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Solar scams and pressure selling: how to spot them

Current Trading Standards warnings, pressure-selling red flags, deposits, cancellation rights and where to report a problem.

Checked 9 October 2026 · Sources

Scams Trading Standards has warned about

Trading Standards alerts in March 2026 described:

  • Fake "mis-sold solar compensation" calls or emails offering legal help for a fee, then asking for more "legal costs" before disappearing.
  • Cold calls to people who already have solar, claiming the inverter needs replacing, a part is faulty, or a battery will "boost" the panels.
  • Calls claiming to work with big energy companies about "safety issues", sometimes followed by a visit the next day.

What to do: don't give any information over the phone. Contact your original installer, or get several no-obligation quotes from reputable firms.

Pressure-selling red flags

The Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) advises not to sign if a salesperson:

  • stays more than two hours
  • quotes a high price and then offers a discount
  • offers a discount for signing that day, or for testimonials or monitoring
  • won't give prices until the end, or asks what other quotes you've had
  • says availability is limited

Sellers should show ID before coming into your home. Citizens Advice adds: don't use a company that cold-calls you, and be wary of unusually cheap quotes, promises of very quick work and unrealistic savings claims.

Protect yourself

  • Get at least three written quotes from MCS-certified installers.
  • Don't pay more than 25% as a deposit, and ask how it's protected.
  • Ask for a written contract. If you sign at home or online, you generally have 14 days to cancel (there are exceptions).
  • Check the installer on the MCS installer search.
  • Be cautious of anything that sounds too good to be true.

Where to get help

  • Citizens Advice consumer service: 0808 223 1133 (Welsh speakers: 0808 223 1144).
  • A problem with an MCS installer: complain to the installer first, then to MCS, which can refer eligible disputes to a free ombudsman. See MCS certification.
  • In Scotland, Citizens Advice has guidance for people with complaints about HELMS (Home Energy & Lifestyle Management Ltd) and Green Deal solar.

Sources

  1. Trading Standards consumer alerts, March 2026 (parish council relay)
  2. RECC: Consumer advice
  3. Citizens Advice: Find an installer for energy efficiency home improvements
  4. Citizens Advice: Six things to know before plug-in solar panels hit UK shelves
  5. legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
  6. MCS: Complaints Policy (2026)
  7. Citizens Advice Scotland: HELMS and Green Deal complaints

This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rules and prices change, and some differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check the sources for your situation.