Is home solar a scam?

Scams are a blight on the solar industry, but that doesn’t mean home solar itself is a scam. Here are some tricks to avoiding solar scams, finding reputable installers, and enjoying the benefits of home solar. If you only listen to one sales pitch, it can be easy to get sucked into a scam.

Are solar panels a scam or a cold call?

Here are the cold calls and potential scams to avoid. More than a third of solar PV panel owners in our recent survey told us they have been cold called about their panels in the past five years. Most cold callers were trying to sell them something unnecessary, but a few owners were told something completely untrue.

Are free solar panels a scam?

Remind prospective customers that while tax credits, rebates, and incentives might be available for solar purchasers who qualify, offers for “free” or “no cost” solar panels are scams. Comply with the law: old and new. Reputable companies know the importance of being honest about what they’re offering – and how much it costs.

Are 'upselling scams' causing a surge in solar panel fraud?

However, homeowners making the most of the Government’s solar panel drive have increasingly fallen victim to conmen. Citizens Advice has warned of a surge in solar panel fraud, particularly “upselling scams” in which cold-callers convince customers to upgrade technology they already have to meet fabricated legal “standards”.

Are 'fake' solar companies a scam?

Beware of any company asking you to make a big deposit before they have completed their installation. This is one of the most common ways ‘fake’ solar companies have targeted consumers – whereby they take a hefty deposit and then never turn up to carry out the installation. This is common solar scam.

Are solar leases and PPAs a scam?

No, not all leases and PPAs are scams. However, they seem to be a breeding ground for deceptive and predatory practices, including the old “government is paying people to go solar” scam. Related reading: Solar Leases vs. Solar Loans vs. Solar PPAs