Why this matters
Solar panels can be a good investment when the system is specified honestly, priced fairly and installed properly. The issue is not solar technology itself. The issue is whether the sale, installation or aftercare matched what you were told.
The word free can be misleading if the household later discovers a roof lease, maintenance condition, export arrangement or long-term obligation.
We are not a government scheme, energy supplier or solar installer. Solar Panel Advice Centre helps homeowners organise the facts, understand the likely route and decide whether a free case review is sensible.
Warning signs
the offer said free but the paperwork shows conditions or obligations
no upfront cost was used to move attention away from total cost
savings were presented as certain or guaranteed
you did not understand who owned the panels or export income
important conditions were only visible after signing
you felt pressured to accept before comparing options
What to keep
- advert or message using free or no upfront cost wording
- contract, lease, quote or offer paperwork
- quote and total amount payable
- sales illustration showing savings or export income
- emails, SMS, WhatsApp messages or call notes
- any cancellation or ownership information
Where the issue may fit
The right route depends on who made the offer, what was promised, what went wrong and what your documents show.
- mis-selling complaint about the free or no-cost wording
- mis-selling complaint if the free offer was not clearly explained
- review of ownership, lease or roof-rent obligations
- warranty or certification route if the system itself is faulty
How a free review helps
A free review is designed to sort the issue into the right category before you spend time on the wrong complaint. You can explain what happened in plain English, then add documents later if they are available.
The review normally looks at the sales promise, the written paperwork, the offer conditions, the installation position and any aftercare or warranty response.
FAQs
Can solar panels ever be free?
Some arrangements may be described as “free”, but that does not mean there are no conditions or responsibilities. The paperwork is what matters.
What if savings were meant to cover the cost?
Then the savings illustration, actual bills and offer paperwork are central evidence.
What should I do if the offer was not really free?
Do not take action based only on the word “free”. Review the paperwork and consider the appropriate complaint route.