As the UK moves towards more sustainable homes and the demand for solar panels, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies increases, it’s not surprising that criminals are trying to take advantage of this market.
There has been a significant increase in reports of green energy scams in recent months, with fraudulent operators pretending to be legitimate installers and offering supposedly “grant-funded” work without adequate documentation.
Victims are often targeted through unsolicited calls or online advertisements and
are asked to pay large upfront fees, only to discover that the promised work is never carried out.
TradeWatch UK recommends that consumers take the following precautions:
Always check installer credentials through reliable sources such as the Safe Trades Directory
Request written confirmation of eligibility for government programs
Avoid paying in full upfront or in cash, especially for initial consultations
For legitimate tradespeople in the green energy sector, transparency is essential. Clearly communicate which official programs you are affiliated with and provide complete documentation to reassure potential clients.
By working together, we can help eliminate these scams and protect the industry’s reputation.