First4Solar Bewertungen 372

Becoming very concerned now as not getting any response from this company despite paying our Deposit back in November 2022. Installation first promised for April, then May 2nd and now May 11th. Call handling company just taking messages. Are they still functioning?

Update:
Evidence suggests that First 4 Solar are now in administration. I found a letter confirming this on Facebook from Giv Energy and this was after the installer called to apologise but they were owed 10s of £1000s by F4S and stated that they had entered administration.

Our experience...

As the anniversary of our First4Solar installation approached, (25/4/22) there was a vague hope that the job will be completed soon. The problem that I have with F4S is that they actually have good and well-meaning people but something gunges up their works. If you are lucky your installation goes well and everyone is happy (50% of trust pilot customers suggest that this is the case) then that’s great; but when it goes wrong they simply can’t cope. To be honest, I now have all the bits on site to get the job completed (a final battery and a replacement BMS) and it will take 1/2h to 1h to complete once we have a competent sparky on site. It is only in mid-winter that the additional battery is needed and thus a few more months is a minor inconvenience.

Their sales guys are very good, the deal on offer was a little bit cheaper than the competition and a lead time of 4 months wasn’t bad for the current state of the industry. Communication might work if you call them to chase, but if you wait for them to call it will likely disappoint. The initial installation of the panels was OK, the initial electrical work could have been done better by a week 1 apprentice. F4S did arrange remedial work and dismiss the sparky, but the job still had many serious faults.

The company failed to get the approval of UK Power Networks for the installation which cost us our summer SEG payments and they system only became legal in September. Sadly we then discovered that the connection from one of the panel ‘strings’ had melted (which could have been a fire risk) and left us 50% down on generation during the summer. Given that the system was new, it was hard for us to know what ‘working properly’ was and the Fox ESS diagnostics didn’t show any faults until you delve in to a world of data. A competent sparky visited deemed the system dangerous, took away the inverter, condemned some of the wiring and left us with ‘no solar or batteries’ in September 22.

We had to wait until February 2023 for F4S to get all of the parts on site and provide a competent Sparky to rebuild the system. To achieve this it required a barrage of phone calls, emails and significant effort on my part. The final battery was incompatible with the others and needed an upgrade to the BMS. Whilst the physical kit is now onsite in boxes, we await an electrician.

The bigger issue is warranty. HIES will step in if F4S go in to administration and offer arbitration outside of that. When everybody agrees what needs to be done and it simply doesn't happen then HIES the warranty isn’t fit for purpose in my opinion.

The system is brilliant! We have economy 7 (16p a unit) which provides for 97% of the grid electricity needed overnight. 3% comes in at the day rate (46p/unit). Our April electricity bill was negative including the standing charge after we had claimed back SEG (15p/unit). However, we have a 5KWh inverter and 6KWp panels and we may be ‘losing’ energy at peak times.

What Now?

Assuming they fold, then the warranty is worthless. HEIS then take over that risk. I've spoken to HEIS to ask 'What percentage of the purchase would be considered warranty?' All that they could advise is that the credit card company would have a liability for 6 years from the date of payment.

Check my facts but if you agree and F4S have your money then I would recommend considering Section 75 or Chargeback ASAP and/or getting legal advice. If the system works, keep your records just in case you need Section 75 at a future date!

Started the order process in September 2022, paid a £2.2k deposit in October. Had 2 separate calls to reschedule, pushing it back 2 months from the initial date.
Finally arrived at the install day on May 4th, booked the day off to be available, then nothing. No warning that they couldn't make it, no call to reschedule. Customer service number is a 3rd party now that just passes emails along, so utterly useless.

After seeing everyone else going through the same thing, if they can't sort it within a week, I'll be cancelling my order as I have no faith they'll ever actually install it. Avoid at all costs

DO NOT USE !!!!!!!!!

Have payed a deposit 7 month ago and they have canceled the installation few times for different reasons - i am struggling to recover my deposit and the second payment because nobody is replaying to my emails and calls - even after sending official complaint letters and using the official platform that they just created.
Don't know yet if this is really a scam or if the company is really unprofessional and do not care at all of the customers.
You can find few serious companies on the market that will help with the installation in a few weeks after the deposit.

DO NOT use this company - I do not know what has gone wrong but they are hiding behind answer machines - never pick up phones or reply to their 'new customer system' or even a text to the managing director on his phone!!! I paid a deposit - they have have moved my deadline to the last one being the installation on at the end of April - which they have not been in contact about therefore whether i have had a survey completed or not they are now in breach of contract - my credit card company have all the details and proof of the information with absolutely no goods or services provided - do not use a company where the owners do not have a conscience! There are hard working individuals here who deserve their money back AND an apology for how they have been treated.

FIRST 4 SOLAR excelled on the One show last night watch on catch up before even contemplating handing over monies I have contacted for refund to be advised by email from Jessica to claim back on a section 75 with my credit card company this was only yesterday.

This is my first time writing a review and I feel it's important to be open and honest about it.

My order was accepted on 21/12/22 and I had a quick succession of emails in order for First4Solar to act as my solar agent.
My deposit was paid of over £3k on 20/12/22

On the same date I got an email saying a member of there team would be in touch to arrange a survey. I had contact from a 3rd party to arrange survey and this was done on the 10/01/23. No issues at all so far.

And that's it. I've had no real communication since. I have no idea if my property is suitable, a time frame or what the next stage is.

9/2/23 I sent an email asking for just an update as to what was happening. I was contacted the same date by email with "someone will call you." By the 15th Feb I had still not heard anything.

15/02/23 I sent another email stating no one had been on touch and I got call the same day saying "we are in the process of getting a survey done for you" when I informed that this had already happened the person on the phone said that she wasn't sure and she would get someone to check and call me.

27/02/23 - sent a further email saying no one had been in touch and got an email email back saying someone will call me.

1/3/23 - Further email sent saying still no update and I got no reply to this one.

9/3/23 - Sent another email this time as a formal complaint. All I want is some kind of update, as previously said I have no idea the results of the survey 2 months ago.

I wrote the above review on the 9/3/23 and got a call back that day from the operations manager. He gave an explanation with regards to the delay and proposed and installation date of the 5th May 23. He asked if I would take the review down so I did.

It is now the 4th May 23 and the lack of communication has continued.

I sent a few more emails in March and the start of April to chase the designs and eventually on 6th April I got the designs come through. The designs show 10x Panels on my roof but the email from the design team states 12. I replied on the 6th April questioning the amount of panels.

On 17/4/23 I still had no response so I sent a further email also asking if the install date was still the 5th May 23. - No Reply.

They then launched a ticket based customer service system so I again asked the same questions on there. - No reply

I sent a further ticket on 28th April this time stating I would resubmit my review. I got a phone call that day with "I will find out and get back to you"

I sent a further ticket in yesterday and still no response. I am assuming as there is no scaffolding up and I've not had a response to my drawing query that there is will be no installation tomorrow. I have had to take a day off work for it having to book leave months in advance. First4solar are well aware of this as it has been in all my emails. Nobody has confirmed it is or it is not happening.

I am a reasonable person but something needed to be said.

This is my experience so far and I will update it as things progress or don't progress.

ALL BE WARE THIS COMPANY IS NOW TRADING UNDER A NEW NAME AS FIRST4BOILER.

TRIED TO REGISTER THIS ON TRUST PILOT HOWEVER THE WWW.SHOWS AS FIRST4SOLAR DO NOT USE THEM

If I could give this company a 0 I would. deposit paid in April 2022. 7 failed appointments in Dec 22 scaffolding placed up against the house, and yet nothing... David and Jessica are now not responding to my emails and they have a call answering service in place.... Where have they gone... We are lucky we only paid a deposit as they did ask for more monies when we were 1 day away from installation. I have left another message today and tomorrow I do think we need to consider legal avenues. Avoid this one like a plague. 16.44pm I have now rang and left a message on their answer service, I have emailed David Hawkins, Daniel Hawkins and logged a complaint with HEIS. Simply want my refund now so if First4Solar are reading this do the right thing and give people their monies back. 04.05.23 - so following on from the emails, phones calls and this review I have still had no response from anyone at First4Solar...10.05.23 Update: not sure if anyone has received an email from HEIS regarding the First4Solar future and the purchasing of the contracts and orders. Contact HEIS if you are waiting to hear anything... 19.05.23 So update we have now had a call from a solar company offering to undertake the work, however they would not take into consideration the deposit we had already paid. We have since instructed another company to do the work and yet this one on the phone today suggested we dump them and use the replacement...erm I dont think so. New company understood our situation and took on the job without a deposit until they arrive on the day to do the work... I will keep this updated as I might be giving a positive recommendation out soon

Absolute joke of a company.
Ordered a battery solution October 2022.
Paid our 25% deposit £1500.
Then heard nothing until we contacted them in Feb this year to ask what was happening with our install.
Multiple emails and phone calls .... Nothing
Just tumble weed
Tried again multiple times and again nothing.
Had a phone call then in March to ask if anyone has been in touch to arrange our install as time was getting on.
Nope no contact.
Apologies from the guy on the phone saying it's taken too long and he could get us sorted in the next 2 weeks.
That came and went still nothing.
Began an email conversation with a Jessica who seemed to be putting stuff together but said she would reach out to me on the 11tj April to schedule a date for our install.
So the original 2 week promise had already been broken and now we're into another month plus..
Finally after much emails and phone calls agreed a date for today but I had multiple questions that I needed answering regarding set up with our EV charger.
Again nothing but tumbleweed even after she copied in others to answer my questions.
Once again emailed and called last week, to confirm the date and what time to expect the team.
Nothing again
So today has been and gone with no install.
I called twice today and was told my details had been passed onto the right dept twice for a callback regarding what time to expect the team.
Again nothing.
So that's it I'm done.
This company is crooked to the core, taking people's money and delivering nothing for over 6 months in our case.
I read below some have waited even longer and have even more money tied up with these crooks.
I am going to request a chargeback on my credit card tomorrow as obviously first4solar have absolutely no intention of fitting anything and have breached contract time and time again.
Reading online it would appear that the company is now sending out the contracts to other installers in the hope that they can help get things fitted for customers but unfortunately they are not passing on the deposits that customers have already paid.
So they are keeping 25% of the install cost for themselves and doing nothing at all for it.
It sounds like the company is wrapping things up also.
The Hies insurance isn't worth the paper it's written on to protect your deposit too as it only covers 120 days and these cowboys are quoting 6 months for an install which means the cover is worthless
HIES have also removed first4solar from their website now and are no longer supporting them..
I wonder why !
Long and short
Spend your money elsewhere and make sure you pay your deposit by credit card so it's covered.

Took deposit, did not deliver. Mine is the same story as many others. They are about to go for a prepack administration. Even the customers who had an install better check. Did you get the G99 if you needed it? The MCS, the EIC? Have you checked whether certification is genuine. Where have all the deposits gone? Go to facebook, and look on the groups section to find out.

Avoid at all costs!! I made a deposit for 12 panels and a battery early October 2022, it was meant to move to the installation early December then the trouble started. Excuse after excuse every time i called as to why the install team wasn't available then know one returns the call. Sent a 6 week deadline letter and email end of February, that was acknowledged by sales lady, (apparently we can't use names, I don't know why because they must all know what's going on but anyway) She said someone from the operations team would contact me urgently.. Again true to form no response during the 6 weeks. I contacted Citizens Advice who recommended i send a 14 day cancellation letter requesting repayment of deposit £2328 as they obviously were not fulfilling their contractual obligations, that date came and went. Now their land line is totally offline. I assume i will see Tanrec ltd liquidated on company house soon. Hopefully the bank and or small claims will be able to get something back. Again avoid this company big time!!! Neil
(Funny how First4Solar are able to give time to flag negative reviews but don't give any time to contacting their customers waiting months for responses and then ignore letters and emails requesting fare settlement. Don't know why I'm surprised) I say again AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!!

We ordered solar Aug 22. They gave numerous failed commitments to install. Subcontractors deserting them. We have now filed a Section 75 refund claim with Mastercard. Don't touch them. Many people have lost thousands during 22-23.

Started well, great pre sales experience. Downhill from there. Install dates cancelled, various excuses.

Now communication is non-existent. Please see FB Group Last4Solar for honest insights into this company. They appear to be shutting up shop and running off with deposits.

If anyone is still online at the company, a reply would be appreciated!

Don't go near them! I wish these negative reviews had been around when we chose them, back in October . Similar to many others, a February installation date, cancelled due to weather (fair enough) April date...came and went, nobody turned up and virtually IMPOSSIBLE t get hold of anyone. They seem to have a permanent answer phone switched on and don't reply to messages by any form of media. We have paid for a survey and if WE cancel will lose that money
Unprofessional, and stressful to deal with...AVOID!!!

Deposit taken - 17th July 2022
Design Stage - 24th October 2022
Installation stage - 27th October 2022
- Chased 7th November
-Email from supplier stating 9/10th February 2023 for install.
*Took no work in for those dates (self employed)*
- Install didn't happen and no response from supplier.
- Chased for days and had no returned calls.
- Called 15th February and managed to get someone to commit to a date or I will cancel my order.
- 15th February received email stating 6th April 2023.
- 6th April 2023 and no install or communication.
- 6th April 2023 sent formal notice of cancellation via recorded delivery and e-mail and requested a full refund of deposit. Still no communication to this date. 02/05/2023
As a sufferer of anxiety, this has caused many problems dealing with the situation and I feel my mental health has suffered as a result.
HIES are investigating

I wish these reviews were here in August when I paid my deposit. Starts well then deteriorates rapidly- Sales team delightful, survey some delays then radio silence. They even have the gall to send out reassurance about excessive workload and a new customer service team. Eventually get an installation date for today and guess what no show. No response to emails and phone calls. Seriously considering the small claims court

I can't give 0 stars or I would.
Long story short I ordered in August 22 with a promise of installation in 26 weeks.
Had a date in Jan that was put back to February and then cancelled.
No contact from first 4 solar until I managed to get hold of Keely via email and was then told I'd get a call by 12 April with a date ..
No call from first 4 and none of my calls answered.
And email is now a blank.

I'm very frustrated by the lack of customer care ..to the point of requesting my deposit back or formally starting Court proceedings.
Avoid! Avoid ! Avoid !!!!

Just an update on First4Solar. I continue to be ignored by the company who have had my deposit of almost £3.5k for 7 months now.

Please look at other reviews around the web. Concerned customers are also getting together on Facebook

1. If you are already a customer and you've been asked for payment, please:

(a) Make sure that you are now only paying for goods/services that have been delivered in accordance with regulations. Check what paperwork you are legally required to have and ensure you are supplied with it first.

(b) Pay by card (ideally a credit card) if you want to go ahead and make sure the payment is going to the company account not a personal account in someone's name - even if that person is connected with the business (Limited companies are, after all, a separate legal entity from its directors and staff)

2. If you have paid and are still waiting months down the line, I reiterate, please do your research on review sites to understand why.

3. If you have had an install and you had an inverter larger than 3.6Kw, please check your DNO was correctly applied for (a G99 is usually required for larger inverters and this MUST be approved before the system is installed). Also check you have been given an electrical installation certificate (EIC). This is a legal requirement and that the details on the EIC should relate to the company that actually did your install.

Like many people on here we paid our deposit this was all very swift they're keen to get your 25% deposit, we have since had multiple scaffold companies not show up,
David Hawkins personally got involved and I have all the text messages, we stupidly agreed to give them a chance and once again despite David personally hand delivering our install the week commencing 10/04/2023 allegedly he purchased our system on the Thursday at great cost, yes I know the cost. If it was purchased where is it, (another lie) text messages kept.
Scaffolding did eventually go up with another install date for 27/04/2023, we emailed to confirm if the install was going ahead but had no reply so we didn't think it would happen. @ 11.52 Keeley phoned as I had sent an email in saying where were the installers, and would ring back within an hour to update us nothing.
So the afternoon of the 27th we visited the office to hand deliver our cancellation letter and also emailed everyone cancelling our order. Keeley asked if we woukd like to sit in another office and see if she could do anything but a install would be another week off, we said no and want to cancel, I feel sorry for the staff in the office having to deal with all the crap. Only 4 staff in the office no others in there unlike our previous visit 10 days previously looked closed to be honest, still waiting for our confirmation email of cancellation, I put a previous review up but First4Solar flagged it and it got removed, so let's see if our deposit arrives within 14 days I highly doubt it will. All text messages and emails are with our solicitors. Pity we can't give zero stars. Let's see if this gets flagged, it's a GENUINE REVIEW

I seem to be stuck in the same loop as everyone else here. I went with First4Solar after a recommendation.
Understanding the global issues with supply I was happy to wait for 6 months for our install.

Then, this was delayed from March of this year to April and then two weeks ago I had a call explaining they were running behind with installs and could they move me on a week with a commitment to call me on the Monday with a new date.
No call came and since then I have been trying to secure a new date from First4Solar but trying to speak to someone is literally impossible. All phone lines are on divert to a call messaging company who simply take your details but nobody ever calls you back!

I need to plan time with work to be at home whilst the install takes place and my reason for the one star rating is simply the lack of response to telephone calls or emails.

They have had my deposit for over six months and all I am wanting is the professional courtesy of a phone call and an honest update including a true install date. I don't think that is too much to ask is it?