Minister orders probe into substandard solar panel installations

Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Supamas Isarabhakdi, has ordered the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to launch an urgent investigation into substandard solar rooftop installations, following reports of equipment melting, fire hazards and financial damage exceeding 500,000 baht.

The move comes after a consumer complaint revealed that a provider allegedly installed non-standard equipment and improper wiring.

The victim reported that electrical components began to melt and emit burning odors, creating a significant fire risk, and the installation failed to reduce electricity bills as promised.

Supamas stated yesterday that she has instructed OCPB Secretary General Ronnarong Phoolpipat to verify the facts and conduct nationwide inspections of labels on solar panels, inverters and batteries.

Preliminary Investigations into the complaint revealed several technical failures, in that the contractor inappropriately modified the electrical system from 3-phase to single-phase and utilised aluminum wiring instead of the required copper.

This substandard installation led to a series of hazardous issues, including frequent voltage drops, power outages and the melting of critical components, posing a significant risk to the property.

The case is currently being handled by Tha Phra police station under criminal case number 743/2568, with investigators having already forwarded the case file to public prosecutors.

She stressed that labels are a key tool by which consumers can verify product information before purchase, particularly for electrical equipment that can directly affect life and property.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, solar panels, inverters and batteries are classified as controlled-label products, requiring operators to provide accurate and complete information. Retailers found selling items with incorrect or missing labels face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of 100,000 baht on conviction.

Meanwhile, manufacturers or importers found in violation of these labeling standards face up to one year in prison and/or a fine of 200,000 baht on conviction.

To close legal loopholes, the OCPB is considering reclassifying solar installation services as a ‘contract-controlled business’. This would ensure that all service contracts clearly specify equipment specifications and standards, preventing contractors from omitting details in online advertisements.

The OCPB will also work with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the Council of Engineers and the Thailand Consumers Council to establish comprehensive safety frameworks.

"I urge citizens to check every piece of equipment for labels, manufacturer names and the TISI mark before purchasing," Supamas said. "Do not be swayed by unusually low prices or online ads that lack proper documentation. You risk losing your money, your property and even your life," he warned.

Consumers who encounter unfair trade practices or substandard services can file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, at www.ocpb.go.th or at Damrongdhama centres nationwide.