Dark cloud over Sunmaster Solar

A friend had solar panels installed by Sunmaster Solar Energy Systems Limited of Harrow, Middlesex. I asked for a quote for my property and explained there might be planning permission problems because I live in a conservation area. The salesman said his company had carried out installations in similar areas with no problems, so I paid a deposit of £2,780 by cheque on the promise that it would be ­returned if planning permission was declined. A few months later, planning permission was turned down and a fight started to get my deposit back. I eventually received four postdated cheques for £695. Two cleared but the other two bounced, and I am still £1,390 out of pocket. TS, Horncastle, Lincs The original visit from the salesman was back in August 2008 and you have been very patient. I must admit to being sceptical about the benefits of this deal as it would have taken some considerable time to recoup the proposed final price of over £8,000, even if the 70% energy saving claim was true. If you look at this article in this week's Money , you'll see that you should be able to buy solar panel systems for half that price. I spoke to David Mead, a director of the business, who blamed cash-flow problems but said: "It was never our intention not to pay the deposit back." He promised he would arrange for the remainder of the ­refund to be sent. I thought this seemed a little too good to be true and, sure enough, you received a ­letter a few days later informing you that Sun­master Solar was about to go into liquidation and actually signed four days before the date I spoke to Mead. It is highly unlikely you will see any more of your money. Always pay big deposits by credit card – every single time – and you would get your money back. Steve Playle is team leader at Surrey Trading Standards Service. We welcome letters but regret we cannot answer individually. Email: [email protected] Please include a daytime phone number