Terms & Conditions

By accessing and using www.solarscout.co.nz (the "Website"), including enquiring about or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy (together, the "Terms"). If you do not accept these Terms, you are not authorised to use the Website or our Services.

We may amend these Terms from time to time. It is your responsibility to check this page regularly to ensure you are aware of the current Terms. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any amended Terms.

1. How the Website Works

1.1 About Solar Scout

Solar Scout is an independent platform that helps New Zealand homeowners explore solar energy options. Our Services include:

1. Generating a personalised solar assessment for your property, including roof analysis, estimated system sizing, and indicative pricing
2. Displaying satellite or aerial imagery of your property to illustrate solar potential
3. Connecting you with one solar installer who may be able to assist you

1.2 Property Analysis and Indicative Pricing

When you provide your address on our Website, we use data from third-party sources to generate a solar assessment for your property. This assessment may include:

1. Aerial or satellite imagery of your home
2. Roof measurements and geometry derived from LIDAR and mapping data
3. Solar irradiance and shading estimates for your location
4. Indicative system sizing and pricing based on the above

1.3 Third-Party Data Sources

Our property analysis uses data from third-party sources, including Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), satellite imagery providers, and solar irradiance databases. We do not control these data sources and cannot guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or currency.

You acknowledge that:

1. Satellite or aerial imagery may be outdated and may not reflect recent changes to your property (such as renovations, extensions, or tree removal)
2. Roof measurements derived from imagery or LIDAR are estimates and are not a substitute for a professional site survey
3. Solar irradiance estimates are based on historical data and modelling, and actual solar generation may vary
4. Any errors or limitations in third-party data may affect the accuracy of your solar assessment

1.4 Connection to Installers

When you complete our solar assessment, we use your information to introduce you to one installer who may be able to assist you. That installer will receive:

1. Your contact details
2. Your survey responses
3. Your full property solar assessment, including imagery, roof analysis, and indicative pricing

From that point, all conversations, quotes, and agreements are directly between you and the installer.

1.5 Installer Vetting

We aim to connect homeowners only with vetted installers who meet recognised industry standards, including those who are members of SEANZ (Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand). However, installers are independent businesses, and we cannot guarantee their ongoing qualifications, approvals, or membership status.

1.6 We Are Not an Installer

Solar Scout is not a solar installer. We do not design, supply, or install solar systems, and we are not a party to any contract or arrangement you may enter into with an installer.

1.7 No Responsibility for Installer Performance

Because installers are independent, we cannot guarantee or be responsible for their pricing, performance, or quality of work. Any contracts, warranties, or issues that arise are solely matters between you and the installer.

2. Eligibility

2.1 You must be 18 years or older to use this Website or our Services.

2.2 By using the Website, you confirm that you are legally capable of entering into binding agreements.

3. Your Responsibilities

3.1 You must ensure all information you provide to us or to an installer is true, accurate, complete, and not misleading.

3.2 You are responsible for promptly updating us or the installer if your information changes.

3.3 You acknowledge that by submitting your address, you consent to us generating and displaying a property solar assessment, including imagery of your home.

3.4 You must only use the Website for legitimate enquiries. You must not use our Services if you are (directly or indirectly) a competitor, or if you are seeking information for purposes unrelated to a genuine solar enquiry.

3.5 Any incorrect, false, or misleading information you provide is your responsibility. Solar Scout will not be liable for any loss or issue arising from it.

4. Installer Independence

4.1 Installers we connect you with are independent businesses. We do not endorse, guarantee, or warrant the suitability, quality, pricing, or performance of any installer or their services.

4.2 All agreements, contracts, or warranties you enter into with an installer are strictly between you and that installer.

4.3 Solar Scout is not responsible for any outcomes once your details have been provided to an installer, including workmanship, financial terms, or disputes.

4.4 If an installer's quote differs from our indicative pricing, this is not grounds for a claim against Solar Scout. Indicative pricing is an estimate only and installers determine their own pricing based on their own site assessment.

5. Disclaimers Regarding Solar Assessments

5.1 Our solar assessments, including indicative pricing, roof analysis, and system sizing, are provided for general informational purposes only.

5.2 We do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in your solar assessment.

5.3 Solar assessments are generated using automated systems and third-party data. They are not a substitute for professional advice or a formal site inspection.

5.4 You acknowledge that:

1. Roof measurements may differ from actual dimensions
2. Shading estimates may not account for all obstructions
3. System sizing is indicative and subject to installer verification
4. Pricing is an estimate only and actual quotes may be higher or lower

5.5 You should not make financial commitments or decisions based solely on our solar assessment. Always obtain independent professional advice and formal quotes before proceeding.

6. Use of the Website

6.1 You must not:

1. Hack, disrupt, or attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Website
2. Impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity
3. Transmit spam, viruses, or malicious code
4. Copy, scrape, or reproduce Website content without written consent
5. Use the Website for unlawful purposes

6.2 We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Website at any time if we believe you have breached these Terms.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 All text, graphics, design, logos, software, and other content on the Website are the property of Solar Scout (or its licensors) and protected under copyright and intellectual property laws.

7.2 Your use of the Website does not grant you any rights in relation to our intellectual property.

7.3 Third-party imagery and data displayed in your solar assessment remains the property of the respective data providers and is used under licence.

8. Third-Party Links

8.1 The Website may contain links to third-party websites or resources. We do not control these and are not responsible for their content, practices, or terms.

8.2 Any dealings you have with third parties are at your own risk.

9. Spam

9.1 Publication of email addresses on the Website is for genuine communications only and does not constitute consent to receiving unsolicited emails.

10. Liability

10.1 To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, Solar Scout:

1. Excludes all warranties, representations, and guarantees relating to the Website, solar assessments, indicative pricing, installers, or their services
2. Is not liable for any reliance on Website content, solar assessments, indicative pricing, installer conduct, contracts, representations, or workmanship
3. Is not liable for inaccuracies in third-party data, including imagery, LIDAR measurements, or irradiance estimates
4. Is not liable for differences between indicative pricing and actual installer quotes
5. Is not liable for system downtime, technical issues, data corruption, or third-party errors
6. Is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, data, or savings

10.2 Nothing in these Terms limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

10.3 Where liability cannot be excluded, it is limited to the amount you paid us for the Services. Since you use our Services for free, our liability is capped at NZD $0.

11. Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold Solar Scout, its officers, employees, and contractors harmless from any claims, losses, damages, or costs (including legal costs) arising from:

1. Your breach of these Terms
2. Your dealings with an installer
3. Your misuse of the Website or Services
4. Any reliance you place on indicative pricing or solar assessment information

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 If you are unhappy with our Services, please contact us first at hello@solarscout.co.nz.

12.2 Both parties will use best endeavours to resolve disputes amicably and in good faith before pursuing formal action.

12.3 If unresolved, disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

13. Other Legal Terms

13.1 Assignment: We may transfer or assign our rights and obligations under these Terms to another party without notice.

13.2 No Waiver: Any failure by us to enforce these Terms will not be considered a waiver of our rights.

13.3 Severability: If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

13.4 Third-Party Rights: These Terms are between you and us only. No other person has the right to enforce them.

13.5 Governing Law: These Terms are governed by and will be construed in accordance with New Zealand law.

14. Contact Us