Complaints over sharp practice by solar panel salesmen retrofitting existing housing stock have risen sharply in England, with vulnerable elderly people in the South particularly badly hit.

The scams have led to concerns that the reputation of the solar industry and ultimately the sustainable building industry could be tarnished just as the domestic sector struggles to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The latest concerns over rogue salesmen, revealed by research by The Guardian, follow exposure of poor practice in BBC1’s Rogue Traders in 2006, suggesting little has changed to protect the consumer.

Over-priced, unsuitable packages are all too often sold, based on exaggerated claims on performance and anxiety provoked by extreme forecasts of energy price increases. In more extreme cases, the system purchased is never delivered.

A particular problem is lack of awareness that there is no cooling-off period for credit agreements signed when a salesman is invited into the home.  

In one case, an installation was offered for around three times the going rate to an undercover BBC reporter. And an Isle of Wight resident was quoted £22,000 when a more competive quote would have been £4,000.

Consumers wishing to buy with greater confidence can do a lot to reduce their exposure to unscrupulous traders. For example, the REAL Assurance Scheme, officially launched by energy minister Malcolm Wicks on 14 June 2006 lists suppliers that have signed up to its Consumer Code. Members of the Solar Trade Association also operate an ethical selling scheme.

REIGA (the Renewable Energy Installation Guarantee Association) is another voluntary scheme, which is said to offer a free 10-year installation guarantee, backed by the industry, though details are not widely available.

However, while such voluntary schemes are helpful, it is clear the industry and government need to do more to ensure consistent standards are developed and adhered to, preferably by impartial bodies
in the booming domestic renewables market.

In the meantime, the Energy Saving Trust offers impartial but limited advice free of charge.

http://www.guardian.co.uk;
http://www.realassurance.org.uk;
http://www.greenenergy.org.uk/sta/listofmembers/memberlist.asp;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/roguetraders/index.shtml