Medium riskOnline Shopping

Solar Panel Scam

In this scam, solar panel or home energy sellers use door-to-door or online pitches with inflated savings claims, fake grants, and high pressure, taking deposits for systems that underperform or are never installed.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
High-pressure sales / deposit fraud
Main red flag
A high-pressure solar pitch with inflated savings and a deposit demanded today.
What to do first
Do not sign or pay on the spot; get independent quotes and check the company.

How this scam works

In this scam, solar panel or home energy sellers use door-to-door or online pitches with inflated savings claims, fake grants, and high pressure, taking deposits for systems that underperform or are never installed.

Online shopping scams use fake stores, unbelievable deals, and counterfeit or never-delivered goods to take your money and card details. Fake sites often surface through ads and social media and pressure you with limited-time offers.

In short, the giveaway is usually simple: A high-pressure solar pitch with inflated savings and a deposit demanded today. Do not sign or pay on the spot; get independent quotes and check the company.

Scammers rotate tactics constantly, the same operation may also run the Rogue Trader Scam and the Energy Rebate Scam. See the full Online Shopping Scams guides hub, or test a suspicious message with the scam checker.

How to spot this scam

  • Inflated or 'guaranteed' savings claims
  • Pressure to sign or pay a deposit immediately
  • Claims of limited-time grants or subsidies
  • Vague contracts and finance terms
  • A company you cannot independently verify

What the message looks like

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Government solar grant ends today! Sign now and pay a deposit to lock in free panels and huge savings before the deadline.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What gives it away: A high-pressure solar pitch with inflated savings and a deposit demanded today.

The scale of it

Top category
online shopping is one of the most-reported fraud categories to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many fake shops advertise
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

How to protect yourself

  • Get multiple independent quotes before committing
  • Verify the company, reviews, and any grant independently
  • Never sign or pay under pressure on the day
  • Read contracts and finance terms carefully

Already responded? Do this now

  • If you paid a deposit, check cancellation rights and dispute if misled
  • Keep contracts, quotes, and messages as evidence
  • Report misleading sales to consumer authorities
  • Seek independent advice before any installation

Mistakes to avoid

  • Do not sign or pay a deposit on the spot
  • Do not trust 'deadline today' grant claims
  • Do not skip independent quotes and checks

Related scams to know

High risk Marketplace

Rogue Trader Scam

A rogue trader is a doorstep or online 'tradesperson' offering driveway, roofing, gardening or repair work at a tempting price. They press for a large cash deposit upfront, then carry out poor or unfinished work, 'discover' extra problems that were never there, and inflate the final bill. Older homeowners are often targeted. Taking time to get the offer in writing and to compare quotes can reveal the pressure tactics for what they are.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Text Message

Energy Rebate Scam

This scam claims you are owed an energy bill rebate, refund, or cost-of-living payment from your supplier or government, then links to a fake claim page that harvests your bank or card details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Online Shopping

Extended Warranty Scam

Calls, robocalls, texts, or mailers claim your product or vehicle warranty is expiring and pressure you to buy an overpriced or worthless 'extended warranty', using urgency to collect card and personal details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Common questions

How do I buy solar safely?
Get multiple independent quotes, verify the company and any grant, read the contract and finance terms, and never sign or pay under pressure.
Are 'limited-time grant' claims real?
Deadline pressure and fake grants are common sales tactics. Verify any scheme through official sources before committing.
I paid a deposit. Can I cancel?
Check your cancellation rights, dispute the charge if you were misled, keep your evidence, and report the company.
Why are savings claims a concern?
Inflated or 'guaranteed' savings are used to justify high prices and finance. Get independent estimates to judge real value.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.