2.5 What to do if the installer goes under (or you DIY'd)

95% of system "failures" are loose terminations, tripped breakers, or a monitoring outage — issues you can fix without buying new equipment.

2.5.1 Always get the design drawings

A lot of U.S. solar companies refuse to hand over the design package and permit drawings. That locks you in: future troubleshooting, maintenance, or expansion all have to go through them, at premium prices. If they go bankrupt, you have to start from scratch with no documentation.

In reality, solar maintenance and replacement work is not that complex. With the design package in hand, a third-party technician — or even you yourself — can diagnose and resolve most issues.

Get a copy of the design drawings as soon as the install is finished.

2.5.2 An emergency troubleshooting flow (any solar contractor, electrician, or general contractor can do this):

1. Check the monitoring app to see which string or device went offline.
2. Open the inverter / battery cabinet and read the error code.
3. Check the DC/AC breakers and DC/AC disconnects.
4. Inspect terminations for oxidation or looseness.
5. Replace damaged components and file the warranty claim with the manufacturer directly — most manufacturers do not require "the original installer must perform the replacement."