‘Rogue’ energy firm Vic Solar Technologies faces court over dodgy deals

A solar energy business ­accused of conning customers it doorknocked with dodgy savings promises has been hauled before court by Victoria’s consumer watchdog.

A solar energy business ­accused of conning customers with dodgy savings promises has been hauled to court by Victoria’s consumer watchdog.

Doorknocked households were led to believe they were dealing with an independent community organisation as part of a neighbourhood bulk buy promotion that offered a chance to “drastically reduce or completely eliminate household power bills”, it is claimed.

Householders were also given the impression in discussions and brochures that solar panels and/or inverters were made in Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and the US — when they were actually made in China — it is alleged.

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Consumer Affairs Victoria has taken legal action against Dandenong South business Vic Solar Technologies and its director, Sunny Srinivasan, 29, of Templestowe.

The move follows a long ­investigation prompted by complaints from the public.

Tens of thousands of consumers were contacted and thousands signed up to Vic Solar agreements.

A document filed with the Federal Court outlines a range of misrepresentations at times allegedly made by the company or “lead generators” it engaged to encourage sales over the past six years.

Tens of thousands of consumers were contacted and thousands signed up to Vic Solar agreements between February, 2013 and January this year, according to details lodged with the court.

Some were allegedly subjected to bogus claims of solar systems being at “greatly reduced ­prices”, below market rates and only for a limited time.

“Vic Solar and Mr Srinivasan established and perpetuated a system of selling solar power systems that involved using sales staff and contractors instructed, trained and directed by Vic Solar and lead generators, to make false or misleading representations …” a statement of claim alleges.

In many cases, ­installation of Vic Solar’s solar power system did not decrease the household’s costs to the extent represented.

It adds: “In many cases, ­installation of Vic Solar’s solar power system did not decrease the household’s costs to the extent represented”.

Mr Srinivasan declined to comment when contacted by the Sunday Herald Sun this week.

The company is also accused of not properly advising about termination and cooling-off rights, and failing to provide copies of contracts.

The regulator alleges Mr Srinivasan knew of and/or was involved in various consumer law breaches.

It is seeking orders including financial penalties, declarations, injunctions, and consumer compensation.

The case has emerged amid a surge in solar panel installations as households scramble to cut electricity bills.

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@KarenCollierHS