The solar boom has seen a surge in rooftop installations, giving rise to a large number of new solar companies. Unfortunately, not all of these are successful, with many going out of business or operating as fly-by-nighters, using cheap products, which can lead to faults/ issues.
A Consumer Action Law Centre report estimated that since 2011, over 700 solar companies have gone out of business. This leaves their customers without warranties, customer service or system maintenance. These consumers are known as ‘solar orphans’.
The report calculated that, based on the number of companies that have gone under, there are around 650,000 solar orphans in Australia.
Why is this a problem?
Solar systems, while robust, can occasionally require maintenance or repairs – this is especially true with cheaper components. Without any warranty support, the home owner becomes solely responsible for the system and is left with no-where to turn to get support. Solar installers generally don’t want to ‘touch’ other companies’ work, as they become liable for it when they do.
There are usually two types of warranties provided for a solar installation: product and performance. A product warranty covers the equipment, while a performance warranty protects against unreasonable solar panel degradation/underperformance.
If your original installation company no longer exists, you need to liaise directly with the product manufacturer. This is easier if they have a presence in Australia. Otherwise, it can be a challenging and costly exercise trying to claim against warranty.
How to avoid being stranded
With some research and planning, you can avoid becoming a solar orphan. Choosing a reputable installer is crucial. For a start, you can check their Australian Business Number to confirm they’re registered and that they’re accredited by the Clean Energy Council. This ensures they meet industry standards and best practices. It’s also advisable to read online reviews to check their track record.
Ask around in your neighbourhood for recommendations for local businesses (eg. your local Facebook community page). A business that has professionally installed systems for other home owners will have a good reputation. For example, over 80% of The Energy Experts clients come from referrals from previously satisfied customers.
Using a company that has a long track record can help. The Energy Experts have been in business for over a decade and have completed thousands of installations across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven, Sutherland Shire, Greater Sydney and ACT regions.
It’s easy to be swayed by a good deal. But if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritise high-performance panels and inverters from established brands that rank well on independent testing sites.
What to do if you’re already a solar orphan
If your installer is no longer in business, there are some steps you can take to make sure your system is functioning.
- Gather documentation: Find everything related to your solar installation, including warranties, contracts and correspondence with the original company. Having this altogether will help if you need to speak to the manufacturer or when you hire new technicians.
- Identify the brands: Look for the names of the original manufacturers of your equipment and reach out to them. They might be able to put you in touch with accredited technicians familiar with their products.
- Contact a reputable installer: Speak to a well-established, accredited installer. Explain your situation and provide them with the details of your system. A knowledgeable and experienced solar business should be able to offer you advice on a way forward, whether that involves a System Health Check, repairs to faulty or underperforming components or replacement of your original system.
