[FROM THE ARCHIVES] Solar power(less) | Carte Blanche

[FROM THE ARCHIVES] Solar power(less) | Carte Blanche | M-Net

Рет қаралды 271,319

Күн бұрын

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟳 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭.
Bracing themselves for the disruption and frustration of loadshedding, South Africans are increasingly exploring off-the-grid alternatives. Whether it’s making life and business more sustainable, citizens are entering a future set for more of the same, according to the experts. Carte Blanche investigates a cautionary tale of solutions promised but not delivered as one solar service provider banks on the desperation of his clients and seems to get away with one excuse after the next.
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Пікірлер: 166

@flatmonk3y Жыл бұрын

Stage 2? How this brings back memories 🤣🤣

@brakes255 Жыл бұрын

I miss stage 2 lol

@flatmonk3y Жыл бұрын

@@brakes255 i think everyone does 😂😂😂

@ozzi4627 Жыл бұрын

😂

@princessndlovu4869 Жыл бұрын

today the 18th of May 2023 my location is at stage 6 tonight. So, stage 2 was an appetizer fro the main meal that is yest to come, I SAY YET TO COME because there a rumours that stage 16 is in the pipeline followed by a possible 2day scheduled darkness. South Africans should have gotten rid of the ANC long time ago infact after the Thabo Mbeki AIDS mess, we should have known Jacob Zuma would be no different and now we are stuck with Ramaphosa...Failure after Failure

@thatomokobocho3759 Жыл бұрын

Stage 2 is the best👌

@mysystem32 Жыл бұрын

We Drill Africa, Solar-bay, hello-solar and now sunsmart all created by Jonathan Clive Stephenson.

@sachehorn654 Жыл бұрын

This is just shocking. So frustrating, dealing with corrupt government and corrupt citizens! How these people sleep at night perplexes me!

@mogamatyusufmartin9171 6 ай бұрын

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

@CA-ul6qb Жыл бұрын

The likes of Stephenson and his side kick should be advertised on TV program weekly showing their faces and company names they use ,to stop others from been caught in there web of stealing funds ,lying and not doing what they have been paid upfront to do .

@mbusomkhwanazi48 Жыл бұрын

I honestly believe that people like this only do this because they don't fear the potential repercussions of their actions. If they knew that customers are likely to take the law into their own hands, they'd be much less likely to do this fraud.

@jozigalm8159 Жыл бұрын

This is why we don't play the cash upfront game. Banks need to develop hold/release capability for these types of transactions.

@stevennicholas5472 Жыл бұрын

Escrow.

@MusaMashaba Жыл бұрын

I can remember a while back standard bank had something like that lets call it "middle man" for buying and selling for individuals, where if you were buying from "me" you paid the bank then they get the goods to you and only then they would release the cash to me. At a small fee ofcourse which was better than losing out big time

@DriveSafelyZA Жыл бұрын

@@MusaMashaba *losing

@Straightdeal Жыл бұрын

There are certain general rules which generally apply when it comes to payment (solar and other types of work): 50% on acceptance of quotation, and 50% upon successful completion of all the work, tested and working. NEVER ever pay everything up front.

@ozzi4627 Жыл бұрын

Unfortunelay there are so many dodgy operators/thieves even that 50% upfront they will run away with it.

@dominicvandermerwe2092 Жыл бұрын

not really, some time systems can take more than quoted and u need the customer to buy that stock if they want it complete in time. so can go to 80%-90% upfront in solar. completely different from other service industries.

@user-qj6vg9uv4s Жыл бұрын

Why don't people buy the solar setup and get someone just for installation? Or is that against the law in South Africa?

@mysystem32 Жыл бұрын

Those are the terms that scammer Jonathan Clive Stephenson uses, 50% deposit on order, 35% once work commences, balance upon completion. He gets 85% of R250k system but just installs the panels. CIPC, SARS VAT, bank, hellopeter, facebook reviews all checked out.

@marcobellina3696 Жыл бұрын

⁠@@ozzi4627 there is also alot of dodgy clients, I'm an electrician and installing R100 000 of equipment is a risk we cannot afford to take.

@russellhulley8268 Жыл бұрын

These unscrupulous solar fly by nights are destroying the solar industry. It’s not just individuals causing harm, solar clients are being sold inferior solar products with little to no warranty recourse. This has led me to start setting up a quality solar business that will only supply quality solar equipment, not the cheapest option but the right option.

@patricklinzer6707 Жыл бұрын

It's not just the quality of the components that's important. It's also the competence of the installers who wire up the components that's crucial. Several houses have had their power backup systems go up in (vicious) flames because of inferior workmanship, e.g., the installers had used the wrong gauge wiring to connect the panels to the inverter, or incorrectly wired isolation switchgear or surge protection, or simply left out critical parts. It's best to get several quotes from various suppliers and see whether they agree more or less in terms of the parts each lists. Quotes that are significantly different from the others are big red flags.

@mossfairy3060 Жыл бұрын

That's Disgusting. They should be arrested

@rstrajt9220 Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the police are not interested in investigating stolen money by companies like these. They have even nore excuses than these guys.

@on_the_saddle Жыл бұрын

My clients pay between 100% and 80% upfront. 4 years no problems. You have to go by referrals. The reason for the high deposit is the cost of equipment versus labour to install. Equipment is literally 80 to 90% of the quote

@samuelswanepoel7926 Жыл бұрын

The client should not fund your business! If you can not carry stock, then go and work for a boss.

@on_the_saddle Жыл бұрын

@@samuelswanepoel7926 I have plenty stock. But I require between 80 and 100% payment before I pass it on.

@legion3206 Жыл бұрын

@@samuelswanepoel7926 dude a battery costs 55k. I am not going to risk installing such equipment and the client does not pay.

@gavinwanderer Жыл бұрын

Well I'm glad for them that they have amounts like that lying around. I'm just an ordinary man in the street that can't even dream about numbers like that

@TheUsworldwide Жыл бұрын

When someone's caught in a lie it's hilarious listening to them spin it

@Zangettsu_ZA Жыл бұрын

Our hybrid solar system was commissioned two days ago. And in this time we had clouds and rain. Yet the power stayed on basically for 2 days while only using battery. Today the sun is shining and we're running all our heavy appliances like washing clothes, cooking food, washing dishes, etc. with power purely generate by the PV panels while the batteries are charging at the same time. Loadshedding or not. It was expensive, but in the volitile times we live currently it was a sound investment. Our lives are finally back to normal.

@ozzi4627 Жыл бұрын

Will you perhaps share what you paid for it? And what the hybrid system entails? In the sense of size of property and what you running off the solar grid....you dont have to share if you dont want to...I have googled and prices differ vastly

@nomthandazojacquimasigo3898 Жыл бұрын

Kindly share supplier details

@Zangettsu_ZA Жыл бұрын

I'm still busy testing the system for the next 30 days so won't release supplier names yet in order to make sure it's 100% fool proof when I do. The system was R160k excl VAT and consist of: 1x 5kVA Victron MultiPlus2 hybrid inverter, Victron Smart MPPT 150/60 up to 250/70, 2x Revov 48 V 5.1kWh 2nd LiFe R100 batteries and 8x 380 W black PV panels. All components are built into a server rack on wheels which you can shift around in garage as required. So nice for rearranging and cleaning.

@rankinryan Жыл бұрын

Not punting or anything but Marcels Solar seems to have great reviews, know folks who have equipment installed from them about 9 months ago and it works brilliantly - Deye, Greenrich etc

@legion3206 Жыл бұрын

@@Zangettsu_ZA oh you went the victron route. They are tad bit over priced for what it does but is bullet proof.

@zonechillout Жыл бұрын

I am actually in the process of setting up an escrow payment system for a company. The client pays 50% deposit direct to the company. This allows the supplier to buy materials. The other 50% is paid into an escrow account. When the job is complete and the client is satisfied they will contact the escrow company to release the other 50%

@ycmgxekwa Жыл бұрын

Thanks to guys like this, I now go around on weekends fixing their mistakes😂

@siphesihlenicholsonkhoza9876 Жыл бұрын

Let me know if you need an assistant 😊

@byroncoetzee3173 Жыл бұрын

the company I worked for did not take a deposit - their policy was pay in full after full installation and testing. No issues so far after 5 months.

@sachavere6523 Жыл бұрын

Well that's put me off going onto solar power!!

@JDAfrica Жыл бұрын

Open the grid to allow a second national, or provincial energy suppliers to supply power. The issue is Eskom has an absolute monopoly - and without other options, they keep customers… If there was competition, they would be forced to run efficiently and stop stealing money.

@pmeyer37 Жыл бұрын

My house was nearly burned down as my installation was done by unqualified people

@sbongisenindwandwe Жыл бұрын

Rainbow nation I love it everyone is in participating in crime

@simon762321 Жыл бұрын

Solarbay is now Sunsmart - be careful. Same MO still doing it to this day.

@KingdomOfLegends Жыл бұрын

how are they not behind bars yet, stealing is stealing

@depderrty Жыл бұрын

I make it point to check out premises before committing and checking online reviews for credibility. People are so hard to trust with money lately.

@masterclasstmnsa7808 Жыл бұрын

I am truly happy to see them exposed I am a victim as well as an installer that was appointed by them They disappeared without paying us

@GadgeteerZA Жыл бұрын

Clearly failure or fraud, as many other solar companies have operated just fine. I've had two installations done by a company in Cape Town, and it was all textbook work, done exactly as promised. But yes, I can see why others are asking for recommendations from others now. Wonder what business these guys are now running in 2023.

@Groot_G Жыл бұрын

Stay clear of Ecopec. That business takes your money, does not give you the product that you paid for an accuses you of defrauding it so that your bank will freeze your account.

@JackWaldbewohner 9 ай бұрын

Greetings from the former South African resident in Pacifica, California. I got solar panels here and they worked fine. But the local utility company plays games with bills!!

@marcushenning3594 Жыл бұрын

How has this guy not been jailed? He is clearly a serial fraudster. I could maybe understand a harsh, but non-jail punishment for a first offender, if they maybe bit off more than they could chew. But when the same person uses the same tactics over and over again, and then simply creates a new company to do it all over again, he should be arrested and jailed. But of course here in SA, we dont take crime seriously (unless tge offender posts a hate-speech comment on Twitter, in which case the full force of the law will be used)

@rickcooper752 5 ай бұрын

The courts and police are not up to training resolving these, criminal, issues.

@RaynoK Жыл бұрын

I also had a guy that ripped me off, I was lucky to get the stock out of them, but I had to install everything myself, and also never got the coc. Solar installers are taking advantage of the energy crisis.

@ShaunMahabeer Жыл бұрын

Can a segment be done on that law suit in Free State where Eskom tried to ban an organization from using solar power?

@jowie4156 Жыл бұрын

I went direct, bought the equipment i wanted and the installer came to commission, i am happy with my decision and so sorry for everyone who suffered . I have high energy , so i did not mind to be hands on , i even sized my system

@tebohopule6604 Жыл бұрын

Afternoon, where did you buy direct and who did the labour?

@glasstumble1677 Жыл бұрын

@Teboho Pule I would also-ran like to know that.

@MishTC Жыл бұрын

I was recommended a company called Safetek Solar by a few friends of mine and I couldn't be happier with the service and the quality of my setup, not to mention the extremely competitive price considering I had recieved about 3 qoutes from other installers as well, highly recommend them if you're looking to get a setup for your home!

@kieronsinewave5016 Жыл бұрын

Pretty sure the phrase "solar system" is used incorrectly here. Either way, good informative episode. As someone who has gone off grid, I can confirm the available solar companies have their fair share of bad apples

@siphesihlenicholsonkhoza9876 Жыл бұрын

So basically it all has the same ending… South Africa is peculiar country. We can’t trust our government to deliver services and nor can we trust private sector. Corruption is clearly at the core 😢 yet we must decide what to do with SOEs

@allplayza Жыл бұрын

How wonderful was Stage 2 ? 😭

@christoesterhuizen3964 Жыл бұрын

Who installed those panels? I would make the reinstall, geez

@chaitanyaswarupdas768 Жыл бұрын

These are professional thieves. They need to be treated like thieves. They need a visit.

@joeferreira657 Жыл бұрын

Pay only for panels as deposit, when that's work done,pay for putting them on. Next pay deposit on batteries, when that arrived,checked ,sign that correct batteries are correct. Next etc

@augustinamethuko8016 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly like what we went through with the guy who promised us a coffee shop franchise the Corp Cafe in Cape Town. he also took our money and the moment we realised he was fraud, it was too late, he has been promising to refund us and giving one excuse after another. It is now almost a year and he still hasn't refunded our R225000.

@marky5493 Жыл бұрын

You know, people get killed for way less than this....... This is major money to me in my life, that movie, a 1000 ways to die comes to mind...... Lol

@dejagerlaubscher5127 5 ай бұрын

The norm for solar installers in South Africa.

@karuri-xz1um Жыл бұрын

If the system was working properly this 2 guys were suppose to be in jail. But since we are on our own sorry to client

@eugenenaidoo2896 Жыл бұрын

I also got ripped by a Mr Richard Roodt. Had take get a court order and still evading the law. Blacklisted!

@melanieknowles7002 Жыл бұрын

Protect your solars against lightning like monte casino, siverstar casino, etc etc. Glad i did. The company is based in northcliff.

@monroekenya9741 Жыл бұрын

It's worth it and much cheaper buying solar panels and all the equipments yourself and find someone to install them for you lot of affordable solar panels online i bought mine online from a company in Constantia and install them myself... No more loadsheding

@ajudacoutinho6879 Жыл бұрын

Jonathan Clive Stephenson has started a new business SunSmart, the old businesses HelloSolar, SolarBay and We Drill Africa are no longer trading.

@AlbertCloete Жыл бұрын

That price is too good. You can't get a 10kVa system for R195k. I got a very good price on an 8kVa system and it cost me 233k.

@MrMattyboomboom Жыл бұрын

Yoh, how I long for stage 2😢

@marcobellina3696 Жыл бұрын

If the pics they showed are of her current setup those inverters aren't supposed to be right next to each other

@Thunderstormworld Жыл бұрын

Stage 2 you must be joking. We had stage 6 most of the week

@11941leechie Жыл бұрын

Only use reputable referrals. From Architect’s and such. It’s a brand new industry.

@AngeloXification Жыл бұрын

Shame.. not everyone is savvy enough to DIY

@mkusta2357 Жыл бұрын

Go for Rubicon from start some small companies are not reliable 😑

@cheznone9296 Жыл бұрын

I would prefer the money back.

@jeremyrogers4839 Жыл бұрын

Cant trust anyone anymore!

@11941leechie Жыл бұрын

Should of taken business insurance. Opened cases at SAPS. They’ll get what they deserve.

@everettjenkinshowoldareyou6132 Жыл бұрын

PROMISE AS SOON AS I WIN THE LOTTO OR ROB A BANK I'LL INSTALL

@lazarusramaube8291 Жыл бұрын

Most people are too civilian about Solar and Fly by Night exploit this weakness by making you buy 10 Panel when all you need is 5 with a good Battery Bank.I combine mine with LPG for cooking.Please remember that you can also charge your Batteries with a Generator.

@user-gy3te2tu8x Жыл бұрын

How do I know if I'm buying too many panels if I have enough batteries already

@lazarusramaube8291 Жыл бұрын

@Michael Jackson The size of your Panels and the amount of sunlight you get will determine the number of Panels you need. Instead of buying a truckload all at once, rather buy three or five based on calculation of your consumption.I live in South Africa 🇿🇦, Panel my needs are minimal because the sun is murderous out here.

@shobiandrebasson7213 Жыл бұрын

How can't I find your help with my Matter

@dendethegrey Жыл бұрын

Can carte blanche please investigate the licensing offices and driving school instructors. People are tired of hearing that same old story of everyone pays the bribe to get their license.

@AiltonSantos-bs3pf Жыл бұрын

The fact is, crooks businessman have a lot freedom to scam their clients, for there is not a system in place to protect consumers: consumers rights are non-existent in the this huge country.

@stewartw.9151 9 ай бұрын

These fraudsters are not even smart enough to lie convincingly! I do not know how people can be conned by them at all!

@Chasing_Sunrise_Adventures Жыл бұрын

Legend 😂😂

@dailydoseofdaniels 5 ай бұрын

I feel like my parents are currently being scammed but my dad refuses to listen to me and I showed him prove. The company's registration number comes up under another company name. The phone number they provided comes up on a website that lists the number as a number used by scammers. They told my dad he would only have to pay after installation now they are requesting a big deposit after the first day. Also, I came across at least 5 different companies at is situated at the address listed on their quote. I don't know what to do at this point.

@mixi2090 Жыл бұрын

This crook has got spidy senses. Usually cart blanche can lure them easily

@johanndebeer8489 Жыл бұрын

sies using meccer ,sunsinc all the way

@mokhesengramaisa8202 11 ай бұрын

The is option for energy because it recycling ♻️or it never stops ✋😅

@lemuero Жыл бұрын

court summons means nothing in this country. absolutely nothing. had my fair share of experience. and these sort of people run around freely. so many of them.

@Gardencourtlandscaping Жыл бұрын

Why not just go to establish solar businesses with fixed street address?? Don't be fooled on websites

@xnxo7237 Жыл бұрын

Is it a BEE beneficiary or its those who use the advantage of not wanting to be included.

@psylentrage Жыл бұрын

for this money you could install 3 different systems

@lokizfenrir Жыл бұрын

all these companies are milking it 10kw system materials is 70k-80k

@joe_lubinda Жыл бұрын

This is wild to watch cause in my countries (Zambia & Australia) electricity is 24/7 😭😹😹😹😹

@user-qj6vg9uv4s Жыл бұрын

I'm from Botswana and it must be so bad to live in South Africa.

@elainelindsey1306 Жыл бұрын

Not all areas experience the same level. We only have power going of few times a week for two hours and we always recieve a message when power is going off. We have energy storing globes that automatically turn on when power goes off, power banks for wifi and phone, gas stoves and generator for emergencies. Load shedding doesn't really disturb us anymore. Alot of smart south africans have taken similar measures cos takealot has lots of reviews on these stuff, they even have a load shedding section on there app

@sithabilea Жыл бұрын

Zambia must help SA, its really bad here😢😢😢

@joe_lubinda Жыл бұрын

@@sithabilea Your issue has to do more with corruption than anything else unfortunately.

@mixi2090 Жыл бұрын

Publish his phone number we will make use of his business

@mysystem32 Жыл бұрын

Just google Jonathan Clive Stephenson

@ronaldedwards4637 Жыл бұрын

rich people problem. If you have that much to waste without checking, to bad. I research anyone I do business with, because I do not have endless amounts of money lying around.

@xax8918 Жыл бұрын

R196k for a 10KW system with 11kwh battery should have been a big clue, that’s about R100k less than it should be, either they’re using absolute junk or it’s some other scam..I assume they got quotes from others too…

@inexora.Unstoppable Жыл бұрын

Can we please work with you to reduce this somehow ?

@asmho27 10 ай бұрын

Scammers are everywhere!

@MrSimonw58 Жыл бұрын

Stage 2 !? .... more like stage 6

@pepperdew5108 Жыл бұрын

200k for 10wkh system wow geting scamed

@Mylifelovingit Жыл бұрын

I wonder if they learnt this from whatvis hoing on at eskom?

@donnybrasco1601 Жыл бұрын

I wont play with people like this. U take my money. Ill take your life. One phonecall and u are missing.i know very bad people who will take u out for a bottle.

@lazarusramaube8291 Жыл бұрын

Don't you think you can inspire them with a little beating and a few broken bones to give the money back instead of killing them?,you get satisfaction from killing but the money is still gone.

@adrianjeffreys1238 Жыл бұрын

Well said. I agree fully!

@andiledlamini6135 Жыл бұрын

Jonathan Stephenson hard core criminal

@Silver_Samurai Жыл бұрын

These guys need to be locked up for a long time.

@leoniea138 Жыл бұрын

Free Tesla energy incoming ...but i guess you wont know

@AngeloXification Жыл бұрын

Stage 2077

@motherslovedaycare7946 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if the fake Dr was arrested

@sueelliott4793 11 ай бұрын

You don't pay upfront to a mystery man if you are running a business, businesses have accountants and have to account for payments, this guy is a scammer. Lock him up already.

@riaanvandermerwe7171 Жыл бұрын

While the fraudsters bear responsibility, individuals looking to purchase solar systems must also exercise caution. Simply contacting the first person you find on Google is not enough; it is crucial to thoroughly research the company and evaluate their track record. Fraudsters typically do not have a positive track record. Additionally, consider the availability of after-sales support and thoroughly investigate this aspect as well. It is advisable to purchase from a reliable source, even if they may be slightly more expensive. The peace of mind and reliability they provide make it worth the investment.

@thafish5750 Жыл бұрын

no excuse. if over 100k for solar is reasonable to you ,well deserved love. wtf

@MW9X12 Жыл бұрын

if you think paying eskom for power (when its on) is cheaper or more convenient, I think you need to go back to maths class

@thafish5750 Жыл бұрын

@@MW9X12 no man, the price maybe you need to relax

@MW9X12 Жыл бұрын

@@thafish5750 yes, the price. that is what is reasonable. need some english lessons too lol

@Woooofit Жыл бұрын

this is enough to want to bash someon... Never just use any body ..do your homework

@thinkinggunther3256 Жыл бұрын

😷 ?

@rickmorty5215 Жыл бұрын

Oh ffs😑. Can't you just do honest business and grow your company? The demand for solar systems in SA is really high, and there should therefore be an abundance of customers. Why screw everything up through laziness, lies and incompetence??

@joeferreira657 Жыл бұрын

He was buying for stolen stuff, bs

@colinauta Жыл бұрын

Call me a doubting Thomas but I don't believe them. 👎

@ignazmichael7003 11 ай бұрын

Not at all thanks you

@Smugnug Жыл бұрын

karma is karma and what exactly have you done in life to deserve that?? But wanna cry on national tv coz someone took your money, 10 to one its dirty money are was made doing unsavoury things in the 1st place