Real Solar / Energy Grant vs Green-Energy Scam
How to tell a genuine government or utility-funded energy-efficiency grant from a fraudulent cold-caller using green energy subsidies as a pretext to steal personal data or charge illegal upfront fees.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Genuine government energy grants and subsidies are available in many countries, but scammers exploit public awareness of these schemes by cold-calling homeowners, claiming they qualify for free solar panels or insulation, then charging hidden fees or stealing personal and bank details.
Side-by-side comparison
| Real energy efficiency grant | Green-energy scam | |
|---|---|---|
| How you hear about it | Advertised on the government or energy regulator's official website; applied for proactively through an approved installer | Unsolicited phone call, doorstep visit, or social media ad claiming you have been 'selected' |
| Upfront fees | Government-backed grants are free at the point of application; approved installers are vetted and paid by the scheme | Asks for a deposit, admin fee, or survey charge before any work begins |
| Installer accreditation | Installer is registered with an official accreditation body (e.g., TrustMark or MCS in the UK) | Installer cannot provide accreditation numbers; pressure to sign before you can verify |
| Application process | Application goes through a named government portal or official scheme with reference numbers | Application is handled 'on your behalf' with no reference number or official documentation |
| Pressure tactics | No time pressure; grant availability is published and deadlines are clear | 'This offer expires today' or 'only a few slots left in your area' |
| Data requested | Standard personal and property information via a secure official portal | Asks for bank account details, National Insurance number, or utility login credentials over the phone |
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call or doorstep visit claiming you have been pre-approved for a grant
- Request for a deposit or admin fee before the grant is confirmed
- Installer cannot provide a verifiable accreditation number
- Urgency tactics such as 'offer closes today' or 'limited area availability'
- Asked to share bank account details or utility account credentials
Verification steps
- Check the official government energy scheme website directly — search for the scheme name through the government's main domain rather than from any contact you received
- Verify the installer's accreditation number against the relevant industry body's public register before agreeing to any work
- Never pay any fee before the grant has been formally confirmed in writing from the scheme administrator
What not to do
- Do not agree to any work or payment based on an unsolicited call or doorstep visit
- Do not provide bank account or National Insurance details to a caller you did not initiate contact with
- Do not sign any contract before independently verifying the installer's accreditation
A safe response
End the unsolicited call or visit politely, then look up the genuine government energy scheme yourself. If you believe you qualify, apply through the official portal and request quotes from independently verified, accredited installers.
Frequently asked questions
Are there real government grants for solar panels?
Yes — various energy-efficiency schemes exist in different countries. The key difference is that legitimate grants are applied for proactively through official channels, not sold door-to-door.
I paid a deposit and now the installer won't return calls. What should I do?
Report to your national consumer protection authority and, if you paid by card, contact your bank to initiate a chargeback. Report the installer to the relevant accreditation body for the scheme.