A solar panel dealer has been fined $3,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court and ordered to pay compensation of $7,500 for breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

M.D Shafiqur Rahman of Kewdale was also ordered to pay costs of $1,500 on 16 February after pleading guilty to nine charges relating to unsolicited agreements while working as a dealer for One Stop Solar Energy.

The offences relate to Mr Rahman’s conduct when dealing with three clients who signed agreements for the purchase and installation of solar panels after Mr Rahman knocked on their doors in September 2014, November 2014 and August 2015.

Mr Rahman failed to provide all three consumers with information regarding their right to terminate the agreement during the cooling off period and the way in which that right may be exercised.

He also failed to provide one consumer with a copy of the agreement immediately after it was signed.

Mr Rahman reimbursed two of the consumers before appearing in court while one of the consumers opted to wait until compensation was officially granted through the court.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said anyone who conducts unsolicited sales must be aware of their obligations under the ACL.

“Consumers who are approached out of the blue by salespeople must be provided with information about the 10 business day cooling off period and be given instructions on how to rescind the contract if they change their mind during this period,” she said.

“No money should change hands, no goods be supplied or any work be carried out until this cooling off period has expired.”

Consumers who have any issues with unsolicited agreements can contact Consumer Protection by email to consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Claudine Murphy (08) 6552 9366 / 0423 846 397 / claudine.murphy@dmirs.wa.gov.au