RGS Energy (Formerly Real Goods Solar) Shut Down: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you bought solar from RGS Energy and can no longer reach the company, this guide explains what reportedly happened and what former customers can check today. RGS Energy was a publicly traded solar company that ceased operations in 2020.
One clarification up front, because the names can cause confusion: this article is about RGS Energy, the solar company. It is not about the Real Goods retail store. The Real Goods retail brand is a separate, still-operating business, which we explain below.
What happened to RGS Energy?
RGS Energy was a publicly traded residential and commercial solar company formerly named "Real Goods Solar, Inc." and later renamed "RGS Energy." According to reports, its board voted in January 2020 to cease all business activity and terminate employees, and it then filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the District of Colorado in early 2020.
The collapse was reportedly tied to a failed pivot to Dow "POWERHOUSE" solar shingles. A Chapter 7 filing is a liquidation, which generally leaves no successor servicer to continue the business or honor the installer's warranties.
Important distinction: RGS Energy (the solar company) is distinct from the unrelated "Real Goods Trading" retail brand. That retailer is a separate business that has had no connection to RGS Energy since 2014 and is, as far as we are aware, still operating. Only the solar company is out of business.
What this means for your contract and system
Because Chapter 7 is a liquidation, a workmanship warranty from RGS Energy itself may be very difficult to enforce. Your financing, however, is usually a separate matter — a loan is generally held by a third-party lender, and that agreement typically continues even though the installer is gone.
Some equipment warranties may still run through the original manufacturers of your panels or inverter, so identifying your exact hardware is worthwhile. If a lien or UCC filing was recorded against your home, our overview of UCC-1 solar liens explains why a title check matters.
What grounds or options may be available
Every contract is different. Depending on the facts, options may include pursuing manufacturer warranties, disputing charges with a lender, clearing an outdated lien, or reviewing how the original sale and financing were handled.
- Whether any equipment warranty may still run through the manufacturer
- Who currently holds and services your financing
- Whether a lien or UCC filing remains on your title
- Whether the system is performing as originally promised
If you are concerned about warranty gaps after an installer closes, our guide on a bankrupt solar company and missing servicer warranty may help.
Should you stop making payments?
It is understandable to want to stop paying for a system that is no longer supported. We generally advise homeowners not to stop making payments without first getting professional guidance. Your loan is usually a separate legal obligation, and missing payments could affect your credit. See our article on whether canceling solar may hurt your credit before deciding.
What to do now
- Confirm you are dealing with the RGS Energy solar company, not the separate Real Goods retail brand.
- Gather your sales agreement, loan documents, and warranty paperwork.
- Identify who currently holds your financing and confirm the account status.
- Record the make and model of your equipment to check manufacturer warranties.
- Have your situation reviewed by a professional before making decisions about payments.
You do not have to sort this out alone. Call (385) 490-8606 or request a free consultation — free, no obligation, Mon–Sat 8AM–7PM MT. You can also browse our hub of solar companies that are out of business for related situations.
Utah Solar Exit connects homeowners with licensed professionals and is not a law firm; this article is general information, not legal advice about any specific company or contract.