Solar Panel Scam UK: How to Spot and Avoid Dodgy Installers
Thousands of UK homeowners are being targeted by fake solar panel schemes using high-pressure sales and false government grants—here's how to protect yourself.
What is this scam?
Solar panel scams target UK homeowners by offering unsustainably cheap installation costs, fabricated government grants, or false energy-saving promises. Scammers either pose as genuine solar companies, impersonate government energy efficiency schemes (like ECO4), or claim to represent your energy supplier. They use high-pressure sales tactics and create false urgency to push homeowners into signing contracts or handing over payment before proper verification. Some scammers simply vanish after taking a deposit; others install substandard equipment that doesn't work as promised. The con relies on homeowners' interest in reducing energy bills and carbon footprints, combined with genuine confusion around legitimate solar incentives. Victims often discover they've been charged inflated prices, signed binding contracts they can't escape, or had their personal data stolen for identity fraud.
Warning signs to look for
- Unsolicited door-to-door or cold call sales pitches offering solar panels 'at no cost' or with guaranteed savings figures that sound too good to be true.
- Pressure to sign contracts immediately or claim a limited-time offer is ending today, with no time to research or get quotes from other installers.
- Vague or no mention of the company's VAT number, RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) registration, or MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation.
- Promises of government grants or ECO4 funding without asking you to apply through official channels or verify your eligibility first.
- Request for full upfront payment before any survey or installation work has begun, or pressure to pay via bank transfer or cash.
- Poorly written contracts with hidden clauses, inflated interest rates on finance deals, or refusal to provide a full written quote in advance.
- Company address is just a mobile number, PO box, or doesn't exist when you search it on Google Maps or Companies House.
- Claims that your roof or property is 'perfect for solar' without conducting a proper structural or electrical survey.
How this scam works step by step
The scam typically starts with an unsolicited contact—a knock on the door, cold call, or text message claiming to represent an energy company or government scheme. The scammer builds urgency by saying a grant or offer expires today, or that your property has been 'selected' for free solar installation. They may flatter you by claiming your roof is ideal, or shame you by saying neighbours have already signed up. Once they've created pressure, they'll push for an immediate signature on a contract or finance agreement, often without a proper survey or written quote. Some scammers will take a large deposit (£500–£2,000) upfront, claiming it secures the grant or locks in the price. Others use high-pressure finance deals with hidden interest rates of 15–25%, making the total cost far higher than quoted. After payment is taken, the company either disappears entirely, installs faulty or non-functional equipment, or engages in further upselling for additional work. Victims are left with expensive contracts they can't cancel, defective equipment, or both money and personal data compromised.
How to verify if it is genuine
Before signing anything, independently verify the company. Search the installer's name on the MCS register (the UK's official scheme for certifying renewable installers)—legitimate solar companies must be registered. Check the RECC register to confirm they're bound by consumer protection rules. Look up the company on Companies House using their VAT number; if it doesn't exist, it's fake. Call your energy supplier directly (use the number on your bill, not one the solar company provided) to ask if they have any solar installation partnerships—scammers often impersonate suppliers. Get a written quote with a full breakdown of costs, not just headline figures. Ask for an independent structural and electrical survey before you commit. If they claim you're eligible for a government grant, go to the official ECO4 website or call Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133) to verify eligibility yourself. Check if the quote is significantly cheaper than others—it's often a red flag. Take time: genuine installers won't threaten you with expiring offers.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've given money but the company hasn't started work, contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback if possible (usually available within 120 days of payment). Stop all further contact with the company and do not sign additional agreements. If you've already signed a contract, check the cancellation clause—you may have a 14-day cooling-off period under consumer law; contact Citizens Advice for advice on breaking the contract. If faulty equipment has been installed, gather photographic evidence and the original quote, then lodge a formal complaint with the installer. If they're MCS or RECC registered, escalate your complaint through those bodies. Check your credit file at Experian, Equifax, or Clearscore to monitor for identity fraud, as scammers often steal personal data. Report the scam to Action Fraud immediately with all evidence: the company's details, quotes, bank information, and dates of contact. Finally, consider reporting the scam to Consumer Action Group's website so others can see the pattern.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their online form at actionfraud.police.uk—they investigate financial crime and add data to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. Forward any suspicious texts claiming to be from energy companies to 7726 (Spam). If the company posed as your energy supplier via email or text, report it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk. Contact your energy supplier's fraud team directly to flag that scammers are impersonating them. If the company is MCS or RECC registered, lodge a formal complaint with those bodies (they will investigate and potentially remove the company's accreditation). Call Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for free guidance on your legal rights and whether you can cancel the contract. Contact the Financial Ombudsman if you were sold a finance agreement with hidden costs. Leave a detailed review on Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Which? to warn other UK homeowners. Keep all evidence: contracts, quotes, emails, texts, bank statements, and proof of payment. The more evidence you provide, the faster authorities can act.
Frequently asked questions
Are all solar panel companies scams, or just some?
No—many solar companies are legitimate, accredited with the MCS or RECC, and offer genuine energy savings. The scam happens when unknown companies use high-pressure tactics, fake grants, or unrealistic promises. Always verify a company's registration on the MCS register and get independent quotes before committing. Legitimate installers won't pressure you into signing on the spot.
What should I do if I've already paid a deposit and now suspect it's a scam?
Contact your bank immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback (usually available within 120 days). Do not pay any further money or sign additional documents. Ask the company in writing for proof of MCS registration and their cancellation policy. If they can't provide it, report them to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and file a complaint with Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133). Check if your payment was via credit card—you may also have protections under Section 75.
How can I check if a company is genuinely registered under the ECO4 scheme?
You cannot be pre-selected for ECO4—you must apply yourself through your energy supplier or an official body auditor. Visit the official ECO4 website or call your energy supplier directly to understand your eligibility. Scammers often claim they can 'guarantee' a grant without you applying, which is a red flag. Citizens Advice can help you check if you genuinely qualify.
Where do I report a solar panel scam in the UK?
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk, and forward suspicious texts to 7726. If the company impersonated your energy supplier via email, report to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk. If they're MCS or RECC registered, complain directly to those bodies. Call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 for free legal guidance.