As with most things in life, there is always one person (or company) that tries to buck the system and ruins it for everyone. New audits from the Clean Energy Regulator show that 19% of 7000 solar power systems have been found to have substandard installations.

With many ‘solar cowboys’ joining the solar industry to make a quick buck when the feed-in tariffs were first announced, many corners were cut to increase their profit margins. Most of these installers have since gone bust and closed their doors. Mainly, only those companies that did it properly and weren’t out to make a quick fortune are the ones still open today. Yet those that are left will suffer damages to their reputations because of the corners others have cut.

However, installation quality is definitely something to look at when considering solar power. With such thin profit margins, there are still companies out there that are sacrificing cabling and railing etc in order to keep their doors open. These items may not be major items or immediately noticeable, but they are just as important.

Four per cent of the units inspected were deemed unsafe and switched off on the spot. Andrew Livingston, Executive General Manager of the Renewables and Carbon Farming within the Clean Energy Regulator said that installers had acted ‘promptly’ in general and fixed substandard installs. He said, “On the whole, the quality of installers and come back of installers is very good.”

Manager of the consumer rights group, Solar Citizens, Geoff Evans said that the results surprised him. “Most people that I have spoken to have been happy with the service they have received.” The Regulator cannot compel installers to go back and fix the dodgy jobs. However they can fine the agents that contract the installers $3500 or put their licences at risk.

Mr Livingston said that he only had around five cases that faced “serious malpractice” and the installer could be taken to court.

In addition to research and talking to your preferred solar provider, reviews and testimonies can be indicative of the type of company you are thinking of dealing with. Click here to see testimonies for Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast from real customers around the Coast.