AustraliaA solar panel installer made false claims about energy savings. Can I get compensation?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation under the Australian Consumer Law if a solar panel installer made false or misleading claims about energy savings.
What the Law Says
The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibits businesses from making false or misleading representations about products — including claims about energy savings from solar panels.
Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law makes it illegal for any person, in trade or commerce, to engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive, or likely to mislead or deceive. This applies to all advertising, quotes, brochures, websites, and verbal statements made by solar installers.
Section 29(1)(g) specifically prohibits false or misleading representations about the 'price, value or benefits' of goods or services — which includes promises about how much money or energy you’ll save with solar panels.
If a business breaches these provisions, consumers may seek remedies including compensation (damages), refunds, contract cancellation, or court-ordered injunctions.
Statutory TextA person must not, in trade or commerce, engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive.
— Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Sch 2 — Australian Consumer Law, s. 18
Statutory TextA person must not, in trade or commerce, make a false or misleading representation that the goods or services have certain performance characteristics, uses or benefits.
— Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), Sch 2 — Australian Consumer Law, s. 29(1)(g)
What to Do
Gather evidence: Save quotes, contracts, brochures, emails, or recordings where the false claims were made.
Contact the installer in writing to request compensation or correction — keep a copy.
Lodge a complaint with your state consumer affairs agency (e.g., NSW Fair Trading, VIC Consumer Affairs) or the ACCC.
If unresolved, consider applying to the relevant state tribunal (e.g., NCAT, VCAT) for compensation — no lawyer needed for claims under $40,000.
Act within 6 years: ACL claims generally must be started within 6 years of the misleading conduct.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.