Is a free government solar panel scheme cold call legitimate?
Usually not. Cold calls about free solar panels through a government scheme are frequently sales calls or scams harvesting your personal data and a deposit.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Government schemes that subsidise renewable energy improvements do exist, but they are administered through registered installers and housing authorities — not through cold calls promising free panels for qualifying homes. Callers who claim you qualify for a grant typically want to book a surveyor visit, collect personal details for 'eligibility checks', or ask for a small deposit or admin fee. Genuine schemes are found on the official government energy efficiency website and do not require you to act on a cold call. Independent tradespeople cold-calling about free government schemes may also upsell costly 'top-up' products or install substandard equipment.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call claiming you qualify for a free government scheme
- Caller asks for personal details including address and income
- Booking fee or survey deposit requested
- Urgency — deadline to apply or scheme ends soon
- Caller cannot name the specific government scheme or provide its registration
What to do now
- Check current government energy efficiency schemes on the official government website
- Do not provide personal details or pay any fee to a cold caller
- Register with your national do-not-call list to reduce cold calls
- Report misleading callers to your consumer protection authority
Frequently asked questions
Is a company with an official-sounding name making this call trustworthy?
Company names are easy to register. Always verify through the official government scheme portal and check the installer's certification on the relevant regulatory body's register.