I've just found out my installer is going out of business - what do I do in terms of maintenence?

3DataModem

My installer earlier this year was ***********, and they have just gone out of business. FWIW I was very happy with them at pretty much all stages of our interaction.

My two questions;

• Do I need to get passwords, admin access, etc from them for anything?
• Can anyone recommend a company who does service well for other co's installations?

mod note: We're aware about that company going out of business. But going to play it safe and not mention actual names.

graememk

There isnt anything to service on a PV installation so your ok there.

Warranty with the inverter will still be with manufacturer, Could be a bit more hoops to jump through but its still there.

What inverter do you have? Most (sensibly) don't change the default passcode.

Furze99

It's a developing industry and doubtless quite a few installers will come & go.

The real problems may arise several years down the road with deteriorating outputs and manufacturers shutting up shop to avoid meeting liabilities. Maybe the taxpayer will have to come to the rescue then a la mica and pyrite etc. If this does happen and there's a substantial number of installations affected, it'll be very hard for the state to deny compensation, given it's state policy to install these.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509512#Comment_121509512

What are you talking about ... !

bullit_dodger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509512#Comment_121509512

State won't (and shouldn't) be involved here. It's akin to buying a TV or some other electronic device and then the device goes faulty 10+ years down the road. State has no input here other than potentially helping facilitate the initial purchase via the grant scheme.

The reality is that with the exception of the telemetry side and software updates, there's very little maintenance on these units. Onboarding is something that usually happens with the supplier on your behalf with the main manufacturer (Givenergy/solis/etc) but once that's done, the supplier is sort of out of the loop really barring a nice entry point if you were happy with them and your looking for an upgrade (extra panels/bigger battery/etc) Getting a new supplier to do that work is often a pain in the hoop.

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509537#Comment_121509537

Who will householders turn to, when their solar panels are not performing to the promised specification... Who will uphold guarantees.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509561#Comment_121509561

The same as any equipment you buy for any purpose. This is really one of those nonsense posts isn't it. Pyrite... .. ..

AmpMan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509561#Comment_121509561

Terrifying stuff all right

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509575#Comment_121509575

Time will tell. We do have a history here with construction issues and where the original businesses who are liable, close up shop. The consumer then claims, perhaps not unreasonably that the state should have regulated the quality of the goods more carefully. It doesn't work if it's just toasters or TVs but you can bet your house that it it comes down to solar panel performance and many people are affected, that pressure will come on bigtime.

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509588#Comment_121509588

Substantial enough investment, longish pay back period.... issues may only slowly appear.

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058327366/ive-just-found-out-my-installer-is-going-out-of-business-what-do-i-do-in-terms-of-maintenence

Ignore the derail here.

1) Check ESB got your NC6 from them as that allows you export. If you're already getting a solar credit from your energy supplier, then the NC6 is already submitted so nothing to do

2) Get the admin logins from them for the inverter or any other kit they setup. They might have changed the default admin logins. If they haven't changed the default admin logins, you can get those again when needed from the interweb or this forum

3) Service? There is no service needed.

listermint

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509597#Comment_121509597

Interesting,do you give the same advice for people getting a new boiler installed by random plumber 'ned the plumber'.

It's hyperbole.

Best advice given is just above this post.

Furze99

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509652#Comment_121509652

I'd classify that as 'stick your head in the sand' approach. But whatever, we'll see.

bullit_dodger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509857#Comment_121509857

I've absolutely zero concerns should my panels start "under producing" in 15 years. In 3-4 more years they will have already paid for themselves. Nobody should be worried about drop off in performance. I'd very much like my supplier to be around in 15 years, but not so much that I will need them, but I found them decent folk and I'd like to see them in jobs.

3DataModem

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121509647#Comment_121509647

1 - done.

2 - will try and do this. I think I have the logins somewhere.

3 - noted!