10 Most Common Solar Scams in Pakistan and How to Avoid Them
1. Fake or Unregistered Solar Companies
2. “Free Solar Panels” or Fake Subsidy Offers
3. Low Price First, High Price Later (Bait-and-Switch)
Ask for a written quotation including:
4. Fake or Low-Quality Solar Panels
5. Wrong Inverter for Net Metering
7. Cheap Wiring and Protection Devices
10. Monitoring and Access Control Scam
Solar energy is growing fast in Pakistan. Rising electricity bills and load-shedding have pushed homes and businesses toward solar systems. Unfortunately, where money flows, scams follow. Many people lose lakhs of rupees not because solar is bad, but because they trust the wrong installer or don’t know what to check.
This guide explains the 10 most common solar scams in Pakistan in simple words and shows how you can protect yourself before spending your hard-earned money.
1. Fake or Unregistered Solar Companies
The Scam
Some so-called solar companies exist only on Facebook or WhatsApp. They take advance payments, start partial work, and then disappear. No office, no NTN, no accountability.
How to Avoid
Always verify:
Physical office location
Company registration or NTN
Previous installations you can visit
Never pay full advance to a company you haven’t verified.
2. “Free Solar Panels” or Fake Subsidy Offers
The Scam
Scammers claim solar panels are free under a government scheme. Later, hidden charges appear as installation fees, maintenance, or leasing contracts.
How to Avoid
There is no free solar panel program in Pakistan for residential users. Any installer claiming free panels is misleading you. Ask for official documents from government departments.
3. Low Price First, High Price Later (Bait-and-Switch)
The Scam
You’re quoted a very low price on call. After site visit, costs suddenly increase due to “extra wiring,” “structure cost,” or “net metering fees.”
How to Avoid
Ask for a written quotation including:
Panels
Inverter
Structure
Wiring
Net metering process
No verbal promises.
4. Fake or Low-Quality Solar Panels
The Scam
Panels are sold as premium brands but are actually:
Old stock
Refurbished
Fake-labeled
Lower wattage than promised
This scam reduces system output quietly.
How to Avoid
Check:
Panel serial numbers
Manufacturing date on back sheet
Watt rating physically printed
Original datasheet from manufacturer
5. Wrong Inverter for Net Metering
The Scam
Installer sells a non-export inverter for net metering. System works, but exported units are never credited. You lose savings every month.
How to Avoid
Confirm:
Inverter supports grid export
Model approved for net metering
Monitoring app access is given to you
6. Net Metering Delay Trap
The Scam
Installer delays net metering paperwork intentionally. Your system runs without export for months. Bills remain high, and installer gives excuses.
How to Avoid
Include net metering timeline in contract. Track application yourself through DISCO portals and demand document copies.
7. Cheap Wiring and Protection Devices
The Scam
Low-quality DC cables, breakers, and surge protectors are installed instead of promised ones. This causes:
Power loss
Fire risk
Inverter damage after a year
How to Avoid
Ask for:
Pure copper DC cables
Branded breakers and SPDs
Earthing and grounding test report
8. Overselling System Size
The Scam
Installer recommends a larger system than needed to increase profit. Homeowner pays extra but doesn’t recover cost through savings.
How to Avoid
Demand:
Load calculation
Past electricity bill analysis
Monthly unit consumption comparison
9. Fake Warranty Promises
The Scam
Installer promises 10–25 years warranty verbally. Later you discover:
Warranty is installer-based
No local service center
Company shuts down
How to Avoid
Warranty must be:
Manufacturer-backed
Written
Verifiable online or via serial number
10. Monitoring and Access Control Scam
The Scam
Installer keeps inverter app access. Faults, low generation, or export issues remain hidden. Customer can’t track real performance.
How to Avoid
Ensure:
Monitoring app is registered in your email
Full admin access is given
Training provided on usage
Extra Crucial Scams Most People Don’t Know
Mixed panel batches reduce long-term output
Wrong tilt angle reduces annual generation
Undersized structures rust and weaken in 2 years
Fake grounding risks equipment damage
Old import stock sold at new prices
These issues don’t show immediately but silently reduce your solar investment.
Golden Rules to Stay Safe
Never rush decisions
Compare at least 3 installers
Verify equipment physically
Avoid 100% advance payment
Demand paperwork and timelines
Conclusion
Solar energy is a smart investment in Pakistan, but only when done correctly. Most solar scams happen due to lack of awareness, not bad technology. If you understand what to check and ask the right questions, you can save money, avoid stress, and enjoy true solar benefits for 20+ years.
