What Happens If Your Solar Installer Goes Out of Business in Ireland?

In Ireland, if your solar installer goes out of business, your manufacturer warranties remain valid but your installer's workmanship warranty typically ends. Your system will continue to work, and any SEAI-registered installer can service it. Here's exactly what you need to do to protect your investment.

With over 190,000 Irish homes now having solar panels (as of August 2026), the rapid industry growth has unfortunately seen some installers cease trading. Whether due to cash-flow issues, supply-chain problems, or market consolidation, an installer closure can leave homeowners worried about their warranties, maintenance, and future support.

What Happens to Your Warranties?

When a solar installer goes out of business, you're left with two very different warranty situations.

Manufacturer Warranties (Still Valid)

The good news: manufacturer warranties on your panels, inverters, and batteries remain in force regardless of whether your installer is still trading.

Typical manufacturer warranty terms:

• Solar panels: 10-15 year product warranty, 25-30 year performance warranty (typically guaranteeing 80-85% output after 25 years)
• Inverters: 5-12 year warranty (SolarEdge, Huawei, Fronius, GivEnergy, Solis)
• Batteries: 5-10 year warranty

These warranties are backed by the equipment manufacturer, not your installer. You can claim directly with the manufacturer if a component fails within the warranty period.

What you'll need:

• Serial numbers from panels, inverter, and battery
• Original purchase documentation
• Proof of professional installation (NC6 certificate from ESB Networks)

Installer Workmanship Warranties (Likely Void)

The bad news: your installer's workmanship warranty, which covers installation quality, roof penetrations, mounting, and wiring, typically becomes void when the company ceases trading.

What workmanship warranties cover:

• Roof leaks from mounting brackets
• Faulty cable connections
• Loose or damaged mounting hardware
• Electrical installation errors

If these issues arise after your installer closes, you'll need to pay another installer to fix them out of pocket.

Your System Will Keep Working

Important: Your solar panels, inverter, and battery will continue generating electricity even if your installer is no longer in business. The system doesn't need the installer to operate.

What you might lose:

• Free maintenance visits (if included in your contract)
• Monitoring app support (if using installer-branded software)
• Priority service for repairs

What to Do Immediately

If you discover your solar installer has ceased trading, take these steps:

1. Gather Your Documentation Locate and organize:

• Installation contract and receipt
• NC6 certificate (ESB Networks micro-generation registration)
• Manufacturer warranty certificates
• Panel and inverter serial numbers (usually on labels)
• Monitoring app login details

2. Check Your Monitoring System Log into your monitoring app (SolarEdge, Huawei FusionSolar, Fronius Solar.web, etc.) and verify it's still recording data. If monitoring has stopped, you may need a replacement installer to restore it.

3. Identify Your Equipment Manufacturers Find out who made your panels and inverter. Common brands in Ireland include:

• Panels: Jinko, LONGi, REC, Q CELLS, Canadian Solar, JA Solar, Trina
• Inverters: SolarEdge, Huawei, Fronius, GivEnergy, Solis

Visit the manufacturer's website and locate their warranty claim process.

4. Find a Replacement Installer Any SEAI-registered solar installer can service your system, even if they didn't install it. Use the SEAI's official contractor directory to find local registered installers.

WattCharger provides nationwide support for orphaned solar systems, including:

• System health checks
• Inverter replacements
• Monitoring restoration
• Manufacturer warranty claims assistance
• Performance troubleshooting

5. Document Any Issues If you're experiencing system problems, document them with:

• Photos of error messages
• Dates when issues started
• Monitoring app screenshots showing reduced output
• Notes on any physical damage

This documentation will be essential if you need to make a manufacturer warranty claim.

Can You Claim for Losses?

Consumer Rights

Under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980 and the Consumer Rights Act 2022, you have legal rights if goods or services are defective, even if the company has ceased trading.

However:

• Enforcement is difficult once a company is liquidated
• You may need legal advice, which can be costly
• Recovery of money is unlikely if the company has no remaining assets

Credit Card Chargebacks

If you paid a deposit by credit card and the installer failed to complete the work, you may be able to claim a chargeback from your card issuer. Contact your bank immediately if this applies.

Insurance Claims

Check your home insurance policy. Some policies cover solar panel damage or installation defects, though coverage varies significantly between insurers.

How to Protect Yourself Before Installation

Choose Established Installers

• Operating for 5+ years minimum
• Multiple verifiable reviews (Google, Trustpilot, Facebook)
• SEAI-registered and Safe Electric-certified
• Member of trade bodies (SEAI, Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland)

Ask About Financial Stability

• Request company registration number (verify on cro.ie)
• Check for recent accounts filing
• Ask about insurance cover (public liability, professional indemnity)

Secure Strong Warranties

• Manufacturer-backed warranties (not installer-only coverage)
• Clear written terms on what's covered
• Extended warranty options

Use Stage Payments Never pay 100% upfront. Typical payment structure:

• 30-50% deposit
• 30-40% on installation completion
• 20-30% after ESB connection and SEAI grant approval

Finding Replacement Support

If you need ongoing support for an orphaned system:

SEAI Registered Installers Any SEAI-registered solar installer can:

• Service your existing system
• Replace faulty components
• Submit manufacturer warranty claims on your behalf
• Restore monitoring functionality
• Expand your system

Safe Electric Electricians For inverter or wiring issues, any Safe Electric-registered electrician can diagnose and repair electrical components, even if they're not a specialist solar installer.

Equipment Manufacturers Some manufacturers (particularly inverter brands like SolarEdge and Huawei) offer direct technical support and can recommend local service partners.

The Bottom Line

Your solar installer closing is frustrating, but it doesn't mean your system is orphaned permanently. Manufacturer warranties remain valid, your system will keep working, and any SEAI-registered installer can provide ongoing support.

The key is acting quickly: gather documentation, verify your warranties, and establish a relationship with a replacement installer before you need emergency repairs.

Useful Resources:

• SEAI Registered Solar Installers
• How to Choose a Solar Installer in Ireland

Need Support for an Orphaned Solar System?

WattCharger provides expert support for solar systems installed by other companies. We handle manufacturer warranty claims, inverter replacements, monitoring restoration, and system expansions nationwide. Get in touch for a free system health check.