08/05/2025
HOW TO AVOID COMMON SOLAR SCAMS
Be on alert for the following red flags 🚩
🌞Unsolicited Contact: Cold calls or door-to-door sales from pushy salespeople offering 'limited time' offers
🌞Too-good-to-be-true prices: If the price is significantly lower than other quotes, it may indicate the use of poor quality components or no installation at all
🌞High-pressure sales tactics: Scammers often pressure you to sign contracts on the spot or claim government rebates will expire 'tomorrow'
🌞No accreditation: Legitimate providers are accredited with the Clean Energy Council (CEC). Scammers typically lack this certification
🌞Poor or no online presence: Reputable companies will have verifiable websites, reviews and contact details
FAKE SOLAR DEALS, the common traps
😡Phantom installers: Some fraudsters take deposits and the disappear without completing any work
😡Non-compliant products: Panels or inverters that do not meet Australian standards may not qualify for government rebates and could be unsafe
😡Inflated ROI Claims: Promising unrealistic high savings on electricity bills is a tactic to lure buyers
😡'Free Solar' Promises: Some schemes promise free systems via government funding, but often include hidden fees in the fine print of the contract
The key to avoiding scams lies in choosing reputable solar companies. Take the time to research potential solar installers thoroughly. Look for companies with a proven tract record, positive customer reviews, and relevant industry accreditations.
HOW YOU CAN ENSURE YOUR SOLAR INSTALLER IS TRUSTWORTHY
✅Check their licensing and accreditations: Always confirm that the company and its installers are accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC)
✅Read and check online reviews, testimonials and references: Research customer feedback. Pay attention to positive and negative feedback
✅Ask for detailed and multiple solar quotes: Legitimate companies provide transparent quotes with clear breakdowns for equipment, installation and warranties. Obtain quotes from at least three different solar companies. Avoid companies that wont itemise costs
✅Look for a strong warranty and after-sales service: Scammers often provide vague or non-existent warranty terms. It is important to understand the warranty coverage for the panels, inverter and workmanship. A reputable company will provide comprehensive warranties and have a transparent process for addressing any issues that may arise after installation
✅Avoid unrealistic claims: Be sceptical of companies claiming your solar system will eliminate your bill or pay for itself in under a year.
✅Verify their physical address and contact details: Legitimate businesses will have a verified physical address and readily available contact information. Be wary of companies that only provide a mobile number or PO Box
✅Don't be afraid to ask questions:: A trustworthy solar company will be happy to answer all your questions clearly and patiently. If a company is evasive or unable to provide satisfactory answers, its a red flag 🚩
HOW TO REPORT A SUSPECTED SOLAR SCAM
📱Contact Consumer Affairs or Fair Trading in your state or territory
📱Report to the Clean Energy Regulator if the installer is misusing the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme(SRES)
📱Submit a complaint to ACCC's Scamwatch website for national tracking and support
Information provided by Energy Matters (https://www.energymatters.com.au)
