Solar panel scams in the UK are a real and growing problem — two firms alone were shut down after taking more than £3 million from homeowners through fake government grant promises. The good news is that every rogue installer leaves the same trail of red flags, and if you know what to look for, you can filter them out before you hand over a single pound.
Why the solar scam problem is getting worse
Solar has never been more popular. Installations are at record levels, and with that boom has come an influx of new firms — some excellent, some cowboys. MCS, the UK's quality mark for small-scale renewables, lists thousands of certified installers, but not every company quoting on your roof will be on that list. The gap between a good installation and a bad one is often invisible until something goes wrong.
Rogue traders know exactly how to sound convincing. They've adapted their scripts to mimic the language of legitimate solar companies — and that's precisely why knowing the specific red flags matters more than gut instinct.
What are the signs of a solar panel scam?
There are six warning signs that appear again and again in reports from UK homeowners. If you spot one, pause. If you spot two or more, walk away.
- The "government grant" that doesn't exist. If a salesperson tells you there's a government grant that will cover most or all of your system cost — especially one that's "expiring this week" — treat it as a scam signal. Real schemes like ECO4 have strict eligibility rules and are delivered through regulated routes. Our grants guide explains exactly what's available and what isn't. No cold caller can unlock a grant on your behalf.
- High-pressure closing tactics. Scammers pose as surveyors but are actually salespeople using urgency to stop you thinking clearly. Phrases like "this price is only valid today" or pressure to sign before the visit ends are tactics legitimate installers never use. A reputable firm will give you time to compare quotes and reflect.
- A satellite-image-only survey. A satellite or desktop assessment can be a useful first screening step, but MCS guidance is clear that an on-site visit is still needed where structural adequacy or shading cannot be confirmed remotely. Any installer who quotes you a final price without sending someone to physically inspect your roof, loft, and consumer unit is cutting corners — and cutting corners on a survey often leads to a system that underperforms or causes roof damage.
- No MCS certificate number — or one that doesn't check out. Unscrupulous traders have occasionally claimed MCS certification falsely. A legitimate MCS installer will provide their certificate number upfront, and you can verify it in seconds at mcscertified.com/find-an-installer. If the number doesn't appear or the company name doesn't match, stop.
- Unbranded or unnamed equipment. Rogue installers sometimes supply low-quality or unbranded panels and inverters. Genuine installers will hand you full datasheets and product specifications so you can research the brands yourself. If a quote doesn't name the panel model and inverter brand, ask — and if the answer is vague, that tells you something important.
- A large upfront deposit demand. Established installers with good cashflow don't need 50% of the project cost up front before any work has started. If you're being asked for an unusually large deposit — especially in cash — that's a significant warning sign.
How do I know if a solar installer is legitimate?
A legitimate installer can be verified on at least two official databases before you sign anything. Here's the three-step check that takes under ten minutes.
Step 1: Check MCS certification
Go to mcscertified.com/find-an-installer and search the company name and postcode. MCS certification is required for your installation to be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) — the scheme that pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. An unregistered installer means no SEG payments and potential complications with your insurer. Our guide on how to check if a solar installer is MCS certified walks through this in full detail.
Step 2: Check their consumer code membership
Many reputable MCS-certified installers also belong to either RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) or HIES (Home Insulation & Energy Systems). Both codes cover sales conduct, deposit rules, and independent dispute resolution — giving you a route to redress if things go wrong. RECC membership is no longer mandatory under the updated MCS scheme, but installers who maintain it are sending a positive signal about how they operate. Either code is a good sign; neither is a dealbreaker on its own, but an installer with no consumer code and no MCS registration is a major concern.
Step 3: Check Companies House and reviews
Search the company name at Companies House. Look at how long they've been trading and whether there are any dissolution or insolvency notices. Then cross-reference with Google and Trustpilot reviews — not just the star rating, but recent, detailed reviews from verified customers. A thin review history or a sudden flood of five-star reviews from new accounts can both be warning signs.
The fake MCS letter scam: a specific warning
If you already have solar panels, watch out for a particular scam targeting existing owners. Fraudulent letters or emails claim that your system needs an "MCS inspection" or that your export payments are at risk — and they direct you to call a number that leads to a high-pressure sales call for "essential maintenance". MCS has confirmed it does not contact consumers directly. Any communication purporting to be from MCS about your installation is a scam. If you're ever unsure, go to the MCS website yourself and call their helpdesk on 0333 103 8130 — do not use contact details from the letter.
How do I avoid being ripped off by solar installers?
Avoiding a rip-off is mostly about process. Follow these practical steps before any money changes hands.
Get at least three quotes from independently sourced companies — not three firms recommended by the same person who knocked on your door. Comparing quotes lets you spot an outlier price (too cheap is as suspicious as too expensive) and gives you leverage. Our guide to comparing solar quotes step by step covers exactly what to look for in each proposal.
Never pay a large deposit by cash or bank transfer before the MCS check is done. If any part of your purchase over £100 is made by credit card, the card provider is jointly liable with the installer under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 — a meaningful layer of protection worth knowing about.
Ask for the MCS certificate after installation. Once work is complete, your installer must register the installation and you should receive an MCS Installation Certificate. This document records the panel brand, inverter model, system size, and commissioning date. Without it, you cannot apply for SEG export payments. If an installer is reluctant to provide it, or it never arrives, contact MCS directly.
Be honest with yourself about whether solar suits your home. A legitimate installer will tell you if your roof isn't suitable — north-facing, heavily shaded, or in poor condition. If every company you speak to says yes without reservation, that's not reassurance; that's salesmanship. An honest assessment sometimes means solar isn't right for you right now.
What to do if you think you've been scammed
If you've already paid and something has gone wrong, don't wait. Report to Action Fraud (the UK's national fraud reporting service) and contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. If the installer was RECC or HIES registered, raise a formal complaint through the relevant consumer code — both have independent dispute resolution routes. If they were MCS-certified, contact MCS directly. Citizens Advice can also help you understand your legal options.
The majority of UK solar installers are legitimate businesses doing good work. The point of this guide isn't to put you off solar — done properly, it's a sound long-term investment for the right home. The point is to make sure you're choosing from the good ones. If you'd like to compare quotes from vetted, MCS-certified local installers, get free, no-obligation quotes through FairSolar — it costs you nothing and takes a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a solar installer is MCS certified?
Go to mcscertified.com/find-an-installer and search the company name or postcode. A legitimate installer will also give you their MCS certificate number upfront — you can match that against the database yourself before signing anything.
Are there genuine government grants for solar panels in 2026?
There are real schemes — ECO4 for eligible lower-income households, and 0% VAT on solar installations — but no blanket government grant that covers the full cost of solar for any homeowner who calls a number. If someone contacts you unsolicited claiming to unlock a government grant, treat it as a scam signal and check our grants guide for what's actually available.
Is it a red flag if an installer won't do a physical survey?
Yes. A desktop or satellite assessment can be a useful starting point, but MCS guidance requires an on-site visit wherever structural adequacy or shading cannot be confirmed remotely. An installer quoting you a final price based solely on satellite images is skipping a step that protects both you and the quality of the installation.
What paperwork should I get after a solar installation?
You should receive an MCS Installation Certificate naming your panel brand, inverter model, system size in kWp, and commissioning date. This document is required by energy suppliers before they will accept a Smart Export Guarantee application. If your installer doesn't provide it, contact MCS directly.
Can I get my money back if a solar installer rips me off?
If you paid by credit card and the purchase was over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act gives you a claim against your card provider as well as the installer. You should also report to Action Fraud and raise a formal complaint with the relevant consumer code (RECC or HIES) if the installer was a member. Act quickly — don't wait to see if the problem resolves itself.