IKEA Customers Left Thousands Out of Pocket Following Solar Installer Collapse
IKEA shoppers have reportedly lost deposits totalling £3,000 after the collapse of Soly, the furniture giant's solar panel installation partner. Customers claim the Swedish retailer continued to advertise the partnership and failed to provide any guidance or support following the supplier's liquidation.
Customer Frustration Over Unanswered Inquiries
One affected shopper detailed their experience in a letter to the Guardian, explaining they signed up for solar panels via IKEA's website late last year. The partnership with European installer Soly provided confidence due to IKEA's reputable brand. However, in February, emails to Soly received out-of-office replies, and by March, communications bounced back with phone numbers disconnected, despite the website remaining active.
The customer discovered Soly's European operation had gone bankrupt, while IKEA's website still promoted the partnership. IKEA agents initially assured that Soly's UK division was operational, but checks at Companies House revealed it had entered liquidation in January. IKEA has since removed Soly from its site but offered no advice to customers who paid deposits.
Lack of Response and Slim Recovery Chances
Repeated attempts to contact IKEA in-store and online yielded no response, forcing the customer to find administrator details independently. They were informed that reclaiming the £3,000 deposit is very unlikely, highlighting significant financial losses and poor customer service.
Historical Context of IKEA's Solar Partnerships
This incident follows IKEA's previous cancellation of a domestic solar PV supply deal with Chinese manufacturer Hanergy last year. An IKEA spokesperson confirmed to Solar Power Portal that the contract was not renewed after over three years, as the company pursues a new business model.
In a statement, IKEA explained the decision, stating, "Based on the successful roll out and to ensure IKEA Group has a growth plan in place for the future, we have evaluated our business model, starting in the UK. A new business model has been decided upon, which includes the decision not to renew the contract with Hanergy Solar UK." The priority is to ensure a smooth transition for customers and store teams during the phase-out.
This situation raises concerns about consumer protection and corporate responsibility in supplier partnerships, particularly in the renewable energy sector.
