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Solar Powered Products

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning consumers against dealing with solar panel company

Energy Saving Products Pty Ltd trading as Solar Powered Products, one of its directors Julie Ann

Jones and her husband and business associate Stephen John Jones (AKA Stephen Williams and

Pastor Steve).

Executive Director of Fair Trading Operations, Brian Bauer, said the OFT was investigating the

company which had failed to deliver solar panels ordered by consumers.

“Fair Trading has received 25 complaints from consumers who paid deposits for solar panels and

solar panel installation but never received the goods,” Mr Bauer said.

“The operation has been selling solar panel energy system installation to Queensland consumers

via telemarketing and door-to-door.

“In a number of cases Mr Jones offered to reduce the cost from $6600 to zero if consumers agreed

to sign over their federal government solar credits to Solar Powered Products and to act as a

display home. In this instance a deposit of $900 was paid by consumers as an act of good faith.”

“While display home agreements are common in some industries, OFT’s investigations indicate that

neither Energy Saving Products Pty Ltd nor Solar Powered Products are registered to purchase

federal government solar credits, nor do they have a solar system supplier.

“Unfortunately this case has all the hallmarks of a scam.”

According to Mr Bauer there were some very simple, but important steps people should take to

avoid being scammed.

“First and foremost people should know their rights when it comes to dealing with telemarketers and

door-to-door traders,” he said.

“Consumers have extra protection when it comes to door-to-door and telemarketing sales, including

a ten business day cooling off period for products or services worth $100 or more. This means a

trader cannot accept payment, not even a deposit, for 10 business days.

“If you change your mind about a purchase during that time you can cancel the contract.

“Salespeople must advise you of your rights and provide you with a cancellation form at the point of

sale,” he said.

“There are also rules about when telemarketers and door-to-door salespeople can contact you,

regardless of the sale value.

“You can only be contacted between 9am and 6pm on weekdays and between 9am and 5pm on a

Saturday. Sundays and public holidays are off limits.”

 

MEDIA STATEMENTS

Finally, you should always do your research before committing large sums of money to anything.

“Check the trader has a permanent business address, not just a PO Box. If they don’t, warning bells

should be going off.

“Do an internet search. The OFT has had many emails of thanks from people who were about to

sign large contracts with traders but an eleventh hour Google search found a consumer alert on our

website.

“And finally, seek references from people you know and trust.”

For more information on consumer rights visit

68).

www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74
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