How can you spot a solar scam?

Our solar teams speak with our current and prospective customers every day, and have noticed a worrying rise in the numbers of people reporting scams to us. Here are some of the common themes that have been reported:

• Scams masquerading as government grants such as the ‘Green Homes Scheme’. This scam is targeting UK homes with solar panels. It claims to offer customers a £4,000 grant and a 10p uplift to their Feed-in Tariff (FIT) payments – but only if they agree to upgrade their solar panels. This is not a genuine offer. FIT payments are set by the government and cannot be changed by anyone else. What’s more, some changes to your system could lose your entitlement to FIT payments altogether.  

• Companies falsely claiming your original installer has gone out of business, pushing you to join them for an expensive servicing or maintenance package for exceptionally long periods.
• Companies pressuring you to replace perfectly good equipment. This might include pressure to upgrade your ‘broken’ inverter which could impact your ability to claim FIT payments; or fearmongering around your system being unsafe. We’ve even been made aware of individuals knocking on customers doors, gaining access, turning off a customer’s inverter and claiming it’s broken so the customer buys an expensive replacement.

Here are some general red flags to look out for:

• Unsolicited contact – Cold calls, doorstep visits, or unexpected emails from companies you don’t know.
• Pressure to act fast – Scammers rush you into decisions. Reputable companies give you time to think.
• Poor communication – Spelling mistakes, vague details, or no clear contact information can be signs of a scam.
• Targeting the vulnerable – Scammers often target vulnerable people such as the elderly, or people living with dementia, asking them to sign for expensive work. It’s important to know that even if you, or a family member has signed for the work, you are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period and can cancel the work.

How can you protect yourself from being scammed?

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing solar system, or install new solar panels, here’s how to make sure you’re getting quality work from a reputable installer.

• Use MCS-accredited installers – This ensures work meets industry standards and is properly documented.
• Never sign under pressure – Take your time to review quotes and options before you sign for work; and remember you’re entitled to a 14 day cooling off period.
• Do your research – Check reviews, request case studies, and confirm credentials before choosing your installer.
• Speak to your FIT provider – If you’re with Good Energy, we’re happy to advise you on compliant upgrades.

What could happen if you fell for a solar scam?

Scams don’t just hit your wallet – they can affect your whole solar setup:

• You might pay for work you don’t need – and that isn’t completed correctly.
• You could lose your Feed-in Tariff payments if non-compliant changes are made to your system.
• Your system’s performance might be degraded, especially if low-quality components are installed.

What should you expect from Good Energy?

If we are your Feed-in Tariff administrator:

• We’ll never share your details with a third party.
• Any official communications about your FiT will come directly from us, and will be clearly marked with our branding and your name.
• As a registered solar installer and FIT licencee, we understand how to upgrade solar systems while safeguarding FIT payments. Before committing to any upgrades, please reach out to us for advice so we can help you understand your options and protect your payments.
  

If we installed your solar panels:

• We won’t pass your information on to another company.
• If we were unable to continue servicing your area, we’d let you know directly and introduce you to a recommended company.
• We would never pressure you to upgrade your system or agree to a quick sale. You can trust us to only make transparent recommendations that work for your home and your needs.
  

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect your investment and your peace of mind. And if you’re a Good Energy customer, you can rest assured: we’ll never cold call you, pressure you, or share your details with anyone else. If you’re ever unsure whether a letter or offer is genuine, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

The post How to spot solar scams – and what to expect from us appeared first on Good Energy.

1. Troubleshoot

Has your system lost connection to the internet? Does it have power or has one of the circuit breakers tripped your fusebox? Investigate and try to rectify these issues first.

2. Turn your system off for one minute

Locate the solar PV circuit breaker in your consumer unit, or the Tesla Energy Gateway if you have this installed, and flick to the off position. Then locate the solar PV isolator (red switch) and rotate to the off position. If fitted, locate the DC isolator (black rotating switch) and rotate this to the off position too.

If your battery has stopped working, rotate the rotary isolator (red switch) to the off position.

After one minute, turn all of the switches back to the on position. If step 2 hasnt resolved the problem move onto step 3.

3. Contact the manufacturer

Your system manufacturer will have quick and direct access to adjust settings and review faults remotely. Contact your relevant manufacturer and provide a description of the fault, they will be able to advise you of any further troubleshooting.

MyEnergi (Zappi car charger / Eddi hot water controller)
0333 300 1303

4. Contact Good Energy Solar

If your system is still down, please contact us providing the following information:

• Product information
• Relevant pictures
• Information provided by the manufacturer
• Description of the fault
• Your contact information

Email us: askanexpert@goodenergy.co.uk
Call us: 0345 034 0755

The post Solar and battery: What to do if something goes wrong? appeared first on Good Energy.

What’s included?

Solar maintenance visit
(All packages)

• Checking your inverter is working correctly and investigating any error codes.
• Conducting a full system performance and diagnostics check
• Testing each solar string to ensure no issues with your panels
• Functional testing of all associated switch gear
• Ensuring your generation meter is recording accurately
• Visually checking the solar panels from ground level
• Checking wiring and associated CT clamps are present and in working order
• Checking your associated equipment including battery storage and hot water controllers.
• Producing a detailed report on your system condition and recommended actions.
  

Remote monitoring
(All packages)

Our team will proactively monitor SolarEdge and Enphase systems through their respective monitoring platforms to ensure optimal performance. Systems utilising other inverter platforms will not receive daily monitoring.

Where faults occur the team will first try and fix remotely, where it is necessary to come to site they will give you the option of a timing alongside next annual system inspection or scheduling a separate call out.

To provide this service, we will need access to certain information, including your system details, name, address, email address, and phone number. If you would prefer to opt out of remote monitoring, please let us know by emailing solarcare@goodenergy.co.uk

Annual solar panel clean
(Advanced and Ultimate Care)

Panel cleaning will be scheduled and performed by us or our trusted partners once a year. If additional access measures are required for panel cleaning, the sales team will include additional access costs in your contract. If applicable, these costs will be invoiced separately following completion of the service.

Free call outs for fault repairs
(Ultimate Care only)

Free callouts apply only where a fault with the equipment or system covered by the Maintenance Contract, cannot reasonably be resolved through remote diagnostics, monitoring, configuration or advice. They do not include visits for training, education, demonstrations, system familiarisation, or general advice where no fault is present.

Free callouts include labour only. The cost of any replacement parts, consumables or roof access equipment is excluded, unless such items are covered under an applicable manufacturer warranty.

Book your solar maintenance visit

To book your solar maintenance visit, email solarcare@goodenergy.co.uk

The post What happens during a solar panel maintenance visit? appeared first on Good Energy.