This is from chatGPT but based on my previous knowledge of such stuff it does sound about right
(I assumed none of the system was purchased by credit or debit card, but if part of it was, especially by credit card, then there are other avenues to explore).
In the UK if you buy a solar inverter and battery for your home and the company that manufactured the system goes into administration and the administrator says the warranties can’t be honoured, what protection do you have from the installer (who you paid to purchase and install the system). The installer says they only offer a two year warranty. The manufacturer warranty was 6 years. It wasn’t paid for on credit card or debit card.
In the UK, your rights don’t just depend on the manufacturer’s warranty — in many cases, your strongest protection is actually against the installer (the seller) under consumer law.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Your contract is with the installer — not the manufacturer
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the business that sold and installed the system is legally responsible for ensuring the goods are:
Of satisfactory quality
Fit for purpose
As described
That responsibility exists regardless of any manufacturer warranty.
So even if the manufacturer has gone bust and won’t honour the 6-year warranty, that doesn’t automatically let the installer off the hook.
- The installer’s “2-year warranty” doesn’t override your legal rights
A company can offer a shorter warranty, but they cannot reduce your statutory rights.
In England and Wales, you generally have up to 6 years to bring a claim (5 in Scotland) for faulty goods.
So if your inverter or battery fails earlier than a reasonable person would expect, you may still have a valid claim — even after 2 years.
- What matters: “reasonable lifespan”
For something like:
a solar inverter
a home battery system
…it’s reasonable to expect significantly more than 2 years of life. Often 5–10+ years is typical.
If it fails prematurely, you could argue it wasn’t of satisfactory quality at the time of sale.
- Burden of proof (important detail)
First 6 months: presumed faulty at purchase unless installer proves otherwise
After 6 months: you may need to show the fault was inherent (e.g. design flaw, poor quality)
This might involve:
an engineer’s report
evidence of common faults in that model
- Remedies you can pursue
Under the law, you can ask the installer for:
Repair or replacement (first step)
If that’s impossible or disproportionate → partial refund
The refund may be reduced to reflect usage over time.
-
Manufacturer warranty still matters (sometimes)
Even though it’s separate from your legal rights, if the installer sold the system highlighting a 6-year warranty, that could strengthen your case that the product should last that long.
-
What you don’t have (based on what you said)
No Section 75 Consumer Credit Act 1974 protection (since not paid by credit card)
Debit card chargeback might have been an option, but usually only within a limited timeframe
- Practical next steps
You could:
Write formally to the installer
Reference the Consumer Rights Act 2015
State the system has not lasted a reasonable time
Request repair/replacement or partial refund
If they refuse:
Use Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) if they’re part of a scheme
Or escalate to small claims court
Bottom line
The installer saying “we only offer a 2-year warranty” is not the end of the story. If the system has failed earlier than a reasonable lifespan, you may still have a valid claim against them under UK law — even without a manufacturer warranty or credit card protection.
