Discover the truth about dodgy solar installers or ‘solar cowboys’ and how to spot them from a mile away.
Since 2011 more than 700 solar businesses have gone out of business or been declared bankrupt, leaving their customers without warranties and the aftercare services they were promised. This solar industry ‘orphan rate’ of 33% affects 650,000 homeowners from over two million solar installations.
In New South Wales, the solar regulator has stated that 20% of solar installations have severe faults, and 60% have serious deficiencies. This means that dodgy solar installers are not only affecting customers in NSW – they’re operating right across Australia.
HOW ARE THESE SOLAR COMPANIES GETTING AWAY WITH IT?
Solar companies are leaving their customers high and dry without any way to get in touch or claim compensation for faulty workmanship.
Recently news.com.au declared one of the major problems with the solar scheme is that despite guidelines and accreditations, dodgy panels are coming in from overseas, and solar companies are installing them regardless of them being unapproved products.
It’s not just the substandard solar panels – it seems like some solar installers will use any old wire and fittings to connect up a solar system, regardless of whether or not they’re certified for use in Australia.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU’VE BEEN AFFECTED BY A DODGY SOLAR INSTALLER?
The first step is to check and see if your solar installer is still in business. If they’re not, you can try contacting the solar retailer from which you purchased the system.
If you’re having no luck there, your next step is to contact the Clean Energy Council. The CEC is the solar industry’s peak body, and they should be able to help you get in touch with the right people.
You can also check to see if the CEC accredited your solar installer – if they weren’t, then you may have grounds to take action.
The solar industry needs to lift its game and start looking after its customers, or the whole scheme will come crashing down.
If you’re thinking of getting solar installed, do your research and make sure you choose a reputable installer who will be around to service your system long into the future. Solar is an excellent investment, but only if it’s done right.
The team at EFS Solar are all CEC-accredited solar installers, so you can be sure that you’re in good hands. We’ve been installing solar PV systems since 2009, and we’re proud to have over 500 five-star google reviews.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you go solar.
