The discovery of close to 100 defective solar installations in Tasmania should be a "wake-up call" for consumers, the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Alliance says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A consumer watchdog audit of solar installations in the state found that 88 in the North, North-West and North-East - installed in the past 12 months - were not "in line with Tasmania's regulatory requirements" and could pose "long-term safety and durability" issues.
It was determined that two interstate companies - which Consumer, Building and Occupational Services will not name - were responsible for the installations.
IN OTHER NEWS:
TREA executive officer Jack Gilding said the dodgy installations could potentially discourage Tasmanians from investing in solar.
But he said the chief takeaway from the investigation from a consumer point-of-view was that people needed to "do their due diligence and see who they're dealing with" before they engage the services of a solar installer.
"It's certainly very unfortunate that some shonky operators are coming in from the mainland and giving people the hard sell," Mr Gilding said.
"Hopefully it will send the message that you're better to look for somebody local who's been around for a while.
"You're talking about something that's hopefully going to be saving you money for 20 years."
RELATED:
Earlier this month, the Tasmanian Economic Regulator approved a 1.38 per cent decrease in Aurora Energy's standing offer electricity prices. The new prices will come into effect this Thursday.
However, the feed-in tariff rate for solar customers is being lowered to 8.471 cents per kilowatt hour, which is 9.1 per cent lower than it was in 2019-20.
"The feed-in tariff has actually gone down by more than the retail prices have gone down," Mr Gilding said. "But the important message for people to understand is that most of the benefit from solar is by offsetting your own consumption."
A Department of Justice spokesperson said more than $25,000 in fees and penalties had been issued as a result of the CBOS audit.
"As the penalties are still within their 28-day appeal period it would not be appropriate to provide further detail," the spokesperson said.
Sign up to one of our newsletters:
Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
