Installing solar panels can be an effective way to reduce your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising energy prices. But what happens if your new system doesn't work as expected, the installation damages your roof, or the company that fitted your panels refuses to make things right?

Although solar panels are generally reliable and require relatively little maintenance, problems can occur during installation or sometimes months or years later. These can range from faulty wiring and leaking roofs to disappointing electricity generation, defective equipment or, in some cases, even unfinished work.

Fortunately, homeowners have rights when installation work falls below an acceptable standard.…