Trident West Industries shut over false solar grants
If you’re cold-called about a “government refund” for solar kit, pause. The Insolvency Service says London-based Trident West Industries Ltd has been wound up by the High Court after reports of doorstep sales and false refund promises tied to solar equipment and maintenance. A linked firm, Star Solar Ltd, went into voluntary liquidation in April 2025. Investigators recorded 80 complaints to Trading Standards and Action Fraud. More than £3.1 million entered the companies’ accounts between May 2023 and January 2025, yet only £7,010 was repaid despite complaints and County Court Judgments exceeding £413,000; the average complainant was 76. The winding-up order was made on Tuesday 28 October 2025.
Officials added that the common director said he had no control over company bank accounts and could not explain over £1 million of payments; the company also failed to file mandatory records on time. The Official Receiver has been appointed liquidator. The Insolvency Service called the conduct predatory and warned that using false “government refund” claims to secure up-front payments would not be tolerated.
What this means for you: there isn’t a blanket UK “government refund” for buying solar panels. There are real, limited schemes. The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for electricity you export back to the grid - it is not a purchase refund. ECO4 offers energy-efficiency help to eligible low‑income homes - again, not a universal grant. There is also 0% VAT on qualifying energy‑saving installations in Great Britain, including solar panels and certain batteries. If a salesperson promises a full refund from a government grant simply for signing today, treat it as a red flag.
Know your doorstep rights. If you sign a domestic contract away from a trader’s premises or at a distance and it’s £42 or more, you generally have 14 days to cancel. If the seller doesn’t give you the required written cancellation information, that cooling‑off period can extend by up to 12 months, and failing to provide it can be a criminal offence. Refunds after a valid cancellation must be made within 14 days. Keep everything in writing and keep proof you sent the cancellation.
A quick sense‑check before you pay helps. Ask the caller for their full legal name and company number, then look them up on the free Companies House “Find and update company information” service. Check recent filings and whether the firm is active. If you feel pressured, say you’ll decide after you’ve checked the details - then end the call or close the door.
If you’ve already paid and the goods don’t arrive or you cancel in time but the refund stalls, contact your card provider. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act can make a credit‑card issuer jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000. Debit‑card payments aren’t covered by Section 75, but the chargeback scheme may help; act quickly and keep evidence. If your bank refuses and you think that’s unfair, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Where to report. For fraud or scam sales tactics, report to Action Fraud online or by phone on 0300 123 2040. For consumer advice and to route issues to local Trading Standards, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Reporting builds patterns that help protect others - and you’ll get tailored next steps for your case.
If someone at the door insists there’s a grant that “covers everything”, slow the moment down. Ask for written information, a total price including VAT, and time to read the contract. Then check the reality of schemes like SEG or ECO4 on Ofgem and the VAT rules on GOV.UK before agreeing to anything. A legitimate installer will give you space to think.
For classrooms and study groups, try this story as a short case study. First, spot the red flags in the pitch. Next, map the legal timeline: agreement on the doorstep, 14‑day cooling‑off, written cancellation, refund deadline. Finally, practise a two‑minute phone script that says “no”, asks for the firm’s details, and commits to checking Companies House before any decision.