Installers do close, and it can feel alarming. The good news for most households is that the STC discount has already been given on the quote, so the immediate financial loss is usually limited. The harder issues are warranty, finishing the job and, in some cases, unclaimed certificates.
Which situation are you in?
Installed and paid the net price. Your discount is part of what you paid. The installer’s unclaimed STCs are a problem for the company or its administrator, not a bill for you.
Paid in full and told the rebate would come back to you. This is where you have the most to lose. Document the payment, and speak to your consumer affairs office promptly.
Deposit paid, not yet installed. Treat it as an unsecured debt, and ask your card provider about chargeback options if you paid by card.
What to do
- Gather the contract, quote, receipts, assignment form and any photos.
- Contact the administrator or liquidator if one is named. Lodge a claim as a creditor.
- Contact the manufacturer for warranty cover on panels and inverter.
- Ask another accredited installer to check the system is compliant and safe.
- Report the situation to your state fair trading office, and ask about any home warranty or insurance requirements for your state.
Protecting yourself before you sign
- Check accreditation and how long the company has traded.
- Be cautious about large deposits, and never pay in full before installation.
- Ask who owns the STCs and who carries a rejection risk.
- Make sure the quote shows the STC discount upfront.
Documents worth keeping safe
Scan or photograph everything on the day you sign and again on the day of install. The signed quote, the contract, proof of each payment, the assignment form, the certificate of electrical safety, the grid connection approval and the product warranty documents will all be needed by someone, whether that is an administrator, a replacement installer or your insurer. Keep them somewhere other than the installer’s portal, because the portal may disappear with the business.
What this means for you
You cannot remove all risk, but you can limit your exposure by paying the net price against delivery. For more homeowner basics, use the resources hub and the STC trading overview. Legal or financial advice for your case is best taken from a professional.