Tesla Home battery and Solar Powerwall installed Jan 2021 - I found a piece of side trim on the battery was loose

[turnedworm]

I hope this is in the correct place.

In January this year we had a solar and home battery (Tesla Powerwall) installed. After a few weeks I found a piece of side trim on the battery was loose - not affecting the function of the battery. I raised this with the installation company and they referred it to Tesla.

After a couple of months I had an email saying that I could have the battery replaced, and it would cost me £600+VAT for them (the installation co.) to fit. I pointed out that as the function of the battery was fine, they could just re-stick the grill as it's ridiculous to scrap it! They contacted Tesla and have identified the correct adhesive.

They now want to charge me £150+VAT to come to fit it. Does this seem reasonable regarding consumer protection etc? 

[BankFodder]

As long as the problem with the side trim is not as a result of wear and tear then you are completely entitled to have it repaired free of charge.
The liability is with the supplier – not with the manufacturer.
You talk about an installer. Are they also the supplier?
If they are different then might it be possible to say that the installer is responsible rather than supplier?

One problem with having something supplied by one company and installed by another company is that you never know who's to blame and they can shuffle responsibility around

[turnedworm]

Thanks for the reply. Yes the installer is also the supplying company.

 

 

[BankFodder]

On the basis of what you say, they should be dealing with the problem free of charge.

You could point this out to them and say with a say. You could invite them to do the work but make it clear that you were objecting to paying the money and that what you paid it you would be reclaiming it in the course is necessary.

Have you had any other quotes for addressing the problem?

[turnedworm]

I've had no other quotes, but they have contacted Tesla to check the specification of the adhesive to be used. To ensure the 10yr Tesla guarantee (of the battery) isn't compromised.

 

[BankFodder]

Well they are responsible and they have a legal duty to sort it out without any cost to you.

Maybe you should write to them and put that out. Are you prepared to take legal action in the Small Claims Court if they refuse?

[turnedworm]

They are RECC accredited; might give them a call.

Also part of the install (a gateway to my mains board) is not very level at all, might get them back to sort that at the same time as well. Would take a lot longer to make good than the grill, but doable in a morning. That would be at their cost - looking at their terms and conditions.

 

[turnedworm]

On 16/11/2023 at 20:58, BankFodder said:

Well they are responsible and they have a legal duty to sort it out without any cost to you.

Maybe you should write to them and put that out. Are you prepared to take legal action in the Small Claims Court if they refuse?

Here's a copy of the warranty they sent me. Not sure about section 8 - disputes?!

Screenshot 2023-11-15 at 17.14.54.pdf

Edited November 19, 2023 by turnedworm