Most solar and heat pump scams in Canada follow the same script: an unsolicited pitch, urgent pressure to sign, exaggerated savings or "government program" claims, and financing terms the homeowner doesn't fully understand. You can avoid nearly all of them by never signing on the spot, verifying any rebate claim yourself, reading every page of the contract, and knowing your provincial right to cancel.
Key takeaways
- No legitimate government program sends salespeople door to door to sign you up on the spot.
- High-pressure tactics, "today only" pricing and promises of a $0 bill are the clearest warning signs.
- Financing and rental agreements can include liens or long contracts that complicate selling your home.
- Most provinces give you a cooling-off period to cancel a door-to-door contract — learn yours before you need it.
- Verify rebates independently using our rebate finder, not the salesperson's word.
The most common scams and high-pressure tactics
"Government program" impersonation
A caller or visitor says they're "with the government energy program" or "partnered with your utility" and need to inspect your furnace, water heater or roof. Real utilities and government programs rarely show up unannounced to sell equipment. Ask for identification, take their name and company, and call the utility or program using a number you look up yourself.
Inflated savings promises
Claims like "you'll never pay a power bill again" or "this heat pump pays for itself in two years" should make you skeptical. Solar typically offsets the energy portion of your bill, not fixed delivery charges, and heat pump savings depend on your current fuel, local prices and your home's insulation. A realistic quote shows estimated annual production or efficiency and explains its assumptions.
Rebate bait
Some sellers advertise rebates that have ended, quote the maximum possible amount as if everyone qualifies, or imply you must sign with them to get the money. Programs change frequently, and several well-known federal programs have closed in recent years. Always check current eligibility through official sources and our rebate finder before relying on any rebate in your budget.
Rental and financing traps
Equipment rentals and some financing deals can lock you into long contracts — sometimes 10 to 15 years — at a total cost well above the purchase price. Some lenders or rental companies register a notice of security interest (NOSI) or similar lien against your property, which can surface when you sell or refinance. Ontario has moved to restrict NOSIs on consumer goods after years of complaints, but rules vary by province. Before signing, ask:
- What's the total amount I'll pay over the full term?
- Is any lien or security interest registered against my home?
- What does it cost to buy out or cancel early?
- What happens if I sell the house?
Our financing guide explains loan, rental and lease options in plain language.
Bait-and-switch equipment
The quote lists a well-known brand or model, but something cheaper shows up on installation day. Make sure the contract lists exact model numbers, and check equipment before the crew leaves.
Storm-chasers and fly-by-night installers
After a hailstorm or a big rebate announcement, new companies appear quickly. Check how long a company has operated, whether its licences and insurance are real, and whether it has a local address and service team.
Door-to-door sales: know your rights
Door-to-door selling isn't automatically a scam, but it's where pressure tactics are most common. Provinces regulate it through consumer protection laws, typically called "direct sales" or "direct agreements".
| Protection | What it generally means | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling-off period | You can cancel a door-to-door contract within a set number of days, often around 10, for any reason | Your provincial consumer protection office |
| Written contract | The seller must give you a written copy with specific details and cancellation information | Provincial consumer protection law |
| Extended cancellation | If required information is missing, you may have longer to cancel | Provincial consumer protection law |
| Product restrictions | Some provinces limit door-to-door sales of certain products — Ontario, for example, restricts unsolicited door-to-door contracts for items like furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters | Provincial rules |
Details differ by province, so treat this table as a starting point. Our province guides link to local resources, and Albertans can start with the Alberta guide.
If someone knocks
- You don't have to let anyone into your home, even to "inspect" equipment.
- Ask for a business card and written materials, then close the door.
- Never sign anything or hand over personal information, bills or banking details at the door.
- Don't share photos of your utility bill — they contain account numbers that can be used to switch your contracts.
- If you feel pressured or misled, report it to your provincial consumer protection office.
How to verify a company in 15 minutes
- Search the company's exact legal name plus "complaints" and "reviews".
- Look up any trade or electrical licence numbers with the issuing body.
- Check whether your provincial consumer protection office has enforcement records.
- Call one or two references from projects completed at least a year ago.
- Compare the quote against at least two others. Our guide on how to choose a renewable energy contractor has a full checklist.
What to do if you've already signed
- Act fast. Find the cancellation clause and the date you signed. If you're within the cooling-off period, cancel in writing using a method that leaves a record, such as registered mail or email, and keep copies.
- Don't let work start if you're planning to cancel.
- Contact your provincial consumer protection office for advice on your rights, especially if the contract was missing required information.
- Check for liens if you suspect one was registered against your property.
- Talk to your bank or card issuer if you paid a deposit and the company won't cooperate.
Frequently asked questions
Are all door-to-door solar or heat pump sellers scammers?
No. Some legitimate companies do canvass neighbourhoods. The issue is pressure: a good company will leave information, give you a written quote and wait while you compare. Anyone who insists you sign today is a red flag.
Can a company really put a lien on my house for a heat pump or water heater?
Depending on the province and the agreement, rental and financing companies have registered security interests related to equipment in homes, which can complicate a sale or refinance. Ask directly before signing, and read the contract for any reference to registration or security.
How do I know if a rebate a salesperson mentions is real?
Look it up yourself on the official program or utility website, or use our rebate finder. Never rely on a seller's description of eligibility or amounts.
The bottom line
Scams thrive on urgency and confusion. Slow down, get everything in writing, verify claims independently and know your cancellation rights. Legitimate solar, heat pump and battery installers will still be there next week — and the time you take to compare will almost always save you money and stress.
Sundamentals is an independent, non-profit education platform. Program details and prices change often — check current programs for your address in our rebate finder.