Clean Energy (Yorkshire) Says Beware Of “Solar Cowboys”!
A Harrogate-based renewable energy company is warning householders and businesses not to be blinded by “solar cowboys”, promising the earth and delivering nothing!
And, in a bid help protect legitimate companies working in the sector, Clean Energy (Yorkshire) is calling on the Government to do more to rid the industry of unscrupulous firms cashing in on the back of the green energy revolution.
Clean Energy (Yorkshire) – which employs a workforce of 20 and is located in Pannal Business Park – is a member of the Yorkshire and Humber Microgeneration Partnership (YHMP), which, amongst its aims, ensures “high customer care and installation standards”.
Tamsin Cassidy, who started the business with her husband Spencer two years ago, said: “Sadly there are a number of rogue firms – or ‘solar cowboys’ – operating in the region, either using bully-boy tactics or offering deals which are too good to be true.
“Being a member of the YHMP means we, and all other members, have passed a certain standard of quality and care on which we are continually assessed. We are also a member of the Renewable Energy Association.
“We would ask anyone considering installing renewable energy to ensure whoever they use are members of established and respected trade bodies.
“For customers to receive ‘feed-in tariffs’, the Government-guaranteed payments, the work must have been undertaken by a firm registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. If the company isn’t registered, then the householder won’t receive a penny.”
Mrs Cassidy added: “The firms we are referring to give the whole renewable energy industry a bad name. They are only in it to make a quick buck, and often their work and the equipment they use is substandard.
“We are calling on the Government to tighten up regulations to ensure the industry operates to the highest standards possible. It needs to prosecute those acting outside the law. Until that happens, then the ‘solar spivs’ will keep on operating undeterred.”
