Media Release
Thursday, May 30th, 2019
Keen 2B Green supports more integrity & checks in the Solar Industry
On the 27th of May 2019 the 7.30 report ran a story on the solar industry, highlighting the fact that after 10 years of solar boom, a lot of poor-quality equipment still makes its way into Australia and is sold with claims that it is designed to last. The resulting failures of panels and inverters after only a few years leave many consumers out of pocket and with solar equipment going to landfill prematurely.
In response to this, Keen 2B Green’s founder and director Daniel Shelfer says, “the problem of having cheap systems in the solar industry is that too often poor quality equipment is sold via slick marketing and cheap pricing, giving consumers a solar system that is at risk of experiencing failure earlier than consumer should rightfully expect.”
“Poor-quality gear can potentially present danger to people’s homes, and it sometimes fails much earlier than the lengthy warranties that go with the product would lead you to expect.”
Mr Shelfer continued, “I would not be surprised if the CO2 it takes to make the rails, panels and inverters of cheap quality solar systems is more than what some short-lived systems actually generate in clean renewable energy. Therefore, unfortunately, it is entirely possible that these poor-quality systems actually contribute to climate change. In such instances, the solar rebate, intended for CO2 abatement, actually is not effective. “
“There is a fundamental flaw in the regulatory regime which allows the solar rebate to be claimed over and over by one household, even after purchases of multiple failing poor quality systems, and we all pay for it.”
“At Keen 2B Green, our staff would support discussing a regulatory framework which results in better consumer and environmental outcomes.”
A recent study by the Consumer Action Law Centre Victoria, which also got a mention by the Choice Consumer magazine, highlighted that around 700 solar installation companies left the industry in less than a decade, leaving hundreds of thousands of unsupported solar systems in their wake.
The owners of such “solar orphans” or “zombie solar systems” (still working – but poorly performing) are often stuck with poor electricity generation and long wait times for warranty repairs, if they actually can find someone willing to repair their solar system.
Solar can make a real difference to electricity bills of Australian businesses and households. Properly installed systems and gear that has been designed to last for decades will maximise environmental abatement outcomes and financial benefits.
Keen 2B Green is concerned that some deceptive practices by industry operators to maximise profits are being made at the detriment of environmental and consumer outcomes.
In concluding the remarks on improving the regulatory regime and providing tips to consumers looking to maximise environmental outcomes and financial returns, Mr. Shelfer said, “in light of the 7:30 Report revealing poor quality issues, I recommend consumers go with an experienced and well regarded local solar specialist to install their solar system. Consumers should do their diligence and avoid installers with patchy or no track record of providing quality service.”
To ensure that you receive a top quality system with some of the best warranties in the business, please fill out our Enquiry form here email us on info@keen2bgreen.com.au or call our office on 1300 303 783.
To watch the full article on 7.30 click here.