'Cowboys': Victorians warned as solar scammers ride into town - battery storage systems

"Cowboys" are already trying to make a profit from the state's billion dollars --
Dollar solar subsidy promise homeowners warn to watch out for the cold
A phone call from a cunning operator.
Solar Victoria, the agency set up to manage the big subsidy program, said it was concerned about reports that "unscrupulous people" were trying to take advantage of families trying to get the program.
An industry veteran told TIME that the government's huge subsidies attracted "cowboys," who tried to get families to pay for substandard panels and other devices and by unskilled workers.
The National Labor government has promised about $1.
As part of its campaign, a 3 billion subsidy is provided to help cover the cost of roof solar panels, solar hot water systems and battery storage.
Labor says it expects more than 650,000 households across the state to sign contracts, creating potential wealth for local industries.
But less than a month after the announcement began, Victoria Solar began to receive complaints from suspicious target families --
It sounds cold.
Jonathan Lake, chief operating officer of the agency, said less than 20 reports were received, but warned about the potential of shonky operators, they "cheat people in addition to selling unreliable products ". . .
Damaged the reputation of outstanding operators in the solar industry.
"More than 12,000 families have registered their interest in various subsidy schemes, and Mr lick has warned that,
Become a cold Solar family
Calls from people trying to sell solar products should be very careful.
"Cheats and inaccurate marketing can cost you money, cause dangerous installations, or cause you to miss a rebate for solar homes," he said . ".
A local solar industry veteran, who declined to be named, warned that generous subsidies would attract "Cowboys ".
"Every time the government is involved in the plan, what they are doing is obviously stimulating the industry with free money," said industry sources . ".
"That's what they're doing, throwing money on it, you get business opportunities, usually Cowboys. . .
In the case of not knowing what they are doing, not knowing the complexity of it, the cost of it, what is good, and what is bad, this begins.
"We 've been through it four times and we call it a solar roller coaster.
Solar operators warn that the risk is greatest for vulnerable Victoria people.
The industry veteran said: "The first thing they do is to sell through the usual overseas-based telemarketers, and then start arguing with the Victorian, who usually target vulnerable groups.
"They do everything they can to sell, and then put the cheapest and dirtiest equipment they can get on the roof of these people.
"They don't care what happens next because they only have time to make money in year 45 and then they go out.
"The government has taken some steps to protect itself from criticism as it is repeating the attic insulation accident, and the Rudd government's notorious family isolation program is linked to the death of four young workers, because inexperienced operators flocked to buy cash
Generous subsidies from the federal government.
Mr. Leake, stressing the protection measures contained in the new solar energy plan, said that the solar home plan was designed to use the installers and approved products registered with the clean energy commission by requiring customers to use them, maximum CEC.
"Neither Victoria solar nor the government will be cold --
"Call or visit anyone to promote solar residential projects or sell products," he said . ".