Four people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money laundering after elderly residents in Whitstable and Herne Bay allegedly paid for solar panel upgrades that were never carried out.
Kent Police arrested four people after elderly victims were allegedly cold-called and deceived into paying for unnecessary solar panel upgrades between 2023 and 2026, according to Kent Police. Detectives executed four warrants at properties in Whitstable, Herne Bay and Cambridgeshire.
A 36-year-old man from Whitstable and a 39-year-old man from Herne Bay were arrested on 14 July 2026. A 37-year-old woman from Whitstable had been arrested five days earlier, on 9 July. A 65-year-old man was arrested last year. All four were held on suspicion of fraud and money laundering and released pending further enquiries. Officers also conducted a non-custodial interview with a further man suspected of involvement.
In some cases, victims alleged that they were not refunded their payments when they requested them after the promised work was not carried out.
Detective Constable Darren Ousby urged people to be wary of out-of-the-blue approaches offering grants, upgrades or repairs to solar panels, whether by door, phone, letter or email. Legitimate companies give customers time to think rather than pushing for immediate payment. And if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Most victims in these cases are elderly. Kent Police is encouraging residents to have a word with older relatives, friends and neighbours about the risks from unsolicited solar panel approaches.
Key information
- Anyone who suspects a solar panel scam should report it to police immediately
- Do not feel pressured into paying quickly for any unsolicited solar panel offer
- Legitimate companies will allow time to review an offer before accepting