The Collapse Unfolds

According to reports from Münchner Merkur, Go Solar GmbH had been a promising player in the solar energy market, offering a "Photovoltaik All-In-One-Anlage" for €16,999. The company boasted of high revenues, with €15 million in sales reported for 2023. The firm enjoyed a boost from its partnership with renowned solar equipment manufacturer Viessmann, which added credibility to its offerings.

However, the situation began to unravel in April 2024 when employees started noticing troubling signs. The managing director, identified as Chuks Powell Ojei, a 45-year-old Nigerian national, was rarely seen at the company. Employees reported that they had not been paid and that the company’s operations were being managed poorly.

On July 18, Ojei disappeared, leaving behind a trail of financial chaos. Reports indicate that he drained the company’s account and cut off all communication with business partners, suppliers, and clients.

Financial Irregularities and Employee Struggles

The fallout from Ojei’s actions has been severe. The company has accumulated around €160,000 in unpaid debts to suppliers and service providers, including Viessmann. Additionally, many customers who had made substantial advance payments for their solar installations are now left in limbo.

A former sales representative for Go Solar expressed frustration, stating, "It smells like fraud." He revealed that employees were instructed to continue selling despite mounting issues and that the marketing for the company was handled by an external firm based in Dubai. This firm, too, has not been paid and has refused to release customer data, further complicating efforts to contact affected clients.

Customer Impact and Legal Action

The impact on customers has been devastating. Some clients, like one individual who took out an €18,000 loan to prepay for a solar system, are now facing significant financial hardship. Hyazinth Styra, one of the defrauded customers, described the situation as "a potpourri of crimes, from forgery to embezzlement, executed very professionally." Her family is now struggling with the debt accrued from the fraudulent transactions.

Viessmann, the solar equipment manufacturer and a key partner of Go Solar, has announced its intention to take legal action against the company. A spokesperson for Viessmann expressed regret that their name was used for fraudulent purposes and vowed to pursue the unpaid invoices and protect their reputation.

Precautionary Measures and Consumer Advice

In light of this incident, experts advise solar energy consumers to exercise caution when choosing service providers. Dr. Christina Bönning-Huber from the Solarenergie Förderverein Deutschland (SFV) recommends limiting advance payments to a manageable portion of the total contract price and ensuring that payments are tied to the delivery and installation of goods.

EFAHRER.com, a consumer advisory platform, suggests selecting solar companies with a proven track record and numerous positive customer reviews to avoid similar issues.