Solar PV System - Problem With Inverter

Furts

My system works but there is a niggle with the Aurora Power One Inverter. This was manufactured with a defective radio module - it does not transmit a signal to the desk top monitor. Of course, these things happen, and I am a realist. That said, the company claim to test every inverter before it leaves their factory...perhaps I should not believe what is claimed!

For two years matters have been in the "capable" (?) hands of the manufacturers, ABB Power One, but to date have got nowhere. There is a 66 month guarantee on the inverter, so one would think that I am covered. In theory I am. The problem is ABB are a global company who deem themselves above the jurisdiction of accepted consumer law. The attitude appears to be "guarantee claims hit our profits, buy another inverter to boost our profits further, or if you take us to court we will relish the fight".

Hence the two year stand off - I have better things to do with my time and money, hence ABB Power One are in the winning seat. This is frustrating, but I am a realist.

Now for my questions to fellow mse Forum users; How common are guarantee claims for inverters? Is ABB Power One known within the industry for confrontation? Has anyone else experienced any problems?

All suggestions will be greatfully received!

lstar337

If it can be proven defective, how can you lose in court?

PheoUK

Well your contract is with the supplier not the manufacturer, what have they said?

Furts

Thanks for the comments. Like so many solar and "green" companies, the installer has ceased trading. This, of course, is the risk consumers take by getting involved in such technologies. A risk which is never explained, for fear of loosing a sale!

The installer said the inverter was faulty - this said before he ceased trading. ABB Power One say the inverter is faulty. Hence, I have taken up matters with them.

The absurd thing is for all the time that has gone into this matter, it would have been quicker for ABB Power One to send one of their customer service technicians, complete with an exchange inverter. ABB Power One say the work will take ten minutes!

Unfortunately, ABB Power One do not follow logic, nor common sense. Hence my post on this forum.

lstar337

Lots of legal places will offer a free half or hour consultation, perhaps a quick chat with one of those will help decide how you will fair in court.

If the thing is guaranteed for a set time and is faulty, I don't see how you could lose. Be one in the eye for them for being so cocky too.

Saying they relish court action could all be bravado.

Furts

lstar337 wrote: »

Lots of legal places will offer a free half or hour consultation, perhaps a quick chat with one of those will help decide how you will fair in court.

If the thing is guaranteed for a set time and is faulty, I don't see how you could lose. Be one in the eye for them for being so cocky too.

Saying they relish court action could all be bravado.

The bravado comment is a good point, and one that I am pondering.

One hears suggestions of companies waiting until the last minute and then settling on the steps of the Court. Then they go into the building and cancel the Court case. This is where the concept of an "out of Court settlement" arose.

I am wondering if this really does happen or is it an urban myth?

This is outside my experience, so what can all the informed users of mse Forum add to this?

Furts

Has anyone had any experience of out of court settlements?

Fingers crossed for fellow mse users to come forward with wisdom!