WA’s Consumer Protection Warns On Crap Solar

Choose your solar installer wisely says Western Australia’s Consumer Protection after an increase in complaints about performance claims, shoddy systems and workmanship.

WA is a hotbed of PV activity, largely driven by uptake in the Perth metropolitan area that generally enjoys the lowest solar prices in Australia thanks to intense competition. But unfortunately, what you pay for can be what you get – and cheap solar can have a very high cost in the long-run.

In Western Australia, Consumer Protection develops, enforces and promotes legislation that protects consumers. It’s a division of WA’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

During 2022, Consumer Protection says it has received 67 consumer complaints about issues such as poor quality components, false and misleading information, and installers failing to use due care and skill. That’s an increase in complaints of around 18% on last year, for all of 2021.

Compared to the number of systems installed in WA this and last year, it’s a very small percentage. But that’s cold comfort to those who have been impacted to the point they felt the need to contact Consumer Protection. And then there are the frustrated system owners who haven’t yet bothered to make a complaint, and may never do.

One of the challenges is a system can appear to be functioning as it should when new, but a few years in often harsh conditions experienced in Western Australia can sort out the cream from the crap. And when problems eventually reveal themselves, an issue can be holding the retailer, installer or manufacturer to account and getting a speedy, satisfactory resolution.

Crucial Checks Before Buying Solar Systems

Consumer Protection says around 13 per cent of total complaints involved consumers who could not get in touch with the trader or manufacturer – and some instances involved businesses that had shut up shop.

“Before agreeing to buy a solar system, there are a number of crucial checks that should be made, including sourcing independent reviews and making sure your preferred supplier is accredited by searching the Clean Energy Council’s website,” said the agency’s Acting Executive Director Penny Lipscombe.

Ms. Lipscombe also advised:

• Getting verbal claims that may influence a purchase decision included in the written contract.
• Reading through all the terms and conditions.
• Asking to see proof of a licensed electrician working under a licensed electrical contractor.

.. and noted:

“Solar installers are not allowed to use forceful or high pressured sales tactics to get you to buy something, nor can they provide you with false or misleading information. They must also ensure their products and services meet the consumer guarantees.”

Buying Solar Power Well Isn’t Difficult

All that may seem quite a chore. But finding a good installer who will do the right thing doesn’t have to be time-consuming, confusing or difficult – all it takes is a few minutes. If you’re reading this, you’re already in the right spot to get started.

SolarQuotes’ mission is to take the risk out of buying solar (and batteries); with helpful guides, thousands of independent solar installer reviews, a thorough pre-vetting of all installers SQ recommends and the SolarQuotes Good Installer Guarantee when using our quoting service.