How to Protect Yourself from Solar Scams and Fraud in 2025

Introduction

With more Canadians than ever going solar—and generous federal grants on the table—scammers are taking notice. From fake rebate promises to “pop-up” installers who vanish after the cheque clears, solar scams in Canada are on the rise.

In this article, we’ll show you how to protect yourself. Learn how to spot suspicious companies, verify real credentials, and avoid losing money to shady clean energy deals.

Watch Out for High-Pressure Sales Tactics

The number one red flag? A salesperson who wants you to sign right now.

Tactics to avoid:

• “This rebate expires today!”
• “We’re only in your area for one week.”
• “We just installed your neighbour’s system.”
• “All we need is a signature to start the process.”

Real Example: A homeowner in Ottawa was told they’d lose a $7,500 rebate if they didn’t sign that day. The grant was actually available for another 8 months.

What to do instead:

Always take 48 hours to review quotes and compare offers. No real rebate program requires same-day sign-up.

Never Pay in Full Upfront

Legitimate companies use milestone payments, not full prepayment.

What scammers do:

• Ask for full payment before permits or materials are ordered
• Use e-transfers or ask for cheques made out to personal names
• Refuse to provide official invoices

Look for contracts with clear payment terms, such as:

• 10–15% deposit
• 40–50% after permit approval or site work
• Final payment after inspection

Tip: If a contractor can’t show a business GST number or insurance certificate—walk away.

Verify Business Credentials and Insurance

A surprising number of scammy “installers” have no legal presence at all. Before hiring anyone, confirm:

Must-haves:

• Provincial electrical licence (Red Seal or equivalent)
• Business registration in your province
• $2M+ liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation coverage (e.g., WSIB, WorkSafeBC, CNESST)

Use these tools:

• ESA Contractor Lookup – Ontario
• Technical Safety BC Directory
• Solar Alberta Installer Directory

Ask for a copy of their insurance policy and electrical licence before signing anything.

Beware of Fake Rebate or Grant Claims

Scammers will often dangle fake rebates, grants, or zero-cost offers to hook homeowners.

Common fake claims:

• “The government is giving away free solar panels.”
• “You’ve been pre-approved for a $10,000 grant.”
• “This program is exclusive to your area and ends tonight.”
• “We’ll apply on your behalf—just give us your banking info.”

Fact: You must book a certified NRCan Energy Advisor to access Greener Homes rebates. No one else can pre-qualify you.

Learn more about real rebates at Natural Resources Canada’s website or use Solenery’s lookup tool.

Use Caution with Door-to-Door Sales

Door-to-door solar sales are legal—but often unregulated and ripe for abuse.

Risk factors:

• The rep refuses to give a business card or ID
• You’re asked to sign a tablet or “pre-approval form”
• They say the audit or system design is “free” with no documents

What to ask:

• “Are you an employee or a subcontractor?”
• “Can I see your electrical license and business registration?”
• “Do you have recent customers in my neighbourhood I can call?”

Tip: If someone shows up without notice and pressures you to decide on the spot, say “No thank you” and shut the door.

Search the Company Online Before Signing

A few minutes of research can reveal a lot.

Check for:

• Verified Google reviews with photos
• Presence on SolarReviews, Facebook, and LinkedIn
• Complaints at the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Their physical address and website contact info

Example: A Montreal homeowner found a company with slick marketing—but a 1.7-star average on Google and multiple BBB disputes for “no-show installs.”

Conclusion

The vast majority of solar contractors in Canada are honest professionals. But the clean energy boom has attracted a small group of scammers looking to take advantage of rushed decisions and government rebates.

Use these tips to stay protected, ask the right questions, and make a smart investment in your home and your future.