Issue with 3rd party owned Solar Panels

Glass_Bulldog65

Hi, we moved into our house 8 years ago. The house had existing solar panelling. The previous owner sold the FIT onto a 3rd party (Rainmaker Energy) meaning, although we got to use the energy generated at source, we did not own the panels so didn't benefit from any FIT payments. As part of this, Rainmaker outsourced the maintenance to another company (Ecovision). About May last year our panels stopped generating. Ecovision visited several times to try and fix the issue. After replacing the inverter 3 times, they decided the fault lay 'on the roof'. We have been unable to get an engineer to visit to sort this issue out. Apparently, Ecovision are waiting for Rainmaker to authorise the roof inspection. We have been without the panels generating for nearly a year. Surely Rainmaker are in breach of our contract? We are both losing out at present. Despite numerous requests for action from both Rainmaker and Ecovision, it appears to have fallen on deaf ears. Looking for recommendations/options to get this resolved. Thanks

caprikid1

What contract are you named on with whom ?

What are the terms around maintenance and your benefit to the system

Glass_Bulldog65

Thanks for your response. Our contract was for 17 years with Rainmaker Energy from the date we moved in (8 years ago, so still 9 years remaining!). They are responsible for the maintenance of the panels, we just provide the roof and get any energy 'at source' Until now, any failures have been dealt with by their maintenance contractors Ecovision fairly promptly. I can't understand why there needs to be an authorisation of costing for someone to come and look if the issue lies with the roof. Nobody has investigated to see what's wrong!

QrizB

Surely Rainmaker are in breach of our contract?

Is there a clause in your contract that requires Rainmaker to repair the panels? Or are they just responsible for repairs, without obligation to actually undertake them in any particular period of time?

We are both losing out at present.

Rainmaker are probably losing out more than you are; this could be costing them £1000 a year or more.

born_again

 I can't understand why there needs to be an authorisation of costing for someone to come and look if the issue lies with the roof.

That will be the cost of the scaffolding required.