{
  "id": 688898,
  "title": "Australia's 'number one' solar retailer facing multiple investigations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/australias-number-one-solar-retailer-facing-multiple-investigations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T18:46:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-13/solar-power-nation-complaints-cheaper-home-batteries-program/107006028"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Solar Power Nation, Australia's leading solar retailer, is grappling with multiple investigations across Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), and South Australia following thousands of customer complaints since 2024. Critics allege that the company operated insolvently before its current ownership. Numerous consumers claim work on their solar panel installations has been substandard or incomplete, causing substantial financial and safety concerns.\n\nOne customer, Adrian Goodfellow, spent almost $30,000 on a solar panel, battery, and inverter system, anticipating significant savings on his electricity bills. However, five months after installation, the system remains dormant. Goodfellow alleges the installation was botched, making the system unsafe and necessitating expensive repairs.\n\nOver 500,000 batteries have been installed under the federal government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program, but a reduction in rebates in December led to a surge in demand for solar installations. This pressure caused delays and quality issues. Goodfellow claims his system doesn't meet Clean Energy Council standards and that safety concerns were not adequately addressed. He has lodged a complaint with NSW's Building Commission but remains dissatisfied and considering further legal action.\n\nSolar Power Nation asserts it has resolved some issues raised by Mr. Goodfellow but disputes others, stating its work complies with regulations. The company offers to rectify the installation within 28 days if an independent review requests it. However, Mr. Goodfellow believes the company has neglected to address several of his concerns and demands immediate action.\n\nThe retailer's troubles extend to Queensland and South Australia, where authorities are investigating Solar Power Nation for potential consumer law breaches. The company's actions have left many customers frustrated, angry, and anxious about the state of their solar installations.",
  "summary": "Solar Power Nation is spruiked by a number of current and former sports stars but the major retailer is facing investigations in multiple states as consumer complaints rise into the hundreds.",
  "key_points": [
    "Over 500,000 batteries installed under federal program lead to quality issues and delays.",
    "Customers allege substandard installations, safety concerns, and financial losses."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}