• Bookstore

Solar Technik Ltd was put into liquidation in March 2007 but Ultimate Energy plc continues to trade.

The OFT's action follows complaints that salesmen for Solar Technik Ltd used hardsell techniques, often found on programmes like Rogue Trader.  In 2006 they were investigated by the BBC South West's TV programme "Inside Out".  The programme found that a Solar Technik salesman made claims that the system he had installed at his own house supplied nearly 100% of his hotwater, when, in fact, he didn't even have the system installed.

One potential client noted in a blog that a Solar Technik salesman came to their house and were there for more than two and a half hours.  They were offered a system that would have cost between £9,000 and £14,000.  The salesman suggested that they system would pay for itself between 5-6 years, which is impossible at that cost.

The company also sought to get around consumer rights legislation by offering a 'free survey'.  They would leaflet-drop an area offering the free surveys.  When someone responded to the invitation they effectively waivered their rights to a cooling off period because the salesman is invited by arrangement, rather than by cold-calling.

The undertakings that Floyd and June Lewis have given to the OFT state that they will not exaggerate the claims of their systems and the savings the systems will make to fuel bills. They have also promised not to supply goods that "are not of satisfactory quality, reasonably fit for purpose or do not correspond with their description".

They also undertook to "inform consumers, where required, of their cancellation rights."

Ray Hall, OFT Director of Markets and Projects, said:
"It is essential that consumers are not misled when making a purchase and are given accurate information about their rights. This is especially important with newer products such as solar energy systems where consumers will rely much more on the information given to them by the companies supplying the product."

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said:
"We welcome this action by the OFT, to ensure consumers are not misled about the benefits of renewable energy solutions such as solar. As the independent organisation in this field, we recommend consumers who are considering solar technology always employ an accredited installer, for example via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme."