Consumer Affairs and NT WorkSafe

The sun is out, and cons are out

22 November 2024 

Consumer Affairs and Worksafe NT have been made aware of the practices of an interstate business selling photovoltaic (PV) equipment in the Northern Territory.

This business has been operating across Western Australia from Port Hedland to Broome, Halls Creek to Kununurra, which has involved coercive door-to-door sales of PV solar.

It appears that the business has been making unsolicited sales, not giving consumers the required 10 day cooling off period, and taking deposits and making purchasers sign unlawful contracts. 

The business appears to be targeting Indigenous communities in particular and coercing people to purchase products through financing arrangements. 

Vulnerable and elderly people have also been targeted by signing and entering into contractual arrangements for solar and financing. In some cases, the installations provided by the business have malfunctioned or failed to work at all.

The business also appears to be circulating promotional material in Darwin, which Territorians are strongly advised to check and be cautious before entering into contracts with the business. 

Consumer Affairs and Worksafe NT are concerned about the reports of this business. As we are looking into the matter, we are unable to provide further comment.

If you have concerns with respect to the purchase of goods or services, or in relation to solar installations please contact either:

NT Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319 or consumer@nt.gov.au or

NT Worksafe on 1800 019 115 or ntworksafe@nt.gov.au