Calls for better consumer protections intensify as complaints over shoddy solar panels soar

The body representing household and small business power users is pushing for greater safeguards to protect consumers from faulty solar panels and misleading advice, amid a spike in complaints over dodgy installations. Key points: An energy consumers lobby has launched a campaign to better protect customers The move comes following a "flood" of complaints over solar panels Regulators have limited power to investigate allegations of shoddy practices by solar panel installers In a campaign to be launched today, Energy Consumers Australia is seeking to fix what it says has been a "challenging, confusing and even disappointing" experience for too many people buying solar panels. Lynne Gallagher, the chief executive of Energy Consumers Australia, said the adoption of rooftop solar and other new energy technologies across the country was overwhelmingly a good news story. 'Flood' of complaints spurs action As part of its campaign, the lobby group is set to unveil a website that provides "clear, independent and easy-to-use information" for new and existing solar, battery and EV customers. "Complaints about new energy services often involve multiple service providers and require customers to navigate several forums in search of a satisfactory response," she said.