Solar Scam Calls: How Green Energy Group and Others Target Homeowners

"Green Energy Group" and "Green Energy Solutions" are names frequently reported by consumers receiving unsolicited solar telemarketing calls. With 320 monthly searches for "solar scam" and thousands of complaints filed with the FTC, these calls represent a significant consumer protection issue.

This guide explains how these scam operations work, how to identify fraudulent calls, and most importantly, how to stop the harassment and protect yourself from identity theft.

What Are Green Energy Group Calls?

Green Energy Group (and similar names like Green Energy Solutions) are often used by solar telemarketing operations that:

Spoof local phone numbers – Calls appear to come from your area code
Claim utility partnerships – False associations with major energy companies
Promise dramatic savings – "50% off your electric bill guaranteed"
Request sensitive information – Utility account numbers, social security numbers
Use high-pressure tactics – "This program ends today"

These are typically not legitimate companies. The names are generic enough to sound credible while being difficult to trace or verify.

How the Scam Works

Phase 1: The Initial Call

The caller may claim to be:

A representative from your utility company
A "federal energy program" administrator
A contractor for "free solar panel" installation
An official from the "green energy initiative"

Common opening lines:

"We're calling about the new solar rebate program in your area"
"Your utility company asked us to contact you about energy savings"
"You qualify for free solar panels through the federal program"
"We're verifying your account to process your solar application"

Phase 2: Information Gathering

The caller will request:

Your utility account number
Social Security number (for "verification")
Credit card or bank account information
Homeowner status confirmation
Roof age and condition details

This information can be used for:

Identity theft
Unauthorized utility account changes
Credit card fraud
Selling your data to other marketers

Phase 3: The Switch or Sale

Once they have your information, scammers may:

Switch your utility supplier without consent (slamming)
Sign you up for solar leases you didn't agree to
Charge your credit card for "processing fees"
Sell your lead to aggressive door-to-door sales teams

Red Flags: How to Identify Scam Calls

Immediate Warning Signs

Red Flag	What It Means	Your Response
Refuses to provide callback number	Likely spoofed/burner phone	Hang up immediately
Demands utility account number	Trying to switch your service without consent	Never provide it
"Free solar panels" offer	Classic bait for lease traps or identity theft	End the call
Pressure to decide today	Prevents you from researching	Take your time
Can't name your actual utility	Not affiliated with your provider	Verify independently
Requests SSN or payment info	Identity theft attempt	Hang up and report
Blocked or suspicious number	Spoofed caller ID	Don't answer unknown numbers

Legitimate vs. Scam Indicators

Legitimate solar companies typically:

Schedule appointments rather than demand immediate decisions
Provide written information before asking for personal data
Have verifiable business licenses and physical addresses
Don't request utility account numbers over the phone
Allow time for research and comparison shopping

Scam operations typically:

Refuse to send written information first
Get aggressive when questioned
Claim urgency that doesn't exist
Request sensitive information immediately
Use vague or unverifiable company names

How to Stop Green Energy Group Calls

Immediate Actions

Hang up immediately – Don't engage or press buttons
Don't call back – Confirms your number is active
Block the number – On your phone and through your carrier
Report the call – Document for authorities

Register for Do Not Call

National Do Not Call Registry:

Website: donotcall.gov
Phone: [Removed] - Takes 31 days to become fully effective
Doesn't stop all calls (scammers ignore it)

Important: Legitimate telemarketers must stop calling within 31 days. Scammers ignore the registry, but registration helps identify illegal operations.

Call Blocking Solutions

Phone-Level Blocking:

iPhone: [Removed] Recent Calls → (i) → Block this Caller
Android: Recent Calls → Details → Block Number

Carrier-Level Blocking:

AT&T: Call Protect app (free)
Verizon: Call Filter (free version available)
T-Mobile: Scam Shield (free)
Sprint: Call Screener (free)

Third-Party Apps:

Nomorobo ($1.99/month)
Hiya (free and paid versions)
RoboKiller ($3.99/month)
Truecaller (free and paid versions)

Report the Calls

Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

Report at: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Or call: 1-877-FTC-HELP
Include: Number, time, what they claimed, any information given

Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

Report at: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
Select "Phone" → "Unwanted Calls"

Your State Attorney General:

Most states have consumer protection divisions
Can take action against in-state operations
Search: "[Your State] Attorney General consumer protection"

If You Already Gave Information

Utility Account Number

Immediate steps:

Call your actual utility company – Report potential slamming
Monitor your utility bills – Watch for supplier changes
Place a freeze – On utility account changes if possible
Document everything – Dates, times, what you provided

Social Security Number

Critical actions:

Place fraud alert – Contact one credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
Credit freeze – Freeze all three bureaus immediately
Monitor credit reports – Check for new accounts monthly
Identity theft report – File at identitytheft.gov
IRS alert – Contact IRS at

Credit Card or Bank Information

Immediate steps:

Contact your bank/credit card company – Report potential fraud
Request new cards – With different numbers
Monitor statements – Daily for 30 days, then weekly
Change online passwords – If you provided any

Understanding Solar Telemarketing Laws

Legal Telemarketing Requirements

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requires:

Prior express written consent for robocalls to cell phones
Honor do-not-call requests immediately
Maintain internal do-not-call lists
Provide caller ID information
Only call between 8 AM and 9 PM local time

Penalties for violations:

$500-$1,500 per illegal call
Class action lawsuits possible
State-level fines and sanctions

What Scammers Count On

Telemarketing scammers exploit:

Low enforcement rates – Most calls aren't reported
International operations – Difficult to prosecute
Spoofed numbers – Hard to trace to actual source
Volume approach – Millions of calls, some victims
Embarrassment – Victims reluctant to report

Protecting Yourself Going Forward

Best Practices

Don't answer unknown numbers – Let voicemail screen calls
Never provide personal information – To unsolicited callers
Verify independently – Call companies back through official numbers
Use call blocking – At phone and carrier levels
Report every scam call – Helps authorities track patterns

Screening Questions for Legitimate Offers

If you do engage with a solar caller:

"What is your company's legal name and physical address?"
"Can you provide your state contractor license number?"
"What is your callback number that I can verify?"
"Can you send written information before I provide any details?"
"Who is your local installation partner in my area?"

Legitimate companies will provide this information. Scammers will get evasive or aggressive.

Related Resources

Receiving persistent solar scam calls? Our consumer protection team tracks telemarketing complaint patterns and can help you understand your options for stopping harassment.

Got scammed? Get help from our team