Solar system seller fined and prosecuted by Fair Trading

Wednesday, 09 May, 2012

The director and general manager of Solar and Bamboo Direct and Solar Installations, Jan Pieter McHeyzer, has been prosecuted and fined for selling unmarked and potentially unsafe hot water storage tanks and making false and misleading claims about the tanks.

McHeyzer advertised, sold, supplied and installed ‘split system solar hot water systems’, imported from China, which did not comply with the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 or relevant Australian Standards.

The systems were made up of a solar panel and a hot water storage tank. McHeyzer bought approximately 500 hot water storage tanks from a Chinese manufacturer and sold about 400 to NSW residents. The hot water tanks have a capacity of 250, 300 or 400 L, are white and labelled with a coloured sticker with the words Solar Direct.

NSW Fair Trading was tipped off about the tanks by a licensed plumber who had worked for Solar Installations (NSW), said Commissioner Rod Stowe. Fair Trading then inspected those systems and undertook a detailed investigation.

The Commissioner said the tanks did not contain a watermark that must be displayed on all tanks installed in NSW as evidence that the tank has been approved for use in plumbing works. They also had no approval mark to show they had electrical safety approval.

“The tanks had the potential to produce an uncontrolled water temperature that could result in very hot water flowing into bathroom and kitchen taps or from the tanks, presenting a serious risk of scalding.

“Another problem was that the tanks did not have appropriately rated pressure relief valves fitted, which could result in the tanks rupturing and leaking. One consumer who contacted Fair Trading had a leaking tank.”

The Commissioner said the tanks also have the potential to provide drinking water of an unacceptable quality.

“Consumers and Fair Trading noted discolouration and an unusual odour and bitter taste or tingling sensation,” he said.

“Testing of water samples obtained from two tanks inspected by Fair Trading revealed the water had an elevated alkaline pH level. This can cause skin irritation.”

Any consumers who purchased a solar hot water system from Solar & Bamboo Coffs Harbour or Tamworth or had installation work done by Solar Installations (NSW) should contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and lodge a proof of debt with the liquidator.