At SolarTherm UK, we’ve been made aware of scam attempts targeting solar panels owners across the UK.
These scams can involve fraudsters pretending to represent trusted organisations within the renewable energy sector, including the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). In some cases, scammers use official looking messages, urgent warnings and false information to pressure homeowners into paying for unnecessary warranty, maintenance or servicing packages.
If you own a solar PV system, it’s important to know what these scams look like and what to do if you receive a suspicious message, email or phone call.
What Are Solar Warranty Scams?
Solar warranty scams are attempts to persuade solar panel owners that their existing warranty has expired, is about to expire or is no longer valid. The scammer may then offer to renew the warranty or arrange maintenance for a fee.
The approach can look convincing because the fraudster may claim to represent a recognised organisation or use information that makes the message appear relevant to your solar installation. However, a legitimate looking message does not necessarily mean it is genuine.
Text Messages Claiming Your Solar Warranty Has Expired
One of the scams we’ve been made aware of involves text messages claiming that a homeowner’s solar panel warranty has expired. The message may tell you to contact a particular telephone number to renew your warranty or arrange cover.
These messages can appear legitimate, particularly when they use the name of a recognised organisation or company. However, they may be fraudulant attempts to obtain your personal or financial information or persuade you to purchase unnecessary services.
Do not click links, provide payment details or call the number provided in a suspicious message.
Instead, contact the company you believe the message relates to using contact details from its official website or documentation you already have.
Cold Calls, Emails and Messages Pretending to Be Official Organisations
Scammers may also contact solar owners by telephone, email or text while pretending to represent a recognised energy or renewable energy organisation.
They may claim that:
- Your solar panel warranty has expired
- Your warranty is about to expire
- Your solar PV system is no longer covered
- Your system is not operating efficiently
- Your installation requires an urgent inspection or maintenance
- You need to purchase a new warranty or maintenance package
These claims are designed to create a sense of urgency and encourage you to make a decision before you have time to check whether the contact is genuine. Ofcom’s current guidance similarly advises consumers to stop, check unexpected requests carefully and avoid sharing personal information or clicking links in suspicious messages.
Could the Message Really Be From MCS?
Some scams have involved fraudsters claiming to represent trusted organisations such as MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme). Being contacted by someone using the name or branding of a recognised organisation does not automatically mean the contact is genuine.
If someone contacts you unexpectedly about your solar installation, warranty or certification, take the time to verify who they are before providing any information or agreeing to pay for anything.
Do not rely solely on a telephone number, sender name or email address provided in the message itself. Instead, find the organisation’s contact details independently through its official website and make contact directly.
How to Protect Yourself From Solar Warranty Scams
There are several simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of falling victim to a solar warranty scam.
1. Check the Sender Carefully
Look closely at the sender’s telephone number, email address and any links included in the message. Scammers can use misleading sender names and other techniques to make a message appear genuine.
2. Don’t Provide Personal or Financial Information
Never provide bank details, passwords, payment information or other personal information to someone who has contacted you unexpectedly and whose identity you have not independently verified.
3. Don’t Click Suspicious Links
If a text or email contains a link and you weren’t expecting the message, don’t click it. Instead, visit the organisation’s official website directly using a web address you trust.
4. Don’t Allow Yourself to Be Pressured
Scammers often rely on urgency. If someone tells you that you must pay immediately to prevent your warranty from expiring, your system from becoming unsafe or your solar installation from losing cover, take a step back and verify the claim. A genuine organisation should allow you reasonable time to check the information.
5. Contact the Company Directly
If you’re unsure whether a message relates to your SolarTherm UK installation, contact us directly using the details on our website or through our Customer Support Helpdesk.
SolarTherm UK will never unexpectedly contact you to demand payment for a warranty or maintenance service.
If you receive an unexpected request for payment, please verify it with us before taking any action.
How to Report a Suspicious Solar Scam
If you receive a suspicious text message, Ofcom advises forwarding it to 7726 free of charge. This allows your mobile provider to investigate the message and can help them identify and block scam activity.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide information or call back using the number supplied by the caller. Instead, find the organisation’s genuine contact details independently.
If you believe you have lost money or provided sensitive information as part of a scam, you should also report the incident through the appropriate fraud reporting service.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Solar Warranty Scam?
If you receive a text, email or phone call claiming that your solar warranty has expired:
- Don’t panic
- Don’t click any links
- Don’t provide personal or financial information
- Don’t call the number supplied by the sender
- Check the information independently
- Contact SolarTherm UK directly if you believe it relates to your installation
- Report suspicious texts to 7726
Taking a few minutes to verify a message could prevent you from paying for services you don’t need.
Need Advice About Your Solar System?
If you’re concerned about a message, call or email you’ve received about your solar PV system, warranty or maintenance, please contact the SolarTherm UK support team.
We’re here to give you peace of mind and help ensure you continue to get the most from your solar investment, safely and securely.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be cautious if you receive an unexpected message claiming your warranty has expired and asking you to call a number, click a link or make a payment. Verify the information independently before taking any action.
SolarTherm UK will never unexpectedly contact you to demand payment for a warranty or maintenance service. If you’re unsure about a message relating to your installation, contact us directly using trusted contact details.
Don’t click any links or provide information. Forward the suspicious text to 7726, which is a free scam-reporting service supported by mobile networks.
Yes. Fraudsters can impersonate recognised organisations to make their messages appear more credible. If you are contacted unexpectedly, verify the organisation and its contact details independently before providing information or making a payment.
Stop communicating with the sender and don’t provide any further information. If you’ve shared financial or personal details, contact your bank or relevant service provider as soon as possible and report the incident through the appropriate fraud-reporting channel.
