Consumers say regulators must 'lift their game' after solar battery delays
More consumers have come forward claiming solar battery installers have ripped them off under the federal government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
Consumers are expressing frustration over delays and poor conduct by companies selling and installing solar batteries under the federal government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Bob Emery, a retired electrician, paid a $1,000 deposit last October for a 48kWh system that never arrived. After multiple attempts to secure a refund, Emery's concerns join a growing number of complaints to federal and state watchdogs.
The program has seen a surge in demand, with over 530,000 batteries installed since July 2025 and an estimated cost of more than $7.2 billion over four years. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC), a voluntary industry-run consumer protection scheme, has kicked Lux Solar out for major failures, including taking payments without delivering systems.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating several cases, and South Australia has announced a crackdown on dodgy solar companies. Consumer advocate Erin Turner calls for the misleading ad from Lux Solar to be investigated, as it could lead to significant court actions and fines.
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