Is a grant for free home insulation or solar panels a scam?
Government insulation and solar grant schemes are real, but cold calls or door-knockers offering them are frequently used to set up fraud or high-pressure selling.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Countries including the UK and US do operate legitimate energy-efficiency grant programmes (such as the UK's ECO scheme or the US Weatherization Assistance Program). However, this creates cover for fraudsters who cold-call or knock on doors claiming to access 'government grants' on your behalf. In some cases they are simply salespeople for expensive products that are not fully grant-funded. In others they charge upfront fees to apply for a grant that is actually free, or they conduct poor-quality installation work and disappear. Genuine grant applications are made through official government or energy-company portals and never require upfront cash payments. Always verify through the official government website for your country or region.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited call or door visit offering a government grant for your home
- Offer requires an upfront payment or deposit
- Pressure to decide immediately before the grant 'runs out'
- Installer cannot provide verifiable trade credentials or insurance
- Company name cannot be found on official trade or government installer registers
What to do now
- Check the official government website for legitimate grant schemes in your area
- Ask for written quotes and verify the installer's accreditation independently
- Never pay cash upfront for work promised under a government scheme
- Report aggressive or fraudulent approaches to your consumer protection body
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a legitimate home-insulation grant in the UK?
In the UK, check the official GOV.UK website for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. Installers must be MCS-certified and are listed on the official MCS register.