If you own solar panels, you already know the peace of mind they bring—lower bills, clean energy, and a sense of independence from ever-rising energy prices. But unfortunately, with solar becoming more common across the UK, we’ve seen a rise in opportunistic contractors trying to take advantage of homeowners.
One of the most worrying tactics we’ve seen recently is companies contacting customers out of the blue, claiming that their solar system is unsafe because it’s at the wrong voltage. These callers will often say the system could “overheat” or even “explode” if urgent works aren’t carried out. The catch? They insist the fix must be done immediately—sometimes demanding payments of £3,000–£4,000 on the spot.
Why you should be cautious
- Legitimate problems don't require immediate doorstep payments. If a system is genuinely unsafe, an accredited installer will explain the issue clearly, provide written evidence, and never pressure you for instant money transfers.
- MCS certification protects your installation. All approved UK solar installations must comply with correct voltage ranges (typically 220–240V). If your system has been operating safely for years, it's highly unlikely to suddenly require "emergency voltage work."
- Scare tactics are classic solar maintenance scam behaviour. Contractors who use fear—threatening damage, fire, or regulatory fines—are typically rushing you into paying without proper investigation.
- Unsolicited contact is a red flag. Legitimate MCS-certified installers rarely make cold calls about urgent safety issues unless there's been a genuine product recall.
Protecting yourself from solar maintenance scams
The best defence against fake solar inspection attempts is knowledge and preparation:
- Don’t agree to immediate work or payments. Take their details and end the call.
- Check your system performance. If your inverter and panels are working as expected and you haven’t noticed unusual faults, there’s no reason to panic.
- Ask for evidence in writing. Any genuine installer should provide a formal report showing test results or faults.
- Get a second opinion. Contact your original installer or an independent advisor (like us at Solar Advice Bureau) before authorising any costly work.
- Report suspicious activity. If you feel pressured or threatened, consider reporting the company to Trading Standards.
Key takeaway: stay vigilant against solar scams
Solar panels are safe, reliable systems designed to operate within UK voltage standards for decades. If someone contacts you claiming otherwise—particularly demanding thousands of pounds upfront for emergency works—treat it as a solar panel scam UK operation until proven otherwise.
Remember: legitimate solar maintenance is planned, documented, and never demands immediate cash payments. When in doubt, always seek a second opinion from an independent, MCS-certified professional.
Get Independent Solar Advice
At Solar Advice Bureau, we provide completely independent solar inspections and health checks throughout the UK. Our certified experts help homeowners distinguish between genuine maintenance needs and solar maintenance scam attempts.
If you're ever uncertain about suspicious calls or concerned about your solar system's performance, contact us for clear, unbiased advice. We're here to protect UK homeowners from both solar scams and genuine technical issues.
Don't let scammers exploit your investment in clean energy. Stay informed, stay protected, and always verify before you pay.
