Solar panel sales often involved detailed promises about future performance, savings, tariffs and the cost of finance. If the information given to you was inaccurate or material facts were left out, it may be appropriate to review the sale more closely.
Mis-selling can take several forms
- Important information was deliberately left out.
- The benefits of the system were exaggerated or presented as guaranteed.
- You were put under pressure to decide quickly.
- Fees, finance costs or other charges were not clearly explained.
- Documents were incomplete when you were asked to sign.
- Contract details were changed without proper explanation.
- You were not made properly aware that you were entering into a credit agreement.
What if the panels did not perform as promised?
Under-performance by itself does not automatically prove mis-selling, but the difference between what you were promised and what happened in practice can be important evidence. The key question is what representations were made at the point of sale and whether they were fair and accurate.
Finance and credit arrangements
If the panels were financed by a loan, or a qualifying payment was made using a credit card, there may be additional consumer-credit routes to consider. This is one reason the enquiry form asks how you paid and which lender was involved.
If you were told the panels were effectively “free”, self-funding, or that the income and savings would definitely cover the finance, make a note of exactly what you remember. Old quotations, finance agreements, emails and brochures can all be useful.
Pressure selling and vulnerable consumers
A sale should not be secured through excessive pressure, pestering or exploitation of vulnerability. If you felt rushed, intimidated or unable to make a properly informed decision, include that in your enquiry.