Why "free solar" is now a red flag
With ECO4 closed since 31 March 2026, there is no mainstream scheme that hands a typical household free panels. So when an unsolicited caller, doorstep agent or paid advert leads with "free solar panels", it is usually doing one of two things: trading on an out-of-date scheme, or using the word "free" to open the door to an expensive finance agreement. The word itself is the warning sign in 2026.
The eight warning signs
- Pressure to sign today — "this offer ends tonight" is a sales tactic, not a real deadline.
- "Government-backed free panels" — there is no such national scheme for most households in 2026.
- Vague eligibility — real schemes have specific, checkable criteria. "Everyone qualifies" is false.
- No MCS certification — without it you lose SEG access and consumer protections.
- Finance hidden behind "free" — if there is a monthly payment, it is funded, not free. Demand the total repayable.
- No written quote — a refusal to put figures and contract terms in writing is disqualifying.
- Cold contact — unsolicited calls and doorstep visits deserve extra scepticism.
- Upfront fees to "secure funding" — legitimate funding never asks you to pay a fee to access it.
The checks that keep you safe
- Confirm the installer is MCS-certified and check their registration at mcscertified.com.
- Look for membership of a consumer-protection body such as RECC or HIES, with insurance-backed workmanship.
- Get everything in writing: system size, price, any finance APR and total repayable, and contract length.
- Never sign on the first visit. Take the paperwork away and compare at least one other quote.
- For finance, check the agreement is regulated and that the monthly cost genuinely sits below your modelled saving.
What a legitimate funded offer looks like
A real funded deal in 2026 is upfront about being funded. It says "0% VAT applies", or "here is the finance: this APR, this total repayable, this term", or "this is a PPA at this unit rate for this many years". It is delivered by an accredited installer who will tell you honestly if your roof is unsuitable. It does not need the word "free" to be a good deal — because the maths does the persuading.
Where to report a scam
If you have been targeted, report it to Citizens Advice consumer service (which feeds Trading Standards), and report scam adverts or calls to Action Fraud. If you have already signed something under pressure, you may have cancellation rights under consumer contract rules — act quickly and seek advice. Telling us about a dodgy offer also helps: we only ever connect you with installers we would use ourselves.