Solar Orb accused of burning customers by taking deposits and failing to supply or install products

DISGRUNTLED customers have complained about the behaviour of a solar business, claiming they paid hefty deposits for solar panels that weren’t delivered — now the matter is with police.

Shane Dreier and his wife Maree of Craigieburn say they paid $10,952 for a solar system that was not installed. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A SOLAR business accused of grabbing hundreds of thousands of dollars from customers, then failing to install roof panels, has been referred to police.

Dozens of Victorians making complaints about Solar Orb Pty Ltd to the state’s consumer watchdog reported being stripped of more than $200,000 in total.

Consumer Affairs Victoria last month issued a public warning notice about the business and the websites, ­solarorb.com.au and ­solar-orb.com.

A CAV spokesman told the Herald Sun: “Impacted consumers have been seeking refunds of their deposits from Solar Orb ranging from $3000 to $19,000, totalling more than $200,000.”

The matter had been referred to Victoria Police through the submission of a fraud report, he said.

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The layout of where the panels were to be installed.

Complainants alleged that Solar Orb failed to honour installations after taking deposits or full payments.

CAV received 29 complaints from October last year. It said in November, Solar Orb appointed a liquidator to wind up its affairs.

Craigieburn man Shane Dreier and wife Maree are among those who allege they got burnt, after paying $10,952 for a solar panel and battery system that never materialised.

Mr Dreier said thankfully, because they had paid by cred­it card, their bank had refunded the money.

“The sales rep was very smooth. The main pitch was that a government rebate was being reduced,” he said.

“They did a detailed prop­osal for the layout of solar panels on the roof.”

When no one showed up to install, he found contact numbers were disconnected, and a listed Southbank head office appeared to be a hired room. “I now believe it was a scam from the start.”

The Herald Sun sought comment from Solar Orb via a 1300 number given to customers. A recorded message said the dialled number was “currently suspended”.

Condon Advisory Group principal Schon Condon, from liquidator Condon Associates, said they were appointed after advisers raised concerns about “potential ­financial and operational ­abnormalities”.

CAV said customers who paid by credit card and did not receive goods could seek a chargeback from financial institutions, subject to time limits.

Consumers who dealt with Solar Orb are encouraged to contact Condon Associates on [phone].

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@KarenCollierHS