As UK solar adoption surges, complaints about faulty equipment and unreliable installers are rising. A group of unpaid activists is stepping in to guide homeowners and call out poor practices.

Aviv Screwvala, a former Amazon Prime Video executive and Oscar-nominated producer, left his corporate career in 2022 to become a grassroots environmental activist. Since then, he has helped nearly 300 homeowners install solar panels and batteries, offering free advice and forgoing finder’s fees to reduce costs for clients. His motivation stems from a desire for energy independence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Complaints about solar installations rose 47% between 2020 and 2023, with three-quarters relating to PVs or home batteries. Issues include faulty hardware, botched installations, and counterfeit panels. Screwvala and other volunteers like Chris (a Hampshire engineer) and Jonathan Saunders (a Kent-based electrician) are filling the gap by providing technical guidance and troubleshooting support.

Screwvala emphasizes the importance of using certified installers and warns against cheap hardware and high-pressure sales tactics. He hopes to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and reduce UK reliance on imported gas.