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Sunnova logo with "Bankruptcy Impact" text over a background of solar panels; Forme Solar Electric and Enver Solar logos in the upper left, highlighting effects on leading solar companies.
Sunnova logo with "Bankruptcy Impact" text over a background of solar panels. Forme Solar Electric logo in the upper left.

Sunnova Filed for Bankruptcy: What This Means for Sunnva Solar Customers

Sunnova Energy, once considered a leader in residential solar services, has filed for bankruptcy protection, an announcement that is creating concern for thousands of homeowners across the country. With a business model centered around long-term solar leases, Sunnova aimed to make solar energy more accessible through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and financing options. But now, many customers are left asking: what happens to my system, my warranty, and my ongoing service?

If you are a homeowner who worked with Sunnova to install solar, this guide will walk you through what this bankruptcy means, and what your options are moving forward.

Sunnova Energy Overview

The Sunnova logo, like those of leading solar companies such as Enver Solar, features the word "sunnova" in lowercase letters, with an orange arc forming the "o" and a gradient line beneath.
Sunnova Energy Logo

Founded in 2012 and based in Houston, Texas, Sunnova positioned itself as a "solar-as-a-service" provider. Instead of selling solar panels directly, the company focused on long-term energy agreements, leasing equipment to homeowners while handling installation, maintenance, and monitoring.

Company Profile:

  • Founded: 2012
  • Headquarters: Houston, TX
  • CEO: John Berger
  • Ticker Symbol: NYSE: NOVA (prior to bankruptcy)
  • Primary Model: Residential Leases, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Battery Storage Add-ons
  • Systems Installed: Estimated over 100,000 nationwide

By combining third-party installation with financing and servicing, Sunnova scaled quickly. However, the sustainability of this model, especially under rising interest rates and increasing operational costs proved challenging. Leading to Sunnova having issues with cash flow and eventually filing for bankruptcy.

Why Did Sunnova Energy File for Bankruptcy?

Sunnova files for bankruptcy on residential solar woes. Several key factors contributed to Sunnova’s financial distress:

1. Rising Cost of Capital
With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, Sunnova found it increasingly difficult to secure affordable financing for their long-term solar leases. Since their business relied heavily on borrowing to finance new systems, higher rates put significant pressure on margins.

2. Customer Service Complaints
Many customers reported delays in service, challenges reaching support, and frustrations with malfunctioning systems that weren’t repaired in a timely manner. Negative reviews and poor follow-through started to hurt their brand.

3. Long-Term Maintenance Liabilities
Unlike solar installation-only companies, Sunnova took on the obligation to monitor and maintain customer systems for 25 years or more. As those systems aged and service requests increased, their maintenance liabilities ballooned.

4. Overly Aggressive Growth
The company expanded rapidly—acquiring customers and entering new markets without adequately building the infrastructure needed to support that scale. Operational issues and service bottlenecks quickly followed.

What Happens to Your Sunnova Solar System Now?

If you’re a Sunnova customer, here are the most common questions we’ve received—and what you should know moving forward:

1. Will My Solar Panels Still Work?

Yes, your solar system will continue to produce electricity. Solar panels are passive, with no moving parts, and are designed to operate independently of the original installation company. If your system was installed correctly and is in good condition, it should function normally.

However, if something does go wrong, you may not be able to rely on Sunnova for service moving forward.

2. What About My Monitoring and Maintenance?

Sunnova offered remote monitoring services through apps and web portals. These may remain functional temporarily, especially if they are operated by third-party platforms. But maintenance services could be delayed, interrupted, or eventually terminated depending on how Sunnova’s bankruptcy is resolved.

If your system is not reporting data or is nott functioning properly, we recommend contacting an experienced service provider like Forme Solar to evaluate and repair your system.

3. What Happens to My Lease or PPA Agreement?

Your lease or PPA is considered a financial asset and part of Sunnova’s bankruptcy estate. This means:

  • Your contract is still legally binding until told otherwise.
  • Payments should continue unless you receive formal notice to the contrary.
  • If Sunnova is acquired or restructured, your agreement may be transferred to a new company.

If you stop making payments, you may be in breach of contract, which could impact your credit or even system ownership, depending on your specific agreement. It is best to stay current while monitoring any updates from the bankruptcy court or Sunnova’s servicing entities.

4. What If I Need Service, Repair, or Want to Add Panels?

If you are experiencing problems with your Sunnova installed system or you are thinking about upgrading, adding a battery, or expanding capacity, you do not need to go back to the original company.

At Forme Solar, we specialize in servicing and repairing solar systems installed by other companies. We are licensed and certified to work with most major brands, including Enphase, SolarEdge, FranklinWH, REC, Tesla, and more. Whether your system has a faulty inverter, underperforming panels, or monitoring issues, we are equipped to diagnose and resolve the issue.

What Should Sunnova Customers Do Now?

Here is a quick checklist to help you stay on top of your solar investment:

  • Monitor Your System Regularly: Use your monitoring app or review your utility bills to ensure your system is still offsetting energy costs.
  • Save Documentation: Store copies of your lease agreement, warranty certificates, and installation documents. These will be helpful if you need third-party service or want to initiate a warranty claim.
  • Contact a Solar Service Specialist: If something seems off, do not wait. The sooner you act, the easier it is to resolve issues and protect your solar investment.

What About My Equipment Warranty?

The good news is that most major solar equipment—like panels and inverters—comes with manufacturer warranties that range from 10 to 25 years. Even if Sunnova is no longer able to honor their service obligations, the product warranty on your hardware likely still stands.

However, these warranties typically do not cover labor. That means you will need to hire a certified solar company to replace or repair the part and work directly with the manufacturer for warranty approval.

That is where Forme Solar’s repair services come in. We have handled thousands of post-bankruptcy service cases and can help you get your system back up and running with minimal cost and downtime.

Need Help with Your Sunnova Solar Energy System?

Bankruptcies like Sunnova’s can be frustrating and stressful—especially when you expected 25 years of support. But you are not stuck.

📞 Call Forme Solar today at (714) 694-2262
Or schedule a service visit online.

Whether you need an inverter replaced, more solar panels added, or just want peace of mind your system is working properly, we are here to help.

Additional Resources:

Forme Solar is Southern California’s trusted name in solar service and repair. We have helped thousands of homeowners with systems installed by companies that are no longer around—like Verengo, Petersen Dean, Enver, and now, Sunnova. No matter who installed your system, Forme Solar is here to make sure your solar energy system continues to work for you.