The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) will launch an urgent investigation into substandard solar rooftop installations following reports of melting equipment, fire hazards and financial losses exceeding 500,000 baht.
The move came on the orders of PM’s Office Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi after a consumer complaint alleged that a service provider installed non-standard equipment and carried out improper electrical wiring.
The complainant said electrical components began melting and emitting burning smells, creating a serious fire risk, while the system also failed to reduce electricity bills as promised.
Supamas said on May 15 that she had instructed OCPB Secretary-General Ronnarong Phoolpipat to verify the facts and conduct nationwide inspections of labels on solar panels, inverters and batteries.
Preliminary investigations into the complaint revealed several technical failures, including the contractor allegedly modifying the electrical system from three-phase to single-phase and using aluminium wiring instead of the required copper wiring.
The substandard installation reportedly caused a series of hazardous problems, including frequent voltage drops, power outages and the melting of critical components, posing a significant risk to the property.
The case is currently being handled by Tha Phra Police Station under criminal case number 743/2568, with investigators having already forwarded the case file to prosecutors.
Supamas stressed that labels are an important tool for consumers to verify product information before making purchases, particularly for electrical equipment that can directly affect lives and property.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, solar panels, inverters and batteries are classified as controlled-label products, requiring operators to provide accurate and complete information. Retailers found selling products with incorrect or missing labels face up to six months in prison and/or a fine of 100,000 baht upon conviction.
Manufacturers or importers found violating labelling standards face up to one year in prison and/or a fine of 200,000 baht upon conviction.
To close legal loopholes, the OCPB is considering reclassifying solar installation services as a “contract-controlled business”. The move would require all service contracts to clearly specify equipment standards and specifications, preventing contractors from omitting details in online advertisements.
The OCPB will also work with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, Energy Regulatory Commission, Council of Engineers and the Thailand Consumers Council to establish comprehensive safety standards.
“I urge citizens to check every piece of equipment for labels, manufacturer names and the TISI mark before purchasing,” Supamas said. “Do not be swayed by unusually low prices or online advertisements that lack proper documentation. You risk losing your money, your property and even your life.”
Consumers who encounter unfair trade practices or substandard services can file complaints via the OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect application, at OCPB official website or at Damrongdhama centres nationwide.
