Two solar power retailers in Queensland have been forced to change their marketing tactics after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found claims made in advertisements for home solar power systems were likely to mislead or deceive consumers.
The statement from the ACCC reads in part: “In court enforceable undertakings provided to the ACCC, Queensland Solar Systems and State Solar Services acknowledged that it was likely that they had contravened the Trade Practices Act 1974”.
ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said before businesses claim their products have environmental or financial benefits they should carefully consider whether those claims are accurate and ensure that they are able to be substantiated.
Queensland Solar Systems and State Solar Services must now publish corrective notices in newspapers in Queensland and Victoria, in an industry magazine and on their web sites. Both businesses must also contact past customers directly to inform them about the conduct and implement a trade practices law compliance program.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC), the peak body representing the Australian solar industry, says the investigation by the government’s consumer watchdog will see a change for the better in the marketing for solar power systems.
“As an industry we are continuing to tighten and improve the safety and reliability of solar installations. Along with the scrutiny already being applied to the products and installers, it’s appropriate that the government watchdog is scrutinising advertising claims to ensure that they are credible,” Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Matthew Warren said in a statement issued by the organisation..
According to national solar power solutions provider Energy Matters co-founder Max Sylvester, “We are very pleased to see the ACCC and the CEC so pro-active in pursuing these sorts of issues as it not only helps protect consumers, but also creates a more level playing field for the Australian solar industry. Energy Matters provides a consumer’s guide to solar power to help alert consumers of questionable solar power marketing practices.”
