Scams & Eligibility Warning
How to protect yourself from solar panel scams and misleading eligibility claims.
Common solar scams to watch for
- Cold calls claiming you've been 'selected' for a free government solar scheme
- Upfront fees to 'check your eligibility' — legitimate schemes never charge for this
- Pressure sales tactics with 'today only' pricing
- Claims of guaranteed savings or income that sound too good to be true
- Installers who aren't MCS-certified or refuse to show credentials
- Requests for large deposits or full payment before work begins
How to verify a solar offer
If you receive an offer for solar panels, always verify it independently:
- Check MCS certification at mcscertified.com
- Verify consumer code membership (RECC at recc.org.uk or HIES at hies.org.uk)
- Contact your local authority directly to confirm any grant scheme
- Never share bank details or sign contracts under pressure
- Take time to get at least two independent quotes
Report a scam
If you think you've been targeted by a solar scam, report it to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) or call 0300 123 2040. You can also contact Citizens Advice for support.
Related pages
We are not affiliated with the UK Government. Always verify official guidance independently.