Investing in solar panels is a big step—both financially and environmentally. But what happens if your solar energy system doesn’t work as promised? What are your consumer rights under Swedish law, and what can you demand from the supplier?
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This article explains what counts as a fault, common issues that may arise, and how you can protect your rights as a consumer in Sweden.
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When Are Solar Panels Considered Defective?
Under the Swedish Consumer Sales Act (konsumentköplagen), a product is considered defective if it:
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Does not match the contract
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Doesn’t function for its intended purpose
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Falls short of what you as a consumer could reasonably expect
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Examples of common solar panel problems:
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Panels produce less electricity than promised
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Incorrect or unsafe installation
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Damaged cables or faulty inverter
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Misleading performance or warranty claims
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Software or monitoring system failures
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Safety risks (e.g., risk of fire or overheating)
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Physical damage from weather or poor mounting
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What Are My Legal Rights in Sweden?
If you purchase solar panels from a company as a private individual in Sweden, you are protected by the Consumer Sales Act. You may be entitled to:
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Repair or replacement
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Price reduction
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Cancellation of the contract (if the fault is significant)
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Compensation for financial loss, such as lost energy production or repair costs
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You have the right to file a complaint (reklamation) within three years, but you must report the issue within two months of discovering the fault.
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Who Has the Burden of Proof?
If the problem appears within the first six months after installation, the fault is presumed to have existed at the time of delivery. After that, the burden of proof shifts to you to show that the problem wasn’t caused by, for example, a lightning strike or misuse.
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What Should I Do If I Discover a Fault?
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Contact the company in writing and describe the issue clearly.
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Document the fault—take photos, save data from the system, and get an independent inspection if needed.
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Request a remedy, such as repair, compensation, or cancellation.
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If the company refuses—file a complaint with the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN).
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If needed—seek legal assistance and consider going to court.
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What If the Supplier Goes Bankrupt?
If the company has gone out of business, your options may be limited—but not gone. You can:
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Check if you have any insurance coverage or a separate installation guarantee
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See if your credit card or financing company can be held responsible under Swedish credit law
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Get legal advice to explore the possibility of claims against the installer or other parties
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Summary
Faulty solar panels are not uncommon—especially when installation or equipment quality is poor. As a consumer in Sweden, you are protected by strong legal rights. If your system is underperforming or defective, act quickly, document everything, and use the proper legal channels to demand a solution.
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If you’re in a dispute with a solar panel company and need professional legal support, don’t hesitate to contact us—we have experience handling Swedish consumer energy disputes.
