An orphaned solar system is a solar energy setup that has been abandoned, neglected, or left incomplete by the original installer or contractor. These systems can include solar panels that no longer work, inverters that have failed, or equipment that was never properly activated. Many of these homeowners are left in limbo—paying for a system that no longer delivers the benefits they were promised.
Solar panels are a long-term investment. With regular maintenance, many of these systems can last over 25–30 years. While it’s important to find a reputable solar company to install your solar panels, it’s just as important to consider the company’s longevity and ability to provide support given the potential lifespan of your solar system. The solar industry isn’t immune to the cycles of boom and bust. Customers may have a broken or faulty system, only to learn the original installer went out of business.
In areas like Central Virginia—where local and regional solar incentives drove adoption in recent years—many residents are now left with orphaned systems. If you’re one of them, you’re not alone
Common Signs Your Solar System Is Orphaned
Your system may be orphaned if:
- Your installer has gone out of business and you have no point of contact.
- Your system is no longer producing power or does so inconsistently.
- You’re experiencing error messages on your inverter or monitoring system.
- You’ve been unable to schedule maintenance or warranty service.
The technical issues may be simple to fix, but without a responsive installer, getting your system back online can feel impossible.
The Growing Issue of Orphaned Solar Systems
In 2024, the U.S. residential solar market experienced a significant downturn, with installations declining by 31% compared to the previous year. This downturn led to financial instability for many solar companies, which resulted in bankruptcies and closures. As a consequence, numerous homeowners in Central Virginia have solar systems that no longer perform as expected. Issues like faulty wiring, outdated equipment, or lack of maintenance continue to increase as more solar companies face economic challenges.
The issue of orphaned systems goes beyond simple inconvenience. There’s a substantial economic impact as well. A report by Raptor Maps estimates that solar asset underperformance leads to $4.6 billion in preventable losses annually in the U.S. alone.
The biggest challenge with orphaned systems is not technical—it’s logistical. Homeowners often don’t know where to turn when their original solar installer disappears. In other words, the problem isn’t always with the panels or the wiring. It’s knowing who to call when something goes wrong. That’s where Tiger Solar steps in.
How Tiger Solar Can Help
We cannot overstate the importance of a reliable, long-term solar partner. Our commitment to the region and our customers is vital to who we are. Tiger Solar has over two decades of experience in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems. For homeowners in Central Virginia with orphaned or stranded systems, Tiger Solar provides the technical support and service continuity you need.
Our team starts with a system assessment to understand the condition of your setup. We check equipment functionality, diagnose any failures, and identify which components (if any) need to be replaced or reconfigured. We then offer a clear plan to restore your system’s performance. There’s no upsell, just straightforward service.
We also help you access state or federal incentives for upgrades and repairs for qualifying solar systems. At the time of writing, this includes tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act.
What You Can Do Now
If you think your system might be orphaned:
- Check your monitoring system (if available) to review recent production data.
- Try contacting your original installer.
- If they’re no longer in business—or don’t respond—reach out to a trusted service provider like Tiger Solar.
Tiger Solar works with systems we didn’t install, and we have the experience to take over when other solar companies leave you in the dark. Whether it’s reconnecting inverters, replacing outdated components, or providing maintenance, Tiger Solar ensures your solar energy investment powers your home for years to come. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable energy solutions makes us a trusted partner for homeowners in Central Virginia.
Conclusion
If your solar system no longer delivers the benefits once promised, it’s time to take action. You invested in solar to save money, use clean energy, and gain energy independence. An orphaned system doesn’t change that goal, but it can get in the way. We can help remove that obstacle.
Contact Tiger Solar today to schedule an assessment and restore your solar system’s performance.
FAQ
- How do I know if my solar system has been orphaned?
If your system isn’t working as expected and you can’t reach your installer, it’s likely orphaned.
- Can Tiger Solar fix a system they didn’t install?
Yes. We regularly take over orphaned systems and bring them back online.
- Will I need a full replacement?
Not always. Many systems only need minor repairs, component swaps, or reconfigurations.
- Can I still claim tax credits for repairs or upgrades?
In many cases, yes—especially if new parts are needed. We’ll help guide you through the process.
- What areas do you serve?
We currently support homeowners throughout Central Virginia and the Grand Rapids, MI area. For more information, see our locations here.
- What brands do you work with?
We service most common inverter and panel brands, including Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, and others.