Buyer to rescue of stricken solar firm

A WELL- KNOWN Townsville solar business is under new ownership and will continue to trade and honour after- sales service agreements with clients across North Queensland.

The development is a good outcome for thousands of clients and for the business, Country Solar, which fell into financial difficulties earlier this year, with the company having been placed in voluntary administration and then liquidation.

Townsville businessman Chris Woods has stepped in to buy the business. The company’s founder and di- rector Steve Madson will continue to work in the business as manager.

Mr Woods said he could see strong, continuing demand for the company’s services and would continue to trade the business under the Country Solar name.

“Country Solar has a very strong reputation in the market, based on having done a good job with installations over many years and with its after sales service and client care,” Mr Woods said.

“As the new owner, we will honour all warranties and after- sales services and if anyone has any issues or questions, please call me at Country Solar.”

The buyout saves eight jobs in the business.

Mr Madson, an electrician who previously worked at the Yabulu nickel refinery, started Country Solar in 2009 to service the burgeoning market in solar installations in homes and businesses.

Mr Madson said personal circumstances and expansion into other states including Victoria and Western Australia were reasons he fell into financial difficulties earlier this year.

But he said the proceeds from the sale of the business would help pay debt to financiers, while he would continue to work with other creditors to pay off debts.

“We have dug deep to make sure everyone is looked after,” Mr Madson said.

“It was important to me to honour the agreements we had made in warranties and after- sales service.”

Mr Madson said he could see a bright future for solar energy with the prices for equipment continuing to fall and the ability to provide relief for consumers from skyrocketing power bills.

He said North Queensland’s mate was also fantastic for solar.

“I plan to continue the work I started to support the expansion of the industry in North Queensland,” Mr Madson said. cli-