Photovoltaic systems are on the rise, but there is often dissatisfaction due to incorrect installations. In the Tyrolean Zillertal, a hotelier and holiday apartment operator even think it is a scam.
In the fight against climate change, generating electricity from the power of the sun is a highly regarded concept for the future. They also thought this at Hotel Waldhof in Gerlos and had a PV system “screwed” onto the roof in the fall. But soon dark storm clouds gathered over the three-star hotel. “I wasted 40,000 euros,” says hotel boss Jakob Schestak angrily.
A friend had suggested the system to him and immediately gave him a cost estimate. A subcontractor eventually took over the installation. “Workers from Poland arrived in the middle of the night completely overtired and almost fell asleep on the roof during the day,” says Schestak, describing the inhumane working conditions.
System dismantled after one winter
But only after the winter did it become clear what kind of blunder they had actually committed. “Some panels are seriously damaged, the brackets are broken and in some places the first burn marks were already visible,” complains the Zillertaler.
The fact that no fire broke out is probably due to an expert hotel guest and a local electrician. “They looked at it and decided that everything had to be dismantled immediately because of imminent danger. That cost me another 5,000 euros,” Schestak emphasizes.
The operator of holiday apartments in the immediate area also fell for the supposedly failed company. The installation of a 23 square meter system also cost him money and, above all, a lot of nerves. “I am fortunate that my son-in-law is an electrical engineer. “He saved me from even greater damage,” the man told the “Krone”.
In Gerlos, people even believe that there is a scam with the PV systems and do not understand why the provider has not been withdrawn a long time ago: “We are now aware of about ten such cases. But recently an incomprehensible acquittal took place in court.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
