Many people continue to fall victim from mis-sold solar panels in the UK, wherein the Barclays Bank has reached a whopping £38 million dedicated to dealing with the potential claims. Families left and right are promised to save a hefty sum in their electricity as solar panels are designed to help generate power, but as proven in recent years, it’s never as straightforward as it seems.
How Solar Panels can Be a Double-Edged Sword in Certain Homes Across the UK
Solar panel providers promise to help common households in the UK by installing panels on the roof of their homes. As the owner generates electricity during the daylight hours, the investment can be paid ten-fold to the provider at a fixed tariff.
Unfortunately, the energy is not immediately stored, which means it will be sold back to the electricity company for a steeper price. In the end, many homeowners find themselves stuck in a never-ending money pit.
Our article on Mis-Sold Solar Panels expounds on what you can do to make a reclaim, but we’re here to focus on the steps you can take when pushing forward with your compensation.
Step #1: Lodge Your Complaints with the Company Immediately
As soon as you notice your solar panels are not paying you back as the provider has promised, then it’s best to act fast and call your supplier immediately. Be sure to state your issues, which should include the following statements:
- Your solar panels are not generating as much as electricity as it was promised;
- You are not receiving the total amount of money you were promised you could receive from the feed in tariff;
Ask for the list of things the company can do to compensate for the issue and be sure everything is put in writing.
Step #2: Go For an Alternative Dispute Resolution
If you are not satisfied with the company’s response to your claims, the next best thing to do is to opt for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This can offer the following:
- Mediation – This is a form of resolution wherein the ADR will act as the mediator between you and the company in reaching a satisfactory solution in both parties.
- Independent Arbitration Scheme – If even the mediation fails, then one of your last options is to set up an independent arbitration scheme. This can be costly, however, as the fee varies depending on the organization. Keep in mind that you can get a refund for the fee if you win the case, otherwise, the decision will be up to the arbitrator.
Do note that when you also lose the case, the decision of the arbitration scheme is bound to you and the company. This means you can’t take matters to the court if you are not happy with the outcome.
How Long Will the Claim Take?
There is no set timeframe for the duration of your claim as everything depends on the other party’s willingness or hesitance to accept liability for their actions. With that in mind, most mis-sold solar panel claims typically last between 6 to 18 months.
The Bottom Line: Taking the Necessary Steps to Claim Proper Compensation as a Victim of Mis-Sold Solar Panels
Being a victim of mis-sold solar panels can be highly frustrating, especially at the fact that most people end up in financial trouble for years to come as a direct result of the scam.
If you’re looking to claim compensation on mis-sold solar panels in the UK, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.