Why you need to be careful
We often receive calls from customers who need our help because they have bought a photovoltaic system, but it has not been properly installed or registered. In most cases, however, everything has already been paid for in advance and the provider has either disappeared or is not responding to any inquiries. Even lawsuits usually do not help, because it turns out that the company headquarters of the provider is partly not even in the EU.
This happens throughout Germany, the TV series „Achtung Abzocke“ with Peter Giesel from the channel Kabel Eins has aired a consequence, this episode can be viewed on YouTube in the form of three 10-minute videos. Here you can find episode 1:
How to recognize dubious photovoltaic suppliers
In our discussions with customers, we were able to identify some clear patterns as to which providers are best avoided. We have listed these so-called „red flags“ for you here:
1. the photovoltaic supplier is relatively new on the market
One should be cautious with companies that were founded in 2022 or 2023. Here you will find many opportunists who want to use the photovoltaic hype to enrich themselves personally.
2. the photovoltaic supplier is not a registered craft enterprise
Check here (www.handwerkskammer.de) whether the company is listed as a registered craft enterprise. This entry is mandatory if you want to work as a craftsman company. Many providers offer you a PV system, but without having the necessary expertise, or even be allowed to build an electrical system. These companies send you subcontractors for execution with poorly trained staff, so that the profit for the provider is maximized.
Tip: Alternatively, request the company’s craftsman card if you do not want to use the craftsman search.
3. the photovoltaic supplier is not a registered installer company
Similar to an entry in the register of craftsmen, there is an entry as an installer company with the network operators. This is voluntary, unless you want to register meters and larger systems, such as photovoltaic systems, with the network operator, in which case it is mandatory to be registered in the installer directory. Thus, a company that is not in the installer directory cannot properly register your system.
Tip: Ask the provider for the installer card, so you can ensure that this is a registered company.
4. the photovoltaic supplier is not from your area
Above all, make sure that the provider does not have a foreign headquarters and that the place of jurisdiction is in your city in the event of a legal dispute. It is best to look for a local provider.
Providers who work nationwide also work with subcontractors, usually with the one who has submitted the lowest bid, so that the provider can make the most profit.
How do you protect yourself if something does go wrong?
Even we as Jost Electric Services make mistakes from time to time, but if something goes wrong, we are covered and so are you.
Especially when installing a photovoltaic system, a small mistake can cause a big damage. For example, if the roof leaks during installation, water damage can cause high costs.
To avoid being stuck with the costs, you should make sure that your PV system provider can also reimburse these costs.
It is best to ask for the company’s public liability insurance certificate.
Photovoltaics - A Business in Trend
If you look at the official figures of destatis on the sales development of German companies in the field of photovoltaics, you can quickly see why this market is becoming more and more interesting for scammers and rip-off artists.
We therefore recommend to follow the above mentioned tips in order not to become a victim of a rip-off artist. These tips can also be applied to other projects, it is always worthwhile to check the companies you want to hire.
We hope to have helped you with this article and wish you a successful implementation of all your projects.
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