
✅ Your system is not automatically at risk just because your installer closed its doors.

At Stitt Solar, we’re here to provide peace of mind and help you protect your investment for decades to come.

Here are five important steps every solar homeowner should take if their original installer is no longer in business:

1. Gather Your Solar System Documents

If you haven’t already, now is the time to locate your solar contract, permits, and installation paperwork. Key details to look for include:

System size (in kilowatts/kW)
Number and type of panels
Installation date
Equipment brands (such as Enphase, SolarEdge, Tesla, or Chilicon)

Some good news:
Most solar panels and inverters come with 25-year manufacturer warranties. These warranties are with the equipment manufacturers—not your installer. If a component like an inverter fails, you can typically contact the manufacturer directly for a replacement. They’ll ship you the parts, and you’ll then need to hire a local, trusted solar company for the installation (expect a labor/inspection fee, since the new company wasn’t part of your original installation agreement).

2. Monitor Your Solar System Performance

Your system should have come with an online monitoring app or portal, allowing you to track:

Solar energy production
Grid electricity usage
Battery charging and discharging cycles (if you have battery storage)
Inverter status and any alerts

If you don’t have access yet, we highly recommend downloading your manufacturer’s app and creating an account. Regular monitoring helps you spot any issues early and keeps your system operating at peak performance.

3. Add Your Solar System to Your Homeowner’s Insurance

If your solar array isn’t already listed on your home insurance policy, it’s important to add it. This is especially critical if you ever need to repair or replace your roof.

At Stitt Solar, we offer removal and reinstallation services during roofing projects. We coordinate directly with your roofer to safely remove your panels before work begins and reinstall them afterward.

👉 Tip:
If your system is insured, your insurance often covers the removal and reinstallation costs. If we discover installation issues during the process (especially if your original installer cut corners), we’ll inform you about any necessary upgrades to ensure a safe, long-lasting system.

4. Understand How the Federal Solar Tax Credit Works

There’s a lot of confusion about the federal solar tax credit, so let’s clarify:

The solar tax credit is a credit against your federal taxes—not a rebate or direct check.
You must claim it when filing your taxes to benefit.
The actual benefit depends on your personal tax situation.

Because of this, reputable solar companies won’t give tax advice. Instead, we strongly recommend consulting with your CPA or tax advisor to see exactly how you qualify.

5. Partner With a Trusted Local Solar Company

Your solar investment should last 25 years or more—but only if you have reliable support over time. That’s why it’s critical to work with a well-established, trusted local solar company for future service needs.

Look for companies with:

Long track records of success
Legit customer reviews and references
A+ ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

As Arkansas’ solar pioneers, Stitt Solar has proudly served the community since 1978. While a few bad actors have tarnished the industry’s reputation, we’re here to remind you:

Solar remains one of the smartest financial and environmental investments you can make.
And we’re here to help—whether you’re a Stitt Solar customer or not.