Last year, the federal government authorized CALC to file super complaints, enabling the group to raise urgent consumer issues directly with the ACCC. CALC has now used this authority to address unsolicited sales practices, such as door-to-door visits, cold calling, and social media marketing. The complaint highlights that these methods, particularly in the rooftop solar industry, are widespread and problematic.
CALC’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Tonkin, emphasized the ongoing nature of the issue: “Today, we are hearing about the unsolicited door-to-door selling and telemarketing of many items, most notably, solar panels – in the past it was encyclopedias and educational software. It’s an ongoing systemic issue that impacts thousands of Australians and causes real harm especially to those living in vulnerable circumstances.”
The complaint points to specific issues, including sellers ignoring consumer requests to stop, failing to inform buyers about cooling-off periods, and not providing signed contracts. It also raises concerns about consumer agreements and post-sale conduct in the solar sector, which CALC believes undermines trust in the broader clean energy market.
According to the complaint, such practices affect confidence in the solar industry: “The unsolicited sale of solar products poses broader risks to the Australian economy by degrading trust in the solar industry and government schemes and discouraging people from participating in the transition to clean energy.”
CALC noted that Victoria already prohibits unsolicited selling of solar products under government programs, yet the practice persists. The group argues for stronger measures: “This demonstrates to us that nothing short of an outright ban on unsolicited selling (and better regulation of lead generation) will stop the practice.”
The ACCC is required to respond publicly to CALC’s complaint by mid-June 2025, outlining any planned actions, including whether it will propose legal changes to the federal government. CALC’s call for a ban aims to protect consumers and support trust in Australia’s clean energy transition.
