Consumer Affairs Victoria has started legal action against a solar company that we allege did not comply with the unsolicited consumer agreement provisions of the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), among other breaches of consumer law.
Our action against Dandenong business Vic Solar Technologies Pty Ltd (ACN: 160 835 941) and its director Sunny Srinivasan, 29, of Templestowe, followed a lengthy investigation prompted by consumer complaints.
We allege that between 2013 and 2019, the company:
- entered into unsolicited consumer agreements that were initiated by door-knocking at consumers' homes and, in some cases:
- commenced work for the supply and installation of solar power systems during a prohibited period, and
- did not adequately advise consumers about their termination and cooling-off rights
- misled consumers in the marketing and selling of solar panels and solar inverters
- acted unconscionably towards consumers and potential consumers.
We are seeking orders that:
- the company pays a financial penalty and legal costs
- Mr Srinivasan and the company be restrained from repeating the alleged conduct in future
- the company implements a program to ensure it complies with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
- affected consumers be compensated
- the company publicly acknowledges its breaches of the ACL.
The matter is expected to be heard later in 2019 in the Federal Court of Australia.