As solar installation becomes more popular across the UK so does the number scams, misleading offers and aggressive sales tactics we are seeing. With these companies offering overinflated savings estimates, free installations and unrealistic returns some homeowners have been left disappointed or out of pocket.
At SolarTherm UK we believe in honest, transparent service with no hard sell. If you’re considering starting your solar journey, this guide will help you spot any red flags and avoid common scams.
- Free solar with a catch
Some companies claim to offer free solar panels but in reality, these ‘rent a roof’ schemes often involve long-term lease agreements that cost thousands to get out of, limited control over the system and payment of government incentives (such as the Smart Export Guarantee) being paid to the company. While the ‘rent a roof’ schemes have been phased out since the end of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) some companies out there still offer this.
Top tip: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always read the small print before signing and check who is owning the system.
- Over-inflated savings claims
Some companies will promise you the world, but the savings aren’t backed by evidence. Be wary of companies promising you your energy bills will drop to zero or that you’ll be making thousands off the grid. While solar can drastically reduce your electricity bills (by up to 70% in some cases) you will always have some form of electricity bill to pay while you are connected to the grid – even if it’s just the daily standing charge and all your other electricity is covered by your solar production. Savings are dependant on your usage, roof type and system size, you can increase your savings by having solar battery storage but especially in winter, it is difficult to cover your entire energy usage.
Top tip: Choose an EPVS certified installer like SolarTherm UK to ensure your performance and savings estimates are accurate.
- High-pressure sales techniques
Some installers and sales teams will use scare tactics to sign you up. Phrases like ‘prices will go up tomorrow’, ‘you’ll miss out on the grant if you don’t sign up today’ and ‘this deal is only available if you commit now’ are designed to pressurise you to sign up immediately – usually for a deal that is not in your best interests.
Top tip: Never feel rushed into making your decision – a professional company will give you times to review your options and make an informed decision.
- Fake government schemes
Scammer will often claim to represent government programmes of grants. Offering cash incentives or discounts for signing up. There are currently only 2 Government backed grant schemes running – the ECO4 scheme which you apply for through your energy supplier (and need to meet certain qualifying criteria) and the Improving Farms Productivity Grant which only runs until the end of July 2025.
Top tip: always verify any scheme of funding on an official government website like gov.uk. Legitimate schemes rarely involve cold calls or door-to-door selling.
- Poor quality panels or installations
Rogue traders tend to install outdated or low-quality systems and use unqualified installers. This can lead to disappointing results, regular faults and maintenance needs and failure to provide the correct paperwork and certificates required to receive export payments.
Top tip: check on the MCS website that your installer is MCS registered. Use review sites such as Google and Trust Pilot to check your installer out fully before signing a contract.
How to Protect Yourself From Solar Scams
- Do your research – check the company’s reviews, accreditations and recent projects
- Ask for certifications – MCS, EPVS and HIES all protect you and your investment.
- Get multiple quotes – compare pricing, system specs and warranties. Don’t necessarily go for the cheapest quote – you are looking for long-term benefits including quality and return.
- Request a performance estimate in writing – ask for expected savings, payback time and system size to be included. This estimates are even better if backed by an EPVS certificate as they have been thoroughly checked for accuracy by a third-party.
- Trust your gut – if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Post-Installation Scams: When Trouble Starts After the Panels Are Up
Even after your solar system has been installed, you can still be targeted by scammers. Some rogue companies and individuals may contact your claiming your system needs urgent maintenance, mandatory upgrades or that your warranty has expired, often asking for an upfront payment to resolve the ‘issue’. These scammers have no connection to your original installer and rely on fear tactics to pressurise you into paying for unnecessary work to be carried out.
Top tip: always verify who is contacting you. If they are claiming to be from your installation company or MCS call them back to verify on the numbers provided in your handover pack – if they are legitimate they will not mind! At SolarTherm UK we are always at the end of the phone for you to verify anything you are unsure of.
Choose a Trusted Installer Like SolarTherm UK
SolarTherm UK has been installing solar for over 15 years across Essex and the South East. Over the years we have responded to many customers who have experienced scams or sub-standard installs. We’re proud to be an EPVS Gold Standard member and backed by MCS, NICEIC and HIES to give our customers confidence in our service. All quotes are independently verified for accuracy and our figures are transparent and realistic.
Contact us today for a free bespoke design package, tailored for your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard-sell, just honest, expert advice. We are that confident in our figures we let them do the selling.
