The Rise of Solar Scams
With the UK government's push towards net zero and rising energy bills, the demand for solar panels has surged. Unfortunately, this boom has attracted unscrupulous companies looking to exploit homeowners. From fake MCS certifications to phantom companies that disappear after installation, the risks are real.
Red Flag 1: High-Pressure Sales Tactics
If a salesperson tells you the price is "only available today" or pressures you into signing on the spot, walk away. Legitimate solar companies will give you time to consider your options and compare quotes.
Be especially wary of door-to-door salespeople who claim to be from your energy provider or a government scheme. Always verify their identity independently.
Red Flag 2: No MCS Certification
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the gold standard for solar installers in the UK. Without MCS certification, you won't be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments, and your installation may not meet building regulations.
Always ask for the installer's MCS number and verify it on the official MCS website. If they can't provide one, or if the number doesn't check out, that's a major red flag.
Red Flag 3: Unrealistic Savings Claims
Be sceptical of claims like "your panels will pay for themselves in 3 years" or "you'll never pay an electricity bill again." While solar panels do save money, the payback period for a typical UK system is 8-12 years.
Ask the installer to show you the calculations behind their savings estimates. If they can't, or if the numbers seem too good to be true, they probably are.
Red Flag 4: Very New Companies
Check how long the company has been trading. You can verify this on Companies House for free. Companies that have been active for less than 24 months pose a higher risk for long-term warranty claims. If the company goes bust, your 25-year panel warranty becomes worthless.
Red Flag 5: No Written Contract or Vague Terms
A legitimate installer will provide a detailed written contract that includes the exact equipment being installed, the total cost, payment schedule, warranty terms, and completion timeline. If the contract is vague or missing key details, don't sign it.
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection is knowledge. Get at least three quotes, verify the installer's credentials, and use independent tools like SolarVerify to check if your quote is fair. Our tool analyses your quote against UK market data and flags any red flags automatically.