You’ve probably seen ads claiming you can get free solar panels – but if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. While these offers sometimes contain a grain of truth (otherwise companies couldn’t advertise them), there’s almost always a hidden catch. Many businesses promoting “free solar” are simply looking to collect your personal date to sell on or use for future marketing.
After speaking with countless homeowners across Essex, we’ve seen every type of solar scam imaginable. Below are two of the most common offers promising “free” solar panels – ones that either leave you unqualified or worse off financially.
Leasing Solar Panels
Although less common today, some companies still promote lease based solar schemes. While a standard solar installation can cut your electricity bills by as much as 70% from the first day, leasing tells a different story. These agreements allow you to use the panels, but they come with monthly payments that nearly match the savings on your bill. So while you might be saving £80 a month on electricity, you could be paying £75 toward the lease.
Over time, this means paying far more than if you had simply bought the system outright or used finance in the first place. When the lease ends, you often inherit low quality or an outdated system. Leasing companies frequently install cheaper or second hand panels because they have no incentive to provide premium equipment once your contract ends.
Government Funded Solar Panels
At present, the only legitimate residential energy grant is the ECO4 scheme, designed to support low income households and accessed directly through your energy supplier. Ads claiming that “your postcode qualifies for free solar” are almost always tactics to harvest personal details. Installers cannot decide who receives ECO4 funding – and most advertising around it is intentionally misleading.
If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
Solar is now one of the most affordable ways to reduce your energy bills long term, with prices dropping over 80% in the last decade. If you can invest upfront, you’ll start benefiting from real savings immediately. If you can’t buy outright, flexible finance options and Green Energy Loans are available that can usually be offset against savings.
If you’re exploring solar for your home in Essex, request a free design and quote from a trusted local installer. No pressure, no gimmicks, just clear, honest information to help your take back control of your energy costs.
The only way is solar.