Where do I stand?

supastar42

I bought two items, A and B, to work with my PV solar system. They both work OK independently, but together, item A renders item B virtually useless. The manufacturers of item A are aware of this problem and are redesigning their product so it won't interact with item B.

Now, I don't regard my current item A as fit for purpose. It is barely a few months old. So where would I stand as regards a replacement for item A when the upgraded product is available?

WestonDave

I think a bit more detail needed here! You'd need to start by establishing that there was some relationship between A and B such that the supplier of A,

1) Knew you had item B
2) Could reasonably expect that you intended item A to work alongside item B

and supplied you item A. At that point you might have some chance.

You can't simply say I bought a pie from Sainsbury's and a bottle of beer from Threshers and claim that as the pie and beer didn't taste right together, Sainsbury's should supply you with a new pie that did taste right with that beer.

Buzby

As long as they both work independently for the purpose each were designed for, there is no issue, as neither firm warranted that their item would work in association with another.

You may find a pro installer would have been aware of the issue and should not have specified both items, but if you made the decision yourself, sell it on an auction site and recover your costs.

ThumbRemote

The Sale of Goods Act states that an item must be of satisfactory quality, which includes the "fitness for all the purposes for which goods of the kind in question are commonly supplied"

You may be able to argue that Item A is not fit for the purpose of 'using in a PV system that includes item B'. So is this a common purpose, as per the act? The fact the manufacturer of Item A knows there's a problem and are working on a solution would suggest it might be.

Personally, in the first instance I'd just try asking them if they can resolve the problem or offer you an upgrade. If not, then go in with the legal stuff. But you may need to persuade a judge of this.