Arrests as SFO launches probe into solar panels firm

THE Serious Fraud Office has launched a criminal investigation into a North West solar panels business which was wound-up in the public interest in 2012.

The SFO is appealing for witnesses in relation to Solar Energy Savings Ltd. The regulator said anyone coming forward with information would be treated with the “utmost confidentiality”.

As part of the SFO’s investigation, a number of properties have been searched in Cheshire, Merseyside and Scotland. Six people have been arrested in Cheshire, Merseyside and in Scotland.

Solar Energy Services was based at Global House on Bailey’s Lane, near Manchester Airport. It began trading in early 2011 and had a turnover of more than £50m.

It did not itself carry out the installation of the solar panels but contacted prospective customers via a telephone marketing calls leading ultimately to a home visit by a salesman.

An Insolvency Service investigation in 2012 found that Solar engaged in serious mis-selling practices during these home visits involving high pressure sales tactics, misrepresentation and other illegal or irregular sales practices.