14/02/13……Beware Dodgy solar panels cold callers

OXFORDSHIRE Trading Standards Doorstep Crime Team is appealing for information on a Solar Panel company who have been cold calling in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse area.

The company are believed to be targeting elderly and vulnerable residents.

Residents have been sold panels that are not approved and not necessary and told they can get money back from selling excess electricity to the grid.

To get money back from the government scheme, the panels must be installed by an approved MCS installer and a certificate supplied. (MCS Micro generation Certification Scheme)

Aggressive sales tactics have been used and some residents have been escorted to the bank to obtain funds to pay for the panels.

The company has been reported operating in the Didcot, Wallingford, Wantage, Blewbury, Wootton, Letcombe Regis, Stanford in the Vale and Kennington areas.

If you have been the victim of cold callers or know of any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who have been sold un-necessary solar panels, please contact the Trading Standards Doorstep Crime Team on 0845 051 0845, option 2 or email trading.standards@oxfordshire.gov.uk