Solar Blog

Families throughout the country are benefiting from sustained cost savings through solar panel installations on their homes. However, a recent report from Which? is warning consumers to be on look out for con artists and inadequately trained sales people.

The report has shown that a small number of companies could be claiming the benefits of solar power in the home to be better than they are in reality. It also shows that some sales staff have been using pressure selling techniques.

The findings by the consumer watchdog are surprising, and could undermine the hard work done over the past decade to build up an industry that is strong, environmentally sound and offers families a great solution to rising energy bills.

On an average home, combined income and savings should equate to around £1100 annually. With such an installation costing in the region of £11,000 to put in, it would pay for itself in 10 years, and generate a further £16,000 over the remaining 15 years of its 25 year lifespan.

Reputable solar panel suppliers have rightly been worried by the findings, but consumers should not be put off investing in the technology.

Pressure selling and tactics that offer large discounts for on the spot sales are not permitted under the solar panel industry’s own sales code. As such, instances of this should be reported to the local trading standards office.

As for sales people giving incorrect advice, potential customers are advised to always seek at least three separate quotes, and challenge any advice that suggests solar panel installations on shaded roofs will be viable.