Solar Scammers in Sussex
Here in Sussex and the South East, we're lucky to have plenty of sunshine, perfect for harnessing clean, renewable energy by installing solar panels on your roof or business premises. But with a growing solar industry, there are always bad apples looking to scam unsuspecting victims and make money with false or fraudulent activity.
At Savent Solar, we regularly hear from customers who have had cowboy installs or have been contacted by scammers. Some of these scammers use very sophisticated methods and sound completely legitimate, making it hard to spot the red flags. This guide explores some of the most common solar scams we hear of, what warning signs you should be looking for, and advice on what to do if you think a scammer has contacted you. Don't let the dream of a solar-powered home turn into a nightmare. Here's how to identify common solar panel scams and protect yourself.
Contact us below if you think you've been the victim of a solar scam.
Solar Batteries & Inverters Scams
This is a relatively recent solar scam, and it specifically targets customers with Solar Edge solar batteries and inverters. We’ve received calls from concerned Sussex residents who are worried they may have been targeted.
How The Solar Battery Scam Works
The scammers appear to have the real contact information of Solar Edge customers, which suggests there may have been a data leak at some point. The customer receives a call that claims to be from SolarEdge, telling them that they need to have their battery or inverter checked as it doesn’t seem to be working. Often, they will also say that an engineer is on their way today.
If the owner lets the ‘engineer’ in, they will be told that the battery and/or inverter isn’t working, may well be dangerous, and needs replacing. The owner is then charged for a new battery, and the old (still fully functional) one is taken away, most likely to be passed off as a new one for another unsuspecting victim. The same approach is taken with inverters. In fact, the 'new' inverter or battery you've had installed is probably from a previous victim.
How To Spot And Avoid The Solar Battery and Inverter Scam
If you have a battery from Solar Edge and are called by a company that claims to be them, we recommend not entertaining the call. To be sure, contact SolarEdge yourself later via the contact details on their website or your product documentation. Do not use an email address or phone number given to you on the initial call.
If you’re still unsure whether your battery is functioning correctly, call an independent solar installer such as Savent Solar to come and do a check. As with all scammers, ask for the ID of any engineers before letting them in your home, and if you’re still not convinced, do not proceed.
The calls we’ve received have all concerned SolarEdge customers so far, but that doesn’t mean that other solar battery manufacturers may not be used as a front for the scam. The advice above applies to all situations.
The ‘Free’ Solar Panels Scam
This one is more popular in the US, but there are examples of it being used to target UK customers as well. Avoid any company that offers to put free solar panels on your home or business.
How The Free Solar Panels Scam Works
You may receive a call, email or even someone at your front door telling you that you are eligible for free solar panels on your home or business. However, instead of being ‘free’, the solar PV system is often owned by a third party and is leased to you. Additionally, the contract will often tie you into long-term conditions and lease payments, excessive ‘maintenance’ fees, sizable cancellation clauses, and high interest rates or yearly price hikes. While you may not be paying for the solar PV system outright, it’s unlikely you will experience any of the savings associated with owning your system.
The scammer may also pressure you into signing the deal quickly to ‘lock in’ a good price, or offer vague, incomplete documents to sign.
How to Avoid the Free Solar Panels Scam
The best way to avoid this scam is simply not to engage with the person trying to sell it. Installing a solar PV system in your home or business can be a significant, long-term investment, but it’s vital to engage with a reputable solar installer like Savent Solar to ensure it’s up to standard and that you reap the benefits for years to come.
Many manufacturers of solar equipment may offer finance and payment plans on their products, which can help customers embrace solar power, but we recommend dealing directly with the manufacturer rather than a third party. Any reputable company will provide a written quote with a very clear breakdown of costs, payments and durations.
The Government Grants & Schemes Scam
A very common scam used on unsuspecting victims is to discuss various government solar grants, schemes and campaigns that are soon coming to an end.
How The Government Grants & Schemes Scam Works
You will be contacted by a scammer, or may even see a paid advertisement either online, on social media, or in local media that discusses fictitious government solar schemes that are ending soon. The scammer will urge you to sign up quickly to make the most of the savings before they disappear. These can be hard to spot as there have been government incentives for solar panel installation in the past, most recently the ending of subsidies for solar panels in 2013.
What’s more, some private companies, local authorities and charities/NGOs do offer assistance with solar panels or other renewables tech such. Similarly, there is currently VAT relief in place for Energy Saving Materials (ESMs) as of 1st February 2024. These include solar batteries, controls for central heating and hot water systems, draught stripping, insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, water turbines, ground source heat pumps, air & water source heat pumps, micro combined heat and power units, wood-fuelled boilers and smart diverters.
However, to be clear, there are currently no national government schemes that offer subsidies or grants for the installation of solar panels or a solar PV system. Your local authority may offer regional incentives for renewables, but it’s essential you check directly with them.
How to Avoid The Government Grants & Schemes Scam
This one is easy, simply don’t engage with them. If there are any future schemes announced by the government, we will tell our customers about them.
Cowboy Solar Installers
Sadly, as with any industry, there are plenty of substandard, cowboy solar installers across Sussex. We regularly receive calls from customers who think they’ve had a cowboy installation and need us to rectify it, often at an additional, unexpected cost.
At best, these scams cost you more money and leave you with an inefficient and poorly installed solar PV system. At worst, they can be outright dangerous and present a risk of fire or electrocution in your home or business.
How the Cowboy Solar Install Scam Works
Cowboy solar installers may appear to be legitimate companies, with an internet presence and all the correct details. They may even have fake reviews that paint a picture of their competence and skill. However, they may cut corners during the installation and use substandard parts and wiring. They may also overestimate the potential savings available to you to make it seem like a good proposition.
Once the project is ‘finished’ and signed off, you may start to notice problems with your system or the standard of their work. Often, you will not be able to contact them again or they will fob you off with excuses, leaving you out of pocket and having to approach a legitimate solar installer. We have also heard of fake solar companies who take a large deposit upfront and simply disappear with your money.
How to Avoid Fake & Cowboy Solar Installers
We’ve written in-depth about how to spot and avoid cowboy solar installers, but generally, the same principles apply as they would with any other purchase. Avoid companies that are very pushy to sell or offer time-limited deals, any installer that offers potential savings that seem too good to be true, and do not entertain anybody who will not come to your property to provide you with a written quote. Every solar project in Sussex is different and will require bespoke planning to maximise the return on your investment. We often recommend getting at least 2 or 3 quotes from different installers to help you spot the bad apples.
General Advice for Avoiding Solar Scams
Always check that the installer is accredited by reputable bodies like the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) or the Renewable Energy Assurance Scheme (REAL). These accreditations ensure the company meets strict standards for quality and safety.
Don't just take their word for it, you can check any installers on the MCS or REAL websites. Look into their online presence and read their reviews. Avoid any companies that won’t show you examples of their previous work, or cannot provide any references.
Choose an installer that has a physical address or office that can be checked and verified. You can also check Companies House for the details of any limited company and their directors. Finally, check whether they are fully insured, and for proof of their HMRC registration if they are a Sole Trader.
Scammers and cowboys will try anything to part unsuspecting victims from their hard-earned money. Solar scams continue to become more and more sophisticated and hard to spot. However, by following these tips and looking out for the red flags, you can enjoy the sunshine and the benefits of solar power with peace of mind.
If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, or are looking for a trusted, reputable solar installer in Sussex, don’t hesitate to contact Savent Solar.
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