http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/4213/

UK customers are receiving poor advice from solar power companies, which are using 'dodgy' sales practices, warns consumer group Which?.

According to the consumer group, which undertook an undercover investigation, three-quarters of 12 certified solar photovoltaic supplier and installers overestimated the output of solar panels and underestimated how long it would take for the system to pay for itself.

Which? says that one supplier overestimated the profit that its system would provide by £4275 over 25 years and underestimated the payback time by three years, compared to an expert's estimate.

The investigation also reports that seven salespeople recommended installing solar panels on the shaded part of the test house used by Which? and eight failed to question how much energy the customer actually used.

"It seems extraordinary that the Government's rules require companies to ignore whether you live in Cornwall or Scotland when working out how long it'll take to pay for the solar panels," says Which? executive director Richard Lloyd. "It's obvious that the more sun you get, the faster the payback. The Government has to put this right."

Which? is giving the Government and solar trade bodies its undercover findings to help them improve customer service.

The consumer group is urging the Government to put quality advice and installation at the heart of its Microgeneration Strategy, which it published last week.

Installation quotes should include a site specific estimate, provide clear information on the life expectancy of equipment and cost of replacements and not be given on the basis of a sales visit alone, says Which?.

The Micropower Council has welcomed the findings of the Which? investigation.

"We have seen unprecedented growth in sales of solar photovoltaic in the past year, and a rapidly growing industry inevitably attracts a small number of cowboys," says chief executive Dave Sowden. "This industry has done more than most in its early stages of growth to self-regulate and get off to the best possible start, through our Microgeneration Certification Scheme, and the industry's selling code, the REAL Assurance Scheme."

The Council says it was already aware of some of the business practices highlighted by the Which? investigation and will use the findings to help clamp down on offenders.

"There is no excuse or need to mislead consumers by exaggerating the already generous incentives on offer, and we are pleased that these cases will now be investigated thoroughly by the REAL Assurance scheme and enforcement action taken if necessary," adds Sowden.