Choosing the right solar installation company goes a long way to protect your long-term investments!
Thereโs absolutely no denying how the residential solar industry has grown rapidly throughout recent years, but this growth has also come with all sorts of financial challenges for many installation providers.
According to Wood Mackenzie and The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the overall number of solar installations in the United States fell around roughly 31% in 2024. A more recent August 2026 industry analysis from Solar Insure showed how 102 solar companies had either stopped operating or filed for bankruptcy, which has subsequently left hundreds of thousands of residential solar permits without working companies.
These types of bankruptcies and closures have clearly impacted many Ohio communities, which is why weโve decided to delve deeper into why this is happeningโas well as why local business owners often need to prioritize reputable solar companies over flashy new startups.
And although these studies and analyses might come off alarming, these numbers donโt mean Ohio businesses should avoid solar energy. In fact, solar is still at the top of the nationโs energy landscape; however, Dayton business leaders need to look beyond low installation prices and even impressive sales presentations when choosing a solar company.
All of us at Garber Electric are proud to be the go-to source for solar installations in Dayton OH, and we also understand how our company policies and reputation play a significant role with these long-term investments!
What Happens When A Solar Installation Company Closes?
When solar installation companies go out of business, Ohio businesses wonโt necessarily lose their panels or the electricity they produce. Your equipment and manufacturer warranties will also remain in effect, although this depends on the specific terms involved with your products.
The much bigger dilemma with these scenarios comes from who exactly will handle everything else that falls outside of these manufacturer warranties. Once your original installer is gone, youโll likely need to find another qualified contractor to perform repairs, diagnose issues, address installation-related problems, and navigate various warranty claims.
Itโs also common for homeowners to have difficulties tracking down system information and important documentation when their installer is no longer in business, which can be a very unwelcome surprise for property owners who expected their solar company to be a long-term partner.
Why Low Solar Quotes Never Tell The Whole Story
Itโs perfectly normal for solar shoppers to search for competitive prices, but the cheapest proposals donโt automatically equate to the best value. This is especially the case when comparing companies that have very different levels of stability and overall experience.
Dayton companies should understand all the specifics that go into a solar installation proposal, which includes:
- Whoโs performing the installation
- Offered warranties
- What occurs when something goes wrong
- How the system is maintained after the installation is completed
Itโs also a good idea to know how long a solar company has been in business, because this will be a good indication of their established local presence.
Solar installations donโt just include attaching tech-savvy panels onto roofs, because these systems have to be properly integrated and designed with a propertyโs electrical infrastructureโwhich is why itโs so important to work with solar specialists who also have extensive electrical experience like the Garber team.
What Dayton Businesses Should Look For When Hiring A Solar Installation Company
Before you sign any solar installation contracts, you should thoroughly research the company behind each proposal in order to better understand the overall quality of their panels, equipment and installation services.
Dayton business owners should also be on the lookout for established providers that feature qualified electrical experts, a verifiable track record of great online reviews, and a generally straightforward approach in terms of system installations and designs.
But more importantly, you should be sure to ask what exactly will happen after the installation is completed. Some good questions to keep in mind during your consultations include the following:
- Whoโs the right contact when an inverter problem develops?
- Who deals with workmanship issues?
- Whatโs the solution when electrical services need upgrades?
- Are additional electrical services provided when energy needs change?
The answers to these questions can reveal a lot about just how qualified a solar company is, because theyโll help differentiate the businesses that are mainly looking for sales and the ones that genuinely want to build lasting customer relationships.
Why Electrical Experience Is Crucial With Solar Energy Systems
Although the most recognizable feature of solar energy systems is panels, they really are just one component of much larger electrical systems.
Commercial solar has to work with a facilityโs existing electrical infrastructure, which essentially means proper electrical connections, system designs, safety considerations, equipment, and overall integration all matter for a companyโs long-term services.
For Dayton businesses, partnering with established electrical contractors like Garber can provide an all-important advantage in terms of working with specialists who thoroughly understand how solar systems interact with more complex electrical components.
Garber Electric has over 50 years of experience supporting Central Ohio communities, and we were also named in Solar Power Worldโs 2026 Top Solar Contractors Listโwhich means weโre a nationally ranked solar company in terms of kilowatts installed.
Choosing A Solar Installation Copmany That Brings Long-Term Reliability
Solar energy can undoubtedly be a very smart investment for the right commercial property, but businesses also need to strongly consider their needs well beyond installation day.
This is why the solar installation company behind your project is so important, because this relationship is supposed to extend well into the foreseeable future. The solar industryโs recent turbulence has proven how not every solar company has the same staying power, which means business leaders must do their homework before signing long-term investment agreements.
Be sure to prioritize a companyโs reputation and experience, and always ask about warranties and post-installation support. You should also have a good understanding of whoโll be performing the electrical work, and never assume that your lowest quotes will end up providing the best value.
For Dayton businesses currently considering a solar installation, choosing established electrical contractors like Garber Electric will go a long way to provide the type of confidence that comes with experienced specialists actually backing your systemโwhich is truly invaluable in comparison to any initial sales proposals!
Protect Your Dayton Companyโs Solar Investments Before Installations Get Started
Itโs a significant decision when businesses are choosing solar companies, and prioritizing the right installer can make all the difference in terms of just how valuable these investments ultimately end up being.
A reliable solar company will be able to thoroughly explain your system, answer any questions about warranties and installations, and provide tangible support far beyond initial sales.
If youโre currently considering a solar installation in Dayton, Garber Electric is here to evaluate your propertyโs electrical needs and explore solar systems that are specifically designed around your unique long-term goals. Reach out to us online or give us a call at 937-771-5202 to discuss your options and schedule a consultation appointment with an experienced Ohio electrical contractor!