Tempted to get solar panels fitted? Watch out for these five rip-off red flags before taking the plunge

Thousands of households are at risk of falling victim to unreliable solar schemes that have risen by 50 percent over the past year, data from Action Fraud shows.

Uncertainty about high energy prices, combined with a desire to reduce carbon emissions, means many UK homeowners are considering installing solar panels as an option.

But this has attracted some shady operators who offer deals that are not as good as they seem.

The government currently estimates that 230,000 installations will be made this year, bringing the number of rooftop solar panels from 1.24 million to 1.47 million.

A typical household using 4,000 kWh of energy a year will save £550 on first year bills by investing in solar panels, or potentially £15,500 in savings over a 25-year period.

Now the energy-saving smart app Loop is urging homeowners to look for greener energy supplies for their homes this summer to be wary of misleading solar deals that sound too good to be true.

Here you can read what you should pay attention to if you want to have solar panels installed.

1. Websites that offer deals that are too good to be true

Many companies advertise online programs and grants for rapid solar panel installation. If these deals seem too good to be true, they probably are.

If you’re considering solar panels, it’s important to make sure you do your research when it comes to reputable websites and companies.

2. Spam emails offering panels for free or cheap

Emails offering cheap solar panels or appearing to be backed by a government scheme could also be scammers, directing you to a seemingly official website offering free or low-cost installation.

These incredible deals rarely exist, so approach them with caution to avoid wasting your time.

3. Free online ads for solar panels

These offers are not necessarily scams, but they are often misleading. If an ad says “free” or “cheap” solar panels, make sure you do your research to find out what this really means before taking the next step.

4. Misleading online advertisements offering free solar panel checks

Solar panels should be checked every few years to see if they are up to expectations.

This should be arranged with the company that installed the panels directly, so avoid misleading advertisements offering free health checks – they will probably try to sell you something you don’t need.

5. Spam emails claiming to replace your existing panels or inverter

If you have already installed solar panels, you can check if they are producing electricity by checking your generation meter.

Solar panels are usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, so don’t accept help from an unknown source and contact the company that installed the panels directly if you have any concerns.

What is the correct way to have solar panels installed?

Campaigning group the Energy Saving Trust says: ‘It’s worth getting quotes from at least three installers to compare.

“Avoid installers with heavy-handed sales techniques, including pressure to sign up on the day or high prices with deep discounts to sign on the spot. The cheapest installer is not necessarily the best for you.’

A spokesperson for trade organization UK Solar said: ‘Eliminating the industry’s very small number of cowboy operations is one of the priorities of Solar Energy UK and industry standards body MCS.

‘With the current energy prices, the demand for solar power has increased enormously. But this has attracted some unwanted operators.

‘For installations of solar PV, solar thermal and battery storage systems, MCS certification is absolutely necessary. Membership of Solar Energy UK offers extra security in addition to the MCS certification.’

They added that “no sane person should go near an installer who is not MCS certified, as this is a guarantee of safe and quality work.

Loop energy expert Dr. Says Steve Buckley, “While the cost of installing solar panels is one of the biggest deciding factors for homeowners, it’s easy to fall into one of the many online traps that offer them for a bargain price or even for free.

“A quick Google of free solar panel programs will yield a number of companies willing to target customers hoping to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.”

‘Companies may try to lure you in with higher energy savings after installing solar panels, and while savings depend on factors such as location, your home and the number of panels installed, it’s important to understand the true impact solar installation can have on a household’s energy bill.

“While there are many excellent solar installers, including Loop’s trusted partners, there are many online companies that trick customers into schemes that are simply too good to be true.”