Australian
Internet Loans
Australian Credit Representative 401491
Australian Internet Loans :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers?w=400
In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare.
Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later.
Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield.

The predicament began when Ms Hirchfield, residing in Victoria, answered a Facebook advertisement for GC Perfect Solar. She accepted an offer that included an interest-free payment plan and a lucrative feed-in tariff. However, the reality proved quite different. She discovered discrepancies in her agreement and faced unexpected demands for higher payments. This led to disputes, complaints, and, ultimately, debt collection threats.

The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) highlighted her case, pointing to a broader pattern of misleading sales tactics prevalent in the industry. The organisation criticises the reliance on unsolicited selling, which often exploits consumers who may not fully comprehend the implications of contractual commitments.

Consumer Action Law Centre's CEO, Stephanie Tonkin, points out that these practices are especially detrimental to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with language barriers. The Centre is campaigning fiercely against these unsolicited sales tactics, branding them as predatory and harmful.

Amid escalating consumer complaints, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced a review into the adequacy of current laws governing unsolicited sales and lead generation. The review, spurred by a significant complaint from CALC, aims to examine whether existing consumer protections are sufficient to prevent such harmful behaviours.

Reports suggest that these sales techniques often stretch beyond solar panels, targeting various products and services such as air conditioning units and educational courses. These findings indicate the widespread nature of the issue, extending across multiple industries.

The ACCC is currently seeking public input to better understand consumer experiences with unsolicited selling before the end of July, allowing them to gauge the issue's full extent. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect consumers from coercive sales practices that could lead to financial distress or bankruptcy.

As consumer watchdogs and advocacy groups continue to pressure regulators and government bodies, there is hope for better consumer protections and stricter enforcement against deceptive sales practices. Ms Hirchfield's story serves as a vital reminder of the potential risks these sales strategies pose and the pressing need for reform in consumer protection legislation.

Published:Friday, 4th Jul 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more
Australian Online Retail Sees Continued Growth in May Amidst Nationwide Spending Surge Australian Online Retail Sees Continued Growth in May Amidst Nationwide Spending Surge
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian online retail sales experienced a modest rise in May, as consumers continued to invest in fashion, games, and toys. According to the latest figures from the National Australia Bank, there was a 0.7% increase in online sales for the month, compared to a 1.1% growth in April. Over the past year, Australians have spent approximately $63 billion on online retail purchases. - read more
Pay Boosts and Policy Changes: A Closer Look at Financial Updates for Australian Workers Pay Boosts and Policy Changes: A Closer Look at Financial Updates for Australian Workers
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The starting days of the new financial year bring significant changes for Australian workers, particularly those on minimum wage. As of Tuesday, the minimum wage will rise by 3.5 per cent, increasing hourly earnings to $24.95, or $948 weekly. This adjustment also affects award wages and comes as a response to rising living costs, outpacing current inflation rates. - read more


Finance Articles

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Fine-tuning Your Finances for Loan Approval Debt-to-Income Ratio: Fine-tuning Your Finances for Loan Approval
When you embark on the journey of securing a loan, one pivotal factor that looms large in the eyes of lenders is your debt-to-income ratio, commonly known as DTI. This crucial metric measures the chunk of your monthly income that goes towards paying debts, and it serves as a barometer for financial stability. A lower DTI can swing the doors wide open to favorable loan terms, while a higher one might signal red flags for potential lenders. - read more
Understanding Loan Rejection: Why It Happens and What You Can Do Understanding Loan Rejection: Why It Happens and What You Can Do
We've all felt the sting of rejection at one point or another, and being turned down for a loan can be particularly disheartening. It's a setback that many face, but it's not the end of the road. Understanding why your loan application was rejected is the first step towards improving your financial standing and securing future funding. - read more
Emergency Financial Plans: Preparing for Loan Challenges in Hard Times Emergency Financial Plans: Preparing for Loan Challenges in Hard Times
Economic downturns and recessions are part and parcel of the financial landscape. At some point, every economy experiences periods of decline, which can have widespread impacts on businesses and individuals alike. - read more
How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan How to Decide Between Fixed and Variable Rates for Your Personal Loan
Personal loans in Australia are a popular financial tool for managing various expenses, from consolidating debt to funding major purchases or covering emergency costs. - read more
Understanding Loan Rejection: Why It Happens and What You Can Do Understanding Loan Rejection: Why It Happens and What You Can Do
We've all felt the sting of rejection at one point or another, and being turned down for a loan can be particularly disheartening. It's a setback that many face, but it's not the end of the road. Understanding why your loan application was rejected is the first step towards improving your financial standing and securing future funding. - read more
Top Credit Repair Strategies: How to Overcome Bad Credit in Australia Top Credit Repair Strategies: How to Overcome Bad Credit in Australia
Understanding the concept of creditworthiness is essential, especially when considering the various financial decisions you make in life. In Australia, a good credit score can open doors to competitive loan rates, favorable mortgage terms, and hassle-free approvals for financing. Conversely, bad credit can be a significant roadblock, impacting your financial well-being and limiting your access to financial resources when you need them most. - read more
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised credit representative of Saccasan Pty Ltd, Australian Credit License 386297. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We do not recommend any specific financial products and we do not offer any form of financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party, qualified intermediaries with whom you can deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third part to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.