Solar Panel Cold Caller Scam UK: How to Spot & Avoid It
Scammers are calling UK homes claiming to offer free solar panel surveys and government grants—but their goal is stealing your money and personal information.
What is this scam?
The solar panel cold caller scam targets UK homeowners via unsolicited phone calls. Scammers claim to represent legitimate solar panel companies or government-backed schemes, offering 'free surveys', grants, or heavily discounted installations. They use high-pressure sales tactics, fake credentials, and promises of immediate energy savings to build trust. The goal is to either extract personal details (which are sold or used for identity theft), arrange home visits where they pressure victims into deposits, or direct victims to pay upfront fees for 'processing' or 'government grants'. Some victims report being cold-called multiple times by different numbers using the same script.
The scammers often claim there's a 'limited-time government funding window' or that their company is registered with Ofgem (the energy regulator) when they aren't. This scam exploits homeowners' genuine interest in reducing energy bills and environmental concerns.
Warning signs to look for
- Unsolicited call about solar panels: Legitimate solar companies rarely initiate cold calls; most use referrals or online leads.
- Claims of 'free' surveys, grants, or funding with no catch: Real government grants have strict eligibility criteria and aren't awarded via random phone calls.
- Pressure to decide 'today' or 'this week': Scammers create artificial urgency to bypass rational decision-making.
- Requests for upfront payment or bank details before any work: Legitimate installers invoice after work completion or use recognised finance agreements.
- Vague company name or inability to provide verifiable contact details: Ask for a callback number and check it independently against the company website.
- Claims to be from 'the government' or a council energy scheme without a proper registered organisation name: Government schemes always have formal names (e.g. Great British Insulation Scheme) and won't cold-call.
- Guarantees of specific savings amounts or payback periods without surveying your property: Energy savings vary hugely by location, roof orientation, and current usage.
- Unwillingness to provide written quotes or energy performance predictions: Professional installers provide detailed written documentation.
How this scam works step by step
Step 1: You receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to represent a solar panel company or government energy scheme. They may use a local or professional-sounding number to appear legitimate. Step 2: They offer a 'free survey' or claim you qualify for a government grant or subsidy. They ask basic questions about your property, roof type, and energy bills—gathering personal information. Step 3: They either pressure you to book a home visit immediately or ask for personal details including full name, address, date of birth, and bank details 'for the survey appointment'.
Step 4: If you provide bank details, scammers use them for identity theft or fraudulent transactions. If you book a visit, a caller may later contact you claiming 'verification issues' and requesting an upfront deposit (£500–£5,000) via bank transfer or gift cards to 'secure your grant' or 'process paperwork'. Step 5: Once payment is made or personal data is stolen, contact stops or your details are sold to other criminals. Real work never happens, and victims realise they've been scammed when they can't reach the company or find no trace of them online.
How to verify if it is genuine
If you receive a solar panel cold call, don't engage immediately. Ask for the company name, phone number, and email—then end the call and verify independently. Visit the company's official website (type the URL yourself, don't click links sent by them) and call the customer service number listed there. Check if they're registered on the Trust Mark directory (trustmark.org.uk), which certifies legitimate renewable energy installers in the UK. For government schemes, visit the official UK government website (gov.uk) and search for the specific scheme name.
Real schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme are listed with clear eligibility criteria—they don't recruit via cold calls. Check the installer's Companies House registration (beta.companieshouse.gov.uk) to verify they're a real, registered business. Ask for references from previous customers and contact them directly. Never give personal or financial details over the phone to an unsolicited caller. Be especially wary if they claim to be from Ofgem—the regulator doesn't contact homeowners unsolicited. If anything feels rushed or unclear, it's a scam.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've only spoken to them and haven't provided financial details, stop all contact immediately. Block their number and don't engage further. If you provided personal information (name, address, date of birth, email), contact the three main credit reference agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and ask them to flag your file for fraud protection. Monitor your bank account and credit statements closely for suspicious activity over the next 3–6 months. If you paid money—even a small deposit—contact your bank immediately and report the fraud. Many UK banks can reverse payments within a short window if you act quickly.
Provide your bank with evidence (call logs, email screenshots, text messages) of the scam. If a 'surveyor' visited your home and took photos or detailed property information, this data may be used for targeted follow-up scams; remain vigilant. If they arranged a follow-up visit but you now suspect fraud, cancel it in writing (don't call, as scammers may intercept). Document everything: dates, times, phone numbers, caller names, and what was said. This evidence is essential for reporting.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting actionfraud.police.uk. Have your evidence ready (call logs, texts, emails, payment details). Action Fraud will log the report and share intelligence with law enforcement. Forward any SMS texts from the scammer to 7726 (a free service operated by mobile networks to report scams). Report the number to your phone provider; they can block repeat calls and investigate. If you received a phishing email (common in advanced variants of this scam), report it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for guidance on recovery options and consumer rights if money was lost. If the scammer claimed to be from a real company, report the impersonation to that company's fraud team directly (contact details on their official website). Report the scam on consumer review sites and local community groups (Facebook, Nextdoor) to warn neighbours, but avoid naming individuals unless you're certain of facts. If you suspect identity theft, report it to the police via 101 (non-emergency) and register with Action Fraud.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar panel installation always a scam, or can legitimate companies call?
Legitimate solar panel companies do exist and are registered with Trade bodies like Trust Mark or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). However, most reputable installers do not cold-call strangers. They acquire customers through referrals, local advertising, or online leads. If a solar company contacts you unsolicited, treat it with extreme suspicion. Always verify independently using the methods in this guide before engaging further.
I already sent money to a solar panel cold caller. Can I get it back?
Contact your bank immediately—if you paid by bank transfer within the last few hours, they may be able to recall the payment. If you paid by debit or credit card, dispute the charge with your card provider; they have stronger fraud protection than bank transfers. For bank transfers older than a few hours, recovery is unlikely but still report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) as they may trace patterns across multiple victims. Never send additional money if the scammer claims they need 'verification fees' or 'taxes'—this is a common follow-up scam.
Why do solar panel scammers ask for so much personal information during the call?
Scammers gather personal details (name, address, date of birth, email, phone number) for identity theft and to sell to other criminals. They may use this information to open accounts in your name, apply for credit, or target you with other scams. Some scammers use details to make the follow-up visit seem credible—they'll reference your property details to build false trust. Never provide full personal information to unsolicited callers, even if they sound professional. Legitimate installers conduct surveys in person and don't need this data over the phone.
How do I report a solar panel cold caller scam?
Report the scam to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk), provide the phone number, date, time, and what was said. Forward any SMS texts to 7726. Report the number to your mobile network to block repeat calls. If a phishing email was involved, report it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk. Contact Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 if money was lost and you need guidance on recovery. If money was sent, also report the suspected fraud to your bank's fraud team immediately.