Prosecution for Installations Completed after 12/12 but Registered Before

[Gavin A]

All they need is a few scapegoats to scare others in future, and if they already have suspicions it should be fairly easy to check simply by forcing the companies to hand over proof of all their panel purchases, then seeing if this matched with the number of systems installed, along with scaffolding invoices, Napit certs etc etc.

 

[SRE]

I'm just pleased we got ours finished a couple of days before the deadline. We could have fit another system in because the weather was decent but we didn't want to promise to our customers without being able to deliver. Others take a different view - sometimes I think that being honest doesn't really pay. I saw loads near us going on after the date, I guess we could have easily clocked up another 15 - 20k for ourselves........

 

[SolarCity]

We got all ours done as well. I think there will have been a lot of installers caught between a rock and a chimp's saucepan as they had systems to install but couldn't get hold of the materials. In all honesty, I really don't blame them.

 

[Markc]

Don't they call that propergander?

The key thing is what TedM said " Reasonable doubt" if it is solely based on web statistics then I for one would be n the list and I think so would ALL the other MCS installers. Our workload quadrupled in November and early December but it doesn't mean a single false application went in.

 

[PvNewbie]

I think a problem is that Winter is still on us. My issue is that people are ordering 'if' I can get their system in before March 3rd. If I can't get the system in because the weather won't let me, then I can't get it in. I'm certainly not going to put myself in a position where I have to look over my shoulder continuously. And I won't compromise on safety.

Can you be sued because the weather stops you installing? Snow/ice/gales etc?

 

[finchy]

I have an install next week where the chap is having loads of new building work so the house is an empty shell (total refurb ) I'm planning to install and commission next week but then he wants me to take the inverter down and put it into I his secure store until the house is weather tight. Is there any issues with doing that ? I'm commissioning so it works but then will take the inverter out, the panels and wiring will remain !

 

[moggy1968]

don't see a problem with that TBH

 

[FB.]

Can you be sued because the weather stops you installing? Snow/ice/gales etc?

I doubt it - it wasn't your fault that the world froze; just like you can't sue a transport company if your bus/train/plane/ferry doesn't turn up.

However, guaranteeing a full refund of the customers' deposit if the March deadline isn't met would be an honourable thing to do and - if given in writing - might persuade a few more customers to go ahead.
Just don't advertise 43p FiT because there's still a small chance that 21p FiT will be enforced (either by appeal, or by parliament rewriting the law to force through a backdated 21p) - and that would be mis-selling on your part and a could result in whole lot of pain as the "loss" to the customer for a 21p FiT compared to a 43p FiT could easily amount to £15k in today's money terms, for each 3.5kW installation.

Consumer rights allow the purchaser to serve a month's notice on you for completion of the work, or a refund.

 

[SRE]

I think a problem is that Winter is still on us. My issue is that people are ordering 'if' I can get their system in before March 3rd. If I can't get the system in because the weather won't let me, then I can't get it in. I'm certainly not going to put myself in a position where I have to look over my shoulder continuously. And I won't compromise on safety.

Can you be sued because the weather stops you installing? Snow/ice/gales etc?

I've had 3 emails from a customer we're installing for next week who wants a guaranteed install before the third week in Feb. I'm not prepared to commit, who knows what the weather is going to be like and I won't compromise on H & S either. I just pointed out that even with 2.5 times our normal volume before 12/12 we only delayed on install by 24 hrs. It's like November all over again!

 

[finchy]

Yep and parts are in short supply Sma inverters seem to be Drying up !

 

[moggy1968]

plenty of other good inverters out there though. I like SMA and would fit them as first choice but in their absence I am happy to fit other makes that I know and trust.