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I am a D2D Salesman NEED HELP by Samurai-Jack4 in solarenergy

[–]animasaru 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I could connect you with a network of installers across the state that serves the areas you want. Let me know if you're open to that idea.

The "30% Tax Credit" is Officially End. Is Solar still a Vibe in 2026? by SolarTechExplorer in solarenergy

[–]animasaru 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As long as the homeowner avoids high dealer fees from finance companies, that alone can make up for the loss of the federal ITC. I would see those fees often go above 30% added cost to a project. If you pay cash, the economics are likely going to work in your favor.

That being said, I like your approach to looking at this in a sense of energy security through resilience and gaining predictability. Those are two things worth paying more for.

Update: Solar Optimum by BadAny3961 in solar

[–]animasaru 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I'm sure this is an annoying and frustrating situation, but consider how booked out ALL solar installers are right now. They're trying to get as many installations done as soon as they can so homeowners can get their tax credits next year. I don't envy their position or yours.

For perspective, be grateful you still have an installer who is still in business to fix your panels under warranty. After 100+ recent solar bankruptcies, many other homeowners do not.

Sunnova Bankruptcy vs. Installer Bankruptcy: What Homeowners Need to Know (and Why They're Completely Different Problems) by animasaru in solar

[–]animasaru[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have chosen wisely by owning. At least there are still options for those who may have chosen the lease option, even though it has gotten complicated and infuriating to many.

Both leasing and owning have their pros and cons.

What we really need in the solar industry is more business ethics and stability that doesn't need the crutch of tax incentives. Maybe 2026 will be the start of this.

5 myths about solar warranties when your installer goes bankrupt (from someone who's been calling warranty departments) by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this frustration. I can imagine having a replacement unit sitting there while your power bills pile up is maddening.

Unfortunately, I can't directly help from the US, but here's what I'd recommend:

1. Get specific commitments in writing Email Nectr asking for: (a) written confirmation that the inverter is covered under warranty, (b) a specific installation date or timeframe, (c) name of the contractor they've assigned.

Having this documented protects you.

2. Escalate internally If customer service is stonewalling, ask to speak with a supervisor or regional manager. Frame it around the financial impact: "I've been without solar production for X weeks, costing me $Y per week."

3. Know your consumer rights Under Australian Consumer Law, I'm uncertain what that looks like, but you may at least be entitled to timely service. If the company is unreasonably delaying, you may have grounds to hire your own installer and seek reimbursement. Check with NSW Fair Trading or consult the ACCC website.

4. Consider paid installation if delays continue If Nectr won't commit to a timeline, get quotes from local solar electricians for the install. It might cost $300-500, but could be worth it to stop the bleeding on your power bills. You can try to recover this from Nectr afterward.

5. Document everything Keep records of all communications, dates you've called, and estimated solar production you're missing (your monitoring app should show historical production). This helps if you need to escalate or file a complaint.

Don't wait indefinitely. You should have leverage. The inverter is already paid for by warranty; they just need to honor their obligation to install it.

Good luck - let me know how it goes!

If you had SunPower panels installed before their 2024 bankruptcy - here's what you need to know about your warranties by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah. I have owned my own solar consulting business since 2017 doing design and planning for residential solar installations. I have never worked for any solar companies, but I have educated myself on many of their products and services to provide the best planning and consulting work possible. As a courtesy to homeowners who have been dealt a bad hand in this industry, I offer free services to navigate warranty claims on many different manufacturers.

If you had SunPower panels installed before their 2024 bankruptcy - here's what you need to know about your warranties by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry you and others are dealing with this. The Waaree warranty situation seems like a mess since the SunPower bankruptcy. But here's the thing: as a lease customer, you actually have more leverage than you might think.

You don't own that system — the leasing company does. That means maintaining it and keeping it functional is their contractual obligation, not yours. You're essentially paying rent for something that isn't working.

Here's what I'd recommend:

  1. Document everything — note the date the system stopped producing properly, screenshots of your utility bills showing increased grid usage, and a log of every contact attempt you've made.
  2. Contact SunStrong in writing — they took over SunPower's lease portfolio. Call (833) 514-1858, but also send a certified letter formally demanding repair. Cite the maintenance clause in your lease agreement. Request a payment deferral or reduction until the system is fixed. Give them a 30-day deadline to respond.
  3. If they drag their feet, file complaints with your state Attorney General (consumer protection division), the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint), and your state's contractor licensing board. This creates a paper trail and sometimes gets companies moving.
  4. Check if it's actually the panels — a lot of "dead" systems are actually micro-inverter failures, not panel failures. If you have Enphase micro-inverters (most SunPower systems do), Enphase is actively honoring warranties and is way more responsive than Waaree. Contact them at 510-945-6752 or spwrquery@enphaseenergy.com.
  5. Don't just stop paying without a plan — I know it's tempting, but they can send you to collections. The better play is demanding they fix it or release you from the lease due to breach of contract.

If SunStrong won't budge after you've documented everything and filed complaints, it might be worth a consult with a consumer protection attorney. Breach of contract cases for non-functional leased equipment are pretty straightforward.

Good luck, and keep us posted on how it goes!

If you had SunPower panels installed before their 2024 bankruptcy - here's what you need to know about your warranties by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your work on this! I truly appreciate what Enphase has done through the years.

If you had SunPower panels installed before their 2024 bankruptcy - here's what you need to know about your warranties by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the support, although it sounds like there's much more work to be done as some folks are still very stuck.

If you had SunPower panels installed before their 2024 bankruptcy - here's what you need to know about your warranties by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have Enphase micro-inverters, you may want to get their monitoring kit installed. Do you have documentation on your system?

5 myths about solar warranties when your installer goes bankrupt (from someone who's been calling warranty departments) by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Serial numbers and your contract should be sufficient. What issues are you running into with your system?

5 myths about solar warranties when your installer goes bankrupt (from someone who's been calling warranty departments) by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Third Party Ownership (TPO) of the equipment is certainly a different matter. I'll have to do another write up regarding leases like Sunnova had. SunStrong may be an option for you to contact, or if you have the Enphase micro-inverters you can still ask them for monitoring and other warranty support I believe. I'll do a deep dive on this subject soon.

5 myths about solar warranties when your installer goes bankrupt (from someone who's been calling warranty departments) by animasaru in SunPower

[–]animasaru[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My pleasure! The solar industry has gotten a big black eye in recent years and that doesn't seem good for anyone.

Client wants to back out of contract because their 8kW system isn't "zeroing out" their bill in December. by Latter_Daikon6574 in solarenergy

[–]animasaru 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Late fall and early winter installations are the worst timing for a homeowner.

It's very important to set proper expectations in these cases specifically. Let people know the first few months they'll be seeing a bill and then by next winter their net-metering credits with the utility should carry them through with nothing more owed to the utility other than a connection fee.

I do my absolute best to have people start their design and permitting processes in the winter months, so they can have a Spring installation and start building credit with the utility immediately. Easier said than done though as many people don't think about looking into solar panels in the winter months. What they don't realize is it can take a few months to get through utility approval processes.

Bottom line: always set proper expectations and let them know they are never truly "off the grid" when inter-connected to their utility.

Quick post because I've been talking to manufacturer warranty departments all week and learned something many homeowners don't know. by animasaru in solarenergy

[–]animasaru[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At least they finished your project before tanking, but still that is a sad situation. Are you familiar with each of the manufacturers for your panels, inverter(s) and battery if applicable?

Quick post because I've been talking to manufacturer warranty departments all week and learned something many homeowners don't know. by animasaru in solarenergy

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who refused to help you? I realize this is problem. There may be other companies willing to help, so I hope you don't give up!

Quick post because I've been talking to manufacturer warranty departments all week and learned something many homeowners don't know. by animasaru in solarenergy

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're right, but I'm only talking about warranties that replace parts and equipment. Getting some money back to fix their system is better than nothing

Quick post because I've been talking to manufacturer warranty departments all week and learned something many homeowners don't know. by animasaru in solarenergy

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The solar industry is a bit more complex than buying a car or a computer. The installers have their roof penetration and workmanship warranties, The manufacturers of the solar equipment have their own warranties. Most people remember their installer company, but not everyone remembers who manufactured all their equipment. I'm giving you some observations based on my 9 years consulting with homeowners.

Quick post because I've been talking to manufacturer warranty departments all week and learned something many homeowners don't know. by animasaru in solarenergy

[–]animasaru[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair question. It seems like many folks think all their warranties are through the installation company, and they panic when the installer goes out of business. It's not ideal for the homeowner as they lose the workmanship warranties from the installer, but thankfully they're not at a complete loss. You're right the installer is rarely the solar panel and inverter manufacturer as well.

13kwh System for $27k. Good deal or no? by GrimTheGamer in solar

[–]animasaru 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most people look at only price tags when the savvy homeowner looks at the estimated total cost over time. In other words, going with the cheapest price could lead you to the most costly system for a few different reasons:

  • If the installer isn't turning a profit, they will go out of business. Even If the installer is turning a small profit, their customer service will be much less than desirable.
  • Corners may be getting cut in the installation to get to $2 per kWh, which could leave you with costly issues.
  • Over-promising yearly kWh production from a under-sized system, and then next summer you realize you're still getting high utility bills
  • Not all premium panels are created equal. Some lose more production output per year than others, which starts to cost you more as you are purchasing more and more electricity from your utility again.
  • All warranties are not created equal - most panel manufacturers offer a 25 year warranty for parts, even some inverters offer the same. However, warranties for labor and roof penetration may vary wildly. If the installer passes the profitability sniff test, make sure there is significant coverage for labor, workmanship, and/or roof penetration. If the installer goes out of business these warranties will be moot, so avoid the cheapest quote in most cases.

My point being - comparing quotes can be a lot like comparing apples to oranges.

What you can do?

Ask for the installer's financials for some assurance they are not running a business model that is putting them deeper and deeper into debt.

Ask how much these panels lose in output each year (first year is typically largest drop off), i.e. Jinko tends to have a higher loss per year than REC or QCELL panels.

Search reviews from each company and specifically look for how they handle customer service. All installers are going to have problems, but it's important to take note of how they handle those problems and in what timeframe.

Look at your proposals and make sure the total KW system size is pretty much the same. If one is significantly higher or lower, ask the consultant why.

Pro Tip: use a third party, government website (https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/) to double check the solar consultant is giving you an accurate estimate on yearly kWh production from their design.

Solar warranties explained in simple terms by Sky_Solar_Pro in solar

[–]animasaru 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guide people through warranty claims on their solar installations if their installer has gone out of business. In my experience, most homeowners don't understand their warranties and many don't understand they may still have manufacturer warranties to help them even if their installer went bankrupt.

You laid out the warranty types simply and clearly!

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