The UK solar market has grown rapidly over the past few years, driven by rising energy prices and increasing demand for energy independence. However, with that growth has come a worrying trend – some solar companies set up quickly, trade for a short period and then dissolve when demand slows.
For homeowners in Essex, Kent and across the South East, this raises an important question:
“What happens to your solar system if your installer goes out of business?”
At SolarTherm UK, we believe in transparency, long term reliability and protecting homeowners – not just installing systems. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Reality: Not All Solar Companies Are Built to Last
Unfortunately, the barrier to entry in the solar industry is relatively low – MCS accreditation is optional. This has led to:
- Short lived installation companies
- Poor aftercare support
- Invalid or unclear warranties
- Homeowners left without help when issues arise
When an installer goes bust, the biggest concern is ongoing support and warranty coverage.
What You Don’t Lose If Your Installer Goes Bust
The good news is your system doesn’t suddenly stop working.
Your Solar Panels Still Generate Electricity
Solar PV systems are largely self-sufficient. Even if your installer disappears, your panels will continue producing energy as normal.
Manufacturer Warranties Often Still Apply
Most reputable solar panels, inverters and batteries come with manufacturer backed warranties, typically:
- Panels: 20-25 years
- Inverters: 5-12 years
- Batteries: 10-15 years
These warranties are separate from your installer, meaning you may still be covered – provided the products were registered correctly at installation.
What You May Lose
This is where problems can arise.
Workmanship Warranty
Installer backed workmanship warranties (usually 2-10 years) are often void if the company no longer exists.
Installation Records and Documentation
If your installer didn’t provide proper handover documents, system details or certifications, this can make maintenance or warranty claims more difficult.
Aftercare and Support
No ongoing maintenance, monitoring help or troubleshooting support.
Common Issues Homeowners Face
We regularly hear from homeowners across Essex and Kent dealing with faulty inverters, battery systems not performing correctly and no access to monitoring apps. They may be missing MCS certificates, DNO paperwork or warranty details, making claims difficult.
This is where choosing the right installer from the start becomes critical.
How SolarTherm UK Supports Homeowners (Even If We Didn’t Install Your System)
At SolarTherm UK, we don’t just install systems – we support homeowners long term. We regularly help customers who have been left stranded by previous installers.
Our Services Include:
- System diagnostics and fault finding
- Inverter and battery replacement
- Warranty support and manufacturer liaison
- Retrofitting battery storage to existing systems
- Monitoring setup and optimisation
Our experienced engineers work with leading manufacturers to ensure your system performs as intended – regardless of who installed it.
How to Protect Yourself When Choosing a Solar Installer
If you’re considering solar or battery storage, here’s how to avoid future issues:
- Choose an Established Company – look for a proven track record, not just recent activity.
- Check Accreditations – ensure your system is MCS certified, RECC or HIES registered and fully insured.
- Ask About Aftercare – do they offer long term support and is there a dedicated service team?
- Understand Your Warranties – make sure both manufacturer and workmanship warranties are clearly explained and documented.
- Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Pricing – unrealistically cheap systems often indicate short term businesses cutting corners.
Why Long Term Stability Matters
Solar is a 25+ year investment. Choosing an installer should be based on reliability, technical expertise, financial stability and commitment to aftercare. At SolarTherm UK, we’re proud to serve homeowners across the South East with a focus on quality installations, honest advice and long term customer support.
Why Trust SolarTherm UK?
- Experienced solar and battery specialists
- Local expertise across Essex, Kent and the wider South East
- Fully accredited and insured
- Proven track record in residential and commercial installations
- Ongoing support, servicing and upgrades
We don’t follow trends – we build systems designed to last decades.
Final Thoughts
If your solar installer goes bust, your system will likely continue working – but support, warranties and peace of mind can be affected. That’s why choosing a trusted, established installer is just as important as choosing the right solar panels. If you’re unsure about your current system or need support, SolarTherm UK is here to help.
Start Your Solar Journey with SolarTherm UK
If you’re at the beginning of your solar journey and want clear, honest advice, the team at SolarTherm UK is here to help.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and bespoke system design, tailored to your property, energy usage, and future needs.
We take a consultative approach — no pressure, no hard selling — just straightforward, expert guidance to help you make the right decision for your home.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
FAQs
What should I do if my solar installer has gone bust?
Start by gathering your documentation (MCS certificate, warranties, manuals). Then contact a reputable installer like SolarTherm UK to assess your system.
Can I still claim warranty on my solar panels?
Yes, in most cases manufacturer warranties still apply — even if your installer no longer exists.
Can another company maintain my system?
Absolutely. Qualified solar companies can service, repair, and upgrade existing systems.
Is it worth adding a battery to an older system?
Yes — retrofitting battery storage is a popular and effective way to increase energy savings and independence.
How do I know if my system is underperforming?
Signs include higher-than-expected energy bills, low generation, or app/monitoring issues. A professional system check can confirm this.
