The Australian solar market is dynamic, and while most installations proceed without issue, the unfortunate reality is that some solar retailers and installers do go out of business. If your solar installer has gone bust in 2026, your solar investment of typically $6,000 or more for a standard 6.6kW system is not necessarily lost. Crucially, your product warranties on panels and inverters, alongside your rights under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), generally remain intact. What you primarily lose is the installer’s workmanship warranty and direct after-sales service.

This guide outlines the essential steps Australian homeowners must take to protect their solar power system and ensure continued operation, even if the original installer is no longer trading.

Understanding Your Solar Warranties in 2026

When you purchase a solar system, you receive several layers of protection, typically from different entities:

  1. Product Warranty (Manufacturer): This covers the physical components of your solar panels and inverter against manufacturing defects. For solar panels, these warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years, with premium brands like SunPower Maxeon offering up to 40 years. For solar inverters, standard warranties are generally 5 to 10 years, with some extendable to 10-15 years upon registration. For example, from June 1, 2026, new Fronius inverters registered on Solar.web automatically receive a 10-year warranty, with an option to extend to 15 years through purchase. These warranties are provided by the product manufacturer, not the installer, and are usually transferable.
  2. Performance Warranty (Manufacturer): Specific to solar panels, this guarantees a minimum power output over a specified period, usually 25 years, ensuring panels still produce 80-90% of their original output after this time. While claims can be challenging to prove, it acts as an indicator of long-term panel quality.
  3. Workmanship/Installation Warranty (Installer): This covers the quality of the installation work itself, including mounting, wiring, and roof penetrations. Under the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) scheme, approved sellers must provide a minimum 5-year workmanship warranty. Some leading installers offer 10 to 20 years.

The Critical Distinction: If your installer goes bust, the workmanship warranty is typically voided. However, your product and performance warranties from the manufacturers generally remain valid, provided the manufacturer or their Australian representative is still operating.

Australian Consumer Law: Your Unbreakable Safety Net

Beyond specific warranties, the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) provides automatic consumer guarantees for products and services. These guarantees stipulate that goods must be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and match their description. Services must be carried out with due care and skill.

“Under Australian Consumer Law, products and services that consumers buy from a business come with automatic guarantees that they will work and do what they’re supposed to do. These are called consumer guarantee rights. These rights apply to solar products and installation services and cannot be restricted or excluded. They are separate to any manufacturer’s warranty.”

Crucially, these consumer guarantees have no fixed expiry date and exist independently of any written warranty. If you paid one business for both the products and installation, that business is generally responsible for providing a remedy.

However, enforcing these guarantees against a liquidated company can be difficult, as there may be no solvent entity left to pursue.

4 Steps to Take If Your Solar Installer Goes Bust

If you discover your solar installer has ceased trading, follow these steps to protect your investment:

Step 1: Gather All Documentation

Before taking any action, compile every piece of paperwork related to your solar installation. This comprehensive file should include:

  • Your original sales contract and invoice.
  • Installation and commissioning records.
  • Make, model, and serial numbers for all components (panels, inverter, battery).
  • All warranty documents and any registration records for extended warranties.
  • Records of payments, especially if a deposit was made and the system was not fully installed.
  • Photographs of your system and any visible issues.
  • Monitoring records showing system performance.

These documents are crucial for lodging claims with manufacturers or consumer protection agencies.

Step 2: Contact Product Manufacturers Directly

This is your most direct path to resolving issues with faulty equipment.

  • For Panels: Identify the manufacturer (e.g., Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, REC) and their Australian authorised representative or head office. Lodge a claim directly with them, providing your panel serial numbers and proof of purchase. Their product and performance warranties should still be valid.
  • For Inverters: Similarly, contact the inverter manufacturer (e.g., Fronius, Sungrow, SMA). Provide your inverter serial number and proof of purchase. Many inverters, like Fronius, require online registration for extended warranties, so ensure you have proof of this if applicable.
  • For Batteries: If you have a solar battery, its warranty is separate. Contact the battery manufacturer (e.g., Tesla, BYD, Sungrow) directly with serial numbers and purchase details.

Manufacturers are legally obligated under their warranties to address defects. Most reputable brands have an established Australian presence and support network for such claims.

Step 3: Lodge a Complaint with Consumer Protection Agencies

Even if your installer is gone, consumer protection agencies can offer guidance and, in some cases, assistance.

  • State/Territory Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs: Contact your local office. These bodies can provide advice on your rights under the ACL and may be able to mediate disputes or advise on further action, especially if the company recently ceased trading or you paid a deposit for an uninstalled system.
    • New South Wales: Fair Trading NSW
    • Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
    • Queensland: Office of Fair Trading QLD
    • South Australia: Consumer and Business Services SA
    • Western Australia: Consumer Protection WA
    • Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services TAS
  • Clean Energy Council (CEC): If your installer was a CEC Approved Retailer, you can lodge a complaint with the CEC. While they cannot enforce financial remedies, they oversee industry standards and can investigate breaches of their Code of Conduct.
  • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): The ACCC provides comprehensive guidance on consumer rights and can investigate broader issues of non-compliance with consumer law. You can report issues directly to them.

If you paid a deposit via credit card for a system that was never installed, you might be able to initiate a chargeback through your bank. If you paid via bank transfer to a company now in liquidation, you would need to register as an unsecured creditor with the appointed liquidator, though recovery in such cases is often limited.

Step 4: Engage a New Reputable Solar Installer

While this may incur new costs, a new CEC-accredited installer can:

  • Diagnose Issues: Identify the cause of any system faults.
  • Facilitate Manufacturer Warranties: Help you process claims with manufacturers, leveraging their industry contacts and technical expertise.
  • Perform Repairs/Maintenance: Carry out necessary repairs, maintenance, or even system upgrades. This could include replacing a faulty inverter (e.g., a GoodWe or Sungrow model) or addressing wiring issues not covered by any surviving warranty.
  • System Health Check: An older system might benefit from a health check to recover lost generation and identify risks.

When selecting a new installer, prioritise those with a strong local track record and comprehensive workmanship warranties. For guidance on finding the right professional, refer to our guide: Solar System Installation Costs in Australia 2026: A Complete Guide.

Preventative Measures: Choosing a Reliable Installer in 2026

The best defence against installer insolvency is choosing a reputable company from the outset. Consider these factors:

  • CEC Approved Retailer: This accreditation demonstrates a commitment to high standards and consumer protection.
  • Long Track Record: Look for installers with many years of operation and a solid reputation in your state (e.g., NSW, VIC, QLD).
  • Comprehensive Warranties: Seek installers offering longer workmanship warranties (10+ years is ideal) and ensure they use products with strong manufacturer backing. For insights into reliable products, read our guide: Best Solar Panels for Australian Homes 2026: Efficiency, Warranty & Performance Compared.
  • Clear Contracts: Ensure your contract clearly outlines warranty terms, responsibilities, and what happens in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Payment Terms: Be wary of installers demanding large upfront deposits. The smaller the initial payment, the less financial exposure you have.

Bottom Line

While the collapse of a solar installer is a frustrating and potentially costly event, it does not mean your entire solar investment is lost. In 2026, your manufacturer product warranties for panels and inverters, typically lasting 10-25 years, remain your strongest protection. The Australian Consumer Law also provides a crucial safety net for defective products or services. By meticulously documenting your system, directly engaging manufacturers, and leveraging consumer protection agencies, you can navigate this challenge and ensure your solar system continues to deliver clean energy and savings for years to come. Be proactive, gather your evidence, and don’t hesitate to seek expert advice from a new, reputable installer.