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 dodgy solar panel schemes which have risen by 50 per cent over the last year, data from Action Fraud reveals.

Uncertainty over high energy prices, combined with a desire to cut carbon emissions, means many homeowners in the UK are considering fitting solar panels as an option.

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

The Government currently estimates that 230,000 installations will be made this year, taking the number of solar panels on roofs from 1.24million to 1.47million.

On the rise: Thousands of households are at risk of falling victim to misleading solar panel schemes which are up by 50% over the last year

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

Now, energy-saving smart app Loop is urging homeowners in search of greener energy supplies for their home this summer to take caution over misleading solar deals that sound too good to be true.

 Here’s what to look out for if you are looking to get solar panels installed.

1. Websites offering deals too good to be true

Plenty of companies advertise online offering schemes and grants for fast solar panel installation. If these deals look too good to be true, they probably are.

If you are 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 free or on the cheap

Emails offering cheap solar panels or appearing to be backed by a Government scheme could also be scammers, taking you to an seemingly-official website offering free or cheap installation.

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

3. Free solar panel online ads

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

4. Misleading online ads offering free solar panel checks

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

This should be arranged with the company that installed the panels directly, so avoid any misleading ads offering free health checks – they’re likely going to be trying to sell you something you don’t need.

5. Spam emails claiming your existing panels or inverter need changing

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

Solar panels are usually covered by a manufacturer warranty, so avoid accepting help from an unknown source, and contact the company that installed the panels directly if you have any concerns.

What is the right way to get solar panels fitted?

The Energy Saving Trust charity 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 large discounts for signing on the spot. The cheapest installer may not necessarily be the best for you.’

A spokesman for trade body UK Solar says: ‘Driving out the very small number of cowboy operations in the sector is one of the priorities for Solar Energy UK and MCS, the standards body for the sector.

‘With energy prices as they are, demand for solar power has gone through the roof. But this has attracted some unwelcome operators.

‘For installations of solar PV, solar thermal and battery storage systems, MCS certification is absolutely vital. Membership of Solar Energy UK provides some extra reassurance above and beyond MCS certification.’

They added that ‘no-one in their right mind should go near any installer that is not MCS certified’ as it means a guarantee of safe, quality work.

Loop energy expert Dr Steve Buckley says: ‘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 offering them at a bargain price, or even free.

‘A quick Google of free solar panel schemes will throw up a number of companies looking to target customers hoping to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.’

‘Companies may try to lure you in with higher energy savings following the installation of solar panels, and while savings are dependent on factors like location, your house and number of panels installed, it’s important to understand the true impact solar installation can have on a household’s energy bills.

‘While there are many outstanding solar panel installers including Loop’s trusted partners, there are many online companies misleading customers into schemes that are simply too good to be true.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk