The residential solar market has shifted, and so should your installation business.

Driven by the expiration of the Section 25D tax credit, the residential solar boom reshaped the market in 2025 and beyond. A 205% surge in homeowner engagement with solar installers in H2 2025 was buoyed in part by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which eliminated the 30% federal tax credit for purchased residential solar systems.

What does that mean for residential installers next? The answer may already be on customers’ roofs.

Now that the initial rush has passed, 2026 should be a significant year for residential PV system maintenance, upgrades, and retrofits. Experienced solar installers can seize this opportunity by offering these services and ensuring homeowners’ rooftop solar systems continue providing the power and benefits they need.

A Growing Solar Market You May be Overlooking: Rooftop PV System Services, Upgrades, and Retrofits

As the number of older solar installations grows, and waves of installer bankruptcies leave some system owners orphaned, there is a rising demand for credible companies that specialize in servicing and upgrading existing systems.

EnergySage data revealed that 51% of solar installers say they now regularly service solar installations they did not install, while another 40% say they do so occasionally. That’s not just an act of goodwill; it's an oft-untapped revenue stream when it comes to rooftop solar PV systems — one made more attractive by its low customer acquisition costs and strong long-term relationship potential.

There are two primary ways residential solar installers can capitalize (and another way they can stay ahead):

1. Diversify into servicing and upgrades by building out operations and maintenance (O&M) offerings and targeting orphaned system owners in your area.

2. Offer module upgrades when homeowners need replacements, positioning it as an opportunity to optimize performance and deliver more value.

3. Get ahead of service calls by sourcing modules engineered to minimize future maintenance in the first place.

That means those that withstand the elements and deliver high performance throughout the system’s lifetime, like Trinasolar’s Vertex S+ modules.

The PV Module You Install Today Could Determine Your Workload Tomorrow

The best service call is the one that never happens. Choosing high-reliability modules reduces callbacks, protects your reputation, and keeps customers happy for years. The Vertex S+ module is built for exactly this kind of long-term performance — it’s engineered for the long haul.

The reliability of the Vertex S+ module is rooted in its 1.8+1.8mm dual-glass design to withstand the elements and still deliver high performance over the system's lifetime. It’s also backed by industry-leading protection through Trina Protect: a 25-year product warranty and 30-year power warranty.

Combined, the payoff comes in the form of not only superior performance, but also long-term peace of mind backed by a financially strong, highly bankable manufacturer. Trina’s modules are also made for the U.S. market, with local manufacturing in Texas and a domestic content roadmap. A U.S.-based support team is dedicated to service and partnership, so you're never on your own.

For installers upgrading an orphaned system, it’s imperative to use a module they can trust. When stepping into another installer's work, you inherit the risk, meaning the equipment you use matters even more.

Vertex S+ gives installers a module they can stand behind, with solar warranty coverage that protects both them and their customer. Plus, it’s backed by a manufacturer with a U.S. presence.

Positioning Your Solar Installation Company for the Long Game

The residential solar market is maturing, rooftop PV systems installed decades ago are expiring, and sustainable businesses will be built on reliability, service, and trust. Installers who thrive in 2026 and beyond will be those who offer more than just installation, and maintenance and service are key components to enhancing solar shelf-life. Now is the time to prioritize accordingly.

To learn more about Vertex S+, contact Trina's residential team or explore Trina Protect warranties in greater detail.