Solar-Panel / 'Government Solar Program' High-Pressure Scam
High-pressure pitches claim a 'free government solar program' or guaranteed savings, then lock homeowners into costly loans, liens, or contracts with misrepresented terms.
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What this scam is
Homeowners are told about a 'government program' making solar free or nearly free, or promising guaranteed savings, with pressure to sign quickly. In reality, buyers can be locked into expensive long-term loans or leases, property liens, and terms that don't match the pitch, sometimes with forged documents or misrepresented tax credits. Some 'installers' take deposits and vanish. There's no blanket 'free government solar'; contracts should be reviewed carefully and never signed under pressure.
What it usually looks like
- Claims of a 'free' or 'government' solar program.
- Promises of guaranteed savings.
- High-pressure, sign-today tactics.
- Vague terms, loans, or liens buried in the contract.
Common warning signs
- 'Free government solar' claims.
- Pressure to sign immediately.
- Misrepresented savings or tax credits.
- Deposits to unverified installers.
Example wording scammers use
“New government program makes solar FREE for your home — but you must qualify today!”
“Guaranteed to cut your electric bill to zero; just sign here now.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your signature on costly loans/leases.
- Deposits and personal/financial data.
- To exploit energy-cost and 'free' appeal.
What to do
- Distrust 'free government solar' claims and sign-today pressure.
- Get multiple written quotes; read all loan/lease/lien terms.
- Verify tax-credit claims with a tax professional and the installer's licensing/reviews.
- Never sign under pressure.
What to do if you already responded
- Use any cancellation/cooling-off window in writing immediately.
- Consult an attorney if a lien or loan was placed.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your state AG.