Renewables firm must not mislead public, says OFT

Directors of two solar water heating companies have been forced by the OFT not to mislead customers on the performance of systems or undertake shoddy installations.

The Office of Fair Trading has secured personal undertakings from Floyd Lewis and June Lewis, who are directors of Solar Technik and Ultimate Energy, that they will not breach consumer protection legislation.

In particular the directors must not claim solar thermal water heaters save consumers money if this is not the case.

Ray Hall, OFT director of markets and projects, said: “It is essential that consumers are not misled. This is especially important with newer products such as solar energy systems where consumers will rely much more on the information given to them by the companies supplying the products.”

Philip Sellwood, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust welcomed the OFT’s action. “We recommend consumers who are considering solar technology always employ an accredited installer, for example via the Low Carbon Buildings Programme”.

Solar Technik was put into liquidation in March 2007 but Ultimate Energy continues to trade.