Solar Scam: Scores of Customers Left in the Dark After Company Collapses
A south-west Sydney solar company has collapsed, leaving scores of customers without batteries and in some cases, out of pocket by thousands of dollars. The company's collapse has sparked concerns about the lack of protections for customers who paid large deposits for solar and battery installations that never arrived.
Scores of customers are reeling after a south-west Sydney solar company collapsed, leaving them without batteries and in some cases, out of pocket by thousands of dollars.
Macarthur Solar, founded in 2015 by local electrician Mathew Cox, had promised to install solar battery systems to hundreds of customers, but the company appears to have gone bust, owing almost $3.4 million to over 79 unsecured creditors.
Customers left in the dark
Murray Wylie was one customer who felt the rug had been pulled from under him. In February, he handed over a $5,000 deposit for a solar battery system, but by August, the installation had still not been completed.
"I was angry because the thoughts that were building up had come true. I wasn't going to get my battery," Mr Wylie said.
"You feel like you're being ripped off."
When Mr Wylie questioned the delay, Macarthur Solar told him to be patient.
But when he visited the company's office in late August, he found it deserted and the doors locked.
Generous government subsidy sparked demand
Macarthur Solar's customers were attracted by a generous federal government subsidy, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP), which sparked unprecedented demand for solar batteries.
Over 530,000 batteries have been installed since July 2025 at an estimated cost of over $7.2 billion over four years.
But some customers, including Mark Barnes, who paid a $6,500 deposit, now fear they will not see their money again.
"We signed a contract in good faith and got nothing," Mr Barnes said.
The loss has left the retiree, who is on a part-pension, with less money to spend on his grandkids.
Advocates call for stronger protections
Consumer advocates say the collapse of Macarthur Solar highlights glaring holes in protections for customers.
"The current system is absolutely failing consumers," said Andy Kelly, Choice's director of consumer impact.
"That's very concerning from my perspective and sounds like the exact harm that a lot of these consumer protection rules are designed to prevent," said Jeff Sykes, CEO of comparison website Solar Choice.
The state's Building Commission confirmed it was investigating after receiving over 100 complaints.
A spokesperson for the Building Commission NSW said it was investigating "allegations of requests for deposits which exceed the legal limit as well as a lack of Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) coverage by the business."