Across Europe, thousands of households have been trapped by fraudulent solar panel contracts. Misleading promises of “free electricity for life,” abusive financing schemes, and pressure sales tactics have pushed families into financial and legal distress. In France, one organization has become the reference point for defending citizens against these abuses: The Association for Victims of Photovoltaic Scams.

1. Mission and Purpose of the Association

The Association exists to protect, inform, and defend consumers who were targeted by fraudulent solar panel offers. It brings together legal experts, volunteers, and affected homeowners to build a collective response against unfair practices. Its objectives include:

Awareness — educating the public about high-risk sales practices.

Prevention — providing resources before contracts are signed.

Support — guiding victims through administrative and legal procedures.

Advocacy — lobbying institutions and courts to strengthen consumer rights.

2. The Context: How Photovoltaic Scams Operate

Fraudulent installers often exploit the renewable energy transition by promising extraordinary returns on investment. Typical tactics include:

Door-to-door sales disguised as “official government programs.”

Misleading claims about subsidies and tax credits.

Overpriced equipment financed through crédit affecté (linked credit agreements).

Contracts that waive consumer rights to withdrawal.

Companies that vanish after installation, leaving households with defective systems and long-term debt.

The Association has documented hundreds of similar cases, demonstrating that these scams are not isolated incidents but part of systemic malpractice.

3. How the Association Assists Victims

3.1. Initial Contact and Case Evaluation

Victims can reach out directly through the Association’s website. A first evaluation is conducted to determine whether the contract shows signs of fraud, misrepresentation, or abusive credit clauses.

3.2. Legal and Administrative Guidance

Members are provided with step-by-step instructions to contest their contracts. This includes model letters for withdrawal, formal notices to banks, and complaint templates for consumer authorities.

3.3. Collective Legal Action

By grouping similar cases, the Association increases its legal impact. Several courts have already annulled fraudulent credit contracts based on precedents supported by the Association’s work.

3.4. Psychological and Community Support

Beyond financial losses, scams create stress and feelings of helplessness. The Association offers a space where victims can share experiences, support one another, and regain confidence.

4. Concrete Results Achieved

Hundreds of contracts cancelled due to proven fraud.

Millions of euros in debts avoided for families across the country.

Dozens of court victories creating a growing body of case law against dishonest installers and lenders.

Institutional recognition — public authorities increasingly consult the Association for insight into fraudulent practices.

5. Educational Resources Provided

The Association has developed a series of practical tools to empower consumers:

Guides explaining consumer rights under French and European law.

Checklists to verify before signing any solar contract.

Sample letters to contest contracts, request withdrawal, or challenge abusive credit.

Case law library showing key court decisions favorable to victims.

These resources are constantly updated to reflect evolving legislation and court rulings.

6. Preventive Role in Society

While legal assistance is essential, prevention remains the most effective weapon against scams. The Association organizes:

Awareness campaigns in municipalities and local events.

Media collaborations with journalists to expose fraudulent networks.

Training sessions for lawyers, social workers, and municipal officers to identify fraud patterns.

By spreading knowledge, the Association hopes to stop scams before they begin.

7. Collaboration with Institutions

The fight against photovoltaic fraud requires coordinated action. The Association maintains dialogue with:

Consumer protection agencies such as the DGCCRF.

Financial mediators to contest abusive loans.

Environmental ministries to distinguish legitimate renewable programs from frauds.

Courts and lawyers who rely on the Association’s expertise in building strong cases.

8. A Growing Community of Solidarity

The Association is not just a legal resource; it is a movement of solidarity. Victims who recover often stay involved, helping new members avoid the traps they once fell into. This cycle of mutual aid has transformed despair into resilience, building a collective voice powerful enough to influence national debates on consumer protection.

9. Challenges Ahead in 2025

Despite victories, the landscape of fraud evolves. New tactics are emerging:

Fake online platforms promising “government-certified” solar offers.

Greenwashing campaigns masking financial traps.

Cross-border operations where fraudulent companies relocate abroad.

The Association must adapt by strengthening its monitoring capacity, reinforcing legal networks, and amplifying its communication campaigns.

10. How to Join and Contribute

Individuals can support the Association in several ways:

Membership — becoming a member provides access to resources and strengthens collective actions.

Donations — financial contributions help cover legal costs and awareness campaigns.

Volunteering — lawyers, journalists, and citizens can contribute their skills to the cause.

Testimonies — sharing personal experiences builds collective evidence against fraudulent networks.

11. International Perspective

Frauds in renewable energy are not limited to France. Similar scams are reported in Spain, Italy, Belgium, and beyond. By documenting cases and sharing its methods, the Association contributes to building a European shield against energy fraud. Its expertise is increasingly relevant as the continent accelerates its transition to renewable energy.

12. Conclusion — Empowering Consumers, Defending Justice

The Association for Victims of Photovoltaic Scams is more than an NGO: it is a lifeline for citizens betrayed in their trust. By combining legal action, education, prevention, and solidarity, it restores balance between vulnerable consumers and powerful fraudulent networks. Every contract annulled, every loan cancelled, every family protected is a victory for justice and for the credibility of the renewable energy transition.