Sullivan Solar Power: The Company Is Defunct (What Former Customers Should Know)

What Happened

Sullivan Solar Power was founded in San Diego in 2004 and for more than 15 years was one of the most respected residential solar installers in Southern California. The company routinely ranked among the top local installers on EnergySage and SolarReviews, with excellent ratings from its active years. That reputation is why the 2021 closure caught many customers off guard.

In late 2021 Sullivan Solar Power abruptly ceased operations. Reports from former customers surfaced across Reddit, BBB, and San Diego local news covering the same themes:

• Active installations stopped mid-project, with roofs left in partially completed states.
• Customer deposits — sometimes $5,000 to $20,000+ — were lost.
• Subcontractors who hadn't been paid filed mechanic's liens on homeowner properties, creating title clouds.
• Warranty claims for existing Sullivan-installed systems had no entity to honor them.
• Panel and inverter manufacturer warranties (the panel warranty itself, direct from the manufacturer) remain valid — but the Sullivan-specific workmanship and production warranties lost their backer.

If You Were a Sullivan Customer

Several practical steps for former Sullivan customers:

1. Panel and inverter warranties are still valid. Manufacturer warranties (Qcells, REC, Canadian Solar, Enphase, SolarEdge, etc.) are with the manufacturer, not with Sullivan. Filed a claim directly with the manufacturer if your panels or inverter fail.
2. Workmanship warranty is gone. If you have a roof leak or wiring issue traced to Sullivan's install quality, you'll need to hire a new licensed California C-46 solar contractor to assess and repair. At your own cost.
3. Check for mechanic's liens on your property. If you bought a home where Sullivan had installed solar and subcontractors weren't paid, there may be a lien recorded against the property. Pull a title report.
4. Monitoring accounts likely still work. If Sullivan set up Enphase Enlighten or SolarEdge monitoring under your own account, that's still active. If it was under Sullivan's installer account, contact Enphase / SolarEdge directly to claim ownership of your system in the monitoring platform.
5. Permission to Operate (PTO) stays valid. Once the utility issued PTO, your interconnection is between you and the utility; not Sullivan. That doesn't go away.

If You're Looking at an Installer Who Claims to Be Sullivan

Be extremely cautious. The original Sullivan Solar Power entity is closed. Any active operation using the Sullivan name is either:

• A completely different company with a similar name.
• A former employee who has started their own operation and may or may not have legal authority to use the Sullivan brand.
• A misrepresentation to trade on the former company's historical reputation.

Verify the CSLB (California Contractors State License Board) license number and confirm active status at cslb.ca.gov before signing anything. The original Sullivan Solar Power license is no longer active.

Alternative San Diego Installers

Several reputable California installers serve the San Diego market with established reputations:

• Baker Electric Solar; Escondido-based, family-owned since 1938, strong reputation.
• Solar Optimum — 4.8/5 EnergySage, covers SoCal including San Diego County.
• SunPower (Complete Solaria). National installer with strong SD footprint.

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