News

MCS issues solar scam warning

Administrators at the MCS have reported receiving an increasing number of reports from consumers claiming to have been contacted by companies – cold calling and offering free health checks on their Solar PV installations in conjunction with MCS.

The MCS says it is aware that its brand is being misrepresented by individuals and companies claiming to either be working for, or with, the MCS carrying out these checks.

A statement confirmed: “We would like to confirm that MCS has not partnered with any installation or maintenance companies and contact details are not coming from MCS directly.”

The scheme operator have been notified by consumers who have received calls regarding the following services:

• Maintenance

• Upgrades

• Safety checks

• Inverter checks

• Buy-back solar solutions.

The statement added: “Other claims being made are that, if the system inverter, which forms part of a Solar PV installation, is not replaced and a fire ignites on the roof, the Fire Brigade will not respond. This is categorially untrue. MCS is highly concerned about such pressure selling and scaremongering.

“We can assure everyone that these claims are unfounded; the fire brigade always turn out to a fire! Replacing the system inverter is not an automatic/mandatory requirement and system owners should not feel pressured into making this purchase.

“We would like to reassure you that MCS takes consumer protection very seriously. Whether the company is certified or not, MCS would expect any responsible company to act with due diligence, honesty, fairness and integrity in its dealing with any consumer.

“We are working closely with Trading Standards to end these practices. We encourage anyone who has heard of companies or individuals offering these services to consumers to contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice helpline or ourselves.”