Solar Pv warranty dispute

madyesfan

Hi I am brand new to this site and forum so please be patient. To cut a long story short my 5 year old PV system has developed a fault, the installer (Green Energy Centre has gone walkabout. I have a 6 year warranty of workmanship and installation which holds any Green Energy Centre responsible for the warranty (which was not assured I later discovered)
The original deposit was paid by Credit card to Warmer Group who own the Green Energy brand. They are claiming that the original installer falsified the paperwork, used their brand illegally and they are not responsible even though they accepted the deposit by CC. They are also threatening to inform MCS that the MCS certificate was issued illegally using their own NIC number and that I may have my FIT withdrawn and possible re-claimed by the FIT provider.
I think they are bluffing but cannot be sure. meanwhile the system continues to underperform as one string has gone down.
I am pursuing Section 75 of the Consumer Credit act but wondered if members have any thoughts or advice on this
I am also debating selling the remaining FIT to a solar buy out scheme and being shot of all maintenance problems in future
Thanks in advance

apf666

check the regulatory bodies to see if you have cover there....niceic....elecsa...etc.......if original installer gone belly up....they may provide some cover...claim must be made within 6 years of install....

whilst waiting or them to consider if they will cover the fault.....do not let another installer interfere with the work

suppose you could talk to recc as well...but they, in my view, are pretty much useless

keep an eye on section 75 as well......not sure if timescales apply there also.....may need to consider as a backup if trade body cannot help..

not a quick fix either way.............unfortunately.......expect to feel frustrated

af

ps

contacting the regulators will no doubt raise the question of fraudulent mcs certificates.......how that turns out ...who knows......if warmer group took the money i would imagine they must hold responsibility in some way

Cardew

Before 'selling' your panels and becoming, in effect, a 'rent a roof' owner you should read the current thread in this forum on this subject.

It seems that some Solar PV companies will follow the path of Solar thermal installation companies. e.g. the companies go bankrupt and it is almost impossible to pin responsibility on the directors of the company. If the business has dried up, they are hardly going to stay in business just to honour guarantees.

That said some trading standards offices have traced these directors to their new ventures. So perhaps it is worth contacting the local council. Also if you are a member of WHICH they might help.