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Date Published: 23/04/2024

Four arrested in Spain-wide solar panel scam

The thieves scammed people from 17 municipalities in Spain and stole 24,000 euros

Four people have been arrested by Spain's Guardia Civil in Extremadura after an extensive probe into scams related to the online sale of solar panels in as many as 17 different municipalities.

Reportedly amassing 24,000 euros from unsuspecting clients, the suspects have allegedly been operating from four towns in Extremadura since June 2021, employing reputed online marketplace platforms to peddle bargain photovoltaic panels.

Posing as reliable vendors, the con artists instilled confidence in customers prior to soliciting payments via Bizum or other banking applications. Unfortunately, once the victims had paid their deposit, this was the last they heard from the thieves and no solar panels ever materialised.

Scammed customers were found in Badajoz, Caceres, Huelva, Ciudad Real, Huesca, Cordoba, Cadiz, Zaragoza, Valencia, Granada, Pontevedra, Madrid, Almeria, Las Palmas, Malaga, Jaen and Murcia.

How to avoid solar panel scams

Amidst rising consumer concerns, Micheál Ó Maoileóin, who works for solar energy efficiency platform Energy Efficiency Ireland, has offered some valuable suggestions to prevent falling prey to such schemes.

He cautioned users about the prevalence of such scams on widely used internet marketplaces and advised also researching established companies specialising in sourcing and setting up solar systems.

People who choose to buy their panels online rather than using local installers should stick with well-known websites

"Marketplaces like Amazon are also usually fairly safe when it comes to buying things online, as sellers can be vetted and verified with reviews, but we would still advise caution when carrying out any transaction online," Michael said.

"Solar panels are a fantastic way of saving money on monthly electricity bills, especially here in Spain, but if you are considering buying solar panels online, remember the old rule: 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," he concluded.

For a reliable solar panel company in Spain that you can trust, contact Ecocorp Solar today and get a free quote

Image: Guardia Civil

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