Vigilance is Crucial in Buying and Selling
Search4Solar looks very critically at both buyers and sellers on our platform. We protect our customers by making payments only after we have inspected the goods or when they come from our preferred vendors. However, both purchasing and selling solar panels carry risks. Recently, PV Magazine Germany warned of a new wave of fraud in the sector.
Fraud Scheme: Solar Panels Ordered but Never Paid for
Fraudsters use false identities to place solar panel orders with wholesalers. They create professional websites that mimic legitimate companies and contact trustworthy suppliers. These suppliers deliver the solar panels based on usual payment terms, but payments are never received. The fraudsters then disappear with the goods, which are often quickly resold to unsuspecting buyers. This is a growing problem in Germany, with multiple six-figure losses reported. Since the products are officially considered “stolen,” defrauded wholesalers can attempt to reclaim their goods, but this process is complicated and costly.
Some fraudsters even build a reputation by initially paying for small orders correctly, only to suddenly stop paying for larger orders later. This makes it difficult for suppliers to identify suspicious parties.
How Search4Solar Minimizes This Risk
At Search4Solar, we implement strict checks on both buyers and sellers. This means:
Sellers are assured of paying customers, as we only work with verified parties.
Each seller is thoroughly screened, including location checks of the solar panels, verification of documents such as flash lists, and delivery terms.
Orders are paid for in parts and picked up gradually, so sellers do not risk losing entire inventories without payment.
Our CEO & Founder Bart Wansink warns:
“During shortages, it’s crucial to double-check who is selling what. Are the solar panels really at the indicated location? Is there a valid serial number and quality report available? And is the payment process securely set up?”
The market is picking up, but that doesn't mean we should become careless. By staying critical and working with reliable partners, we ensure that the solar energy sector remains healthy and transparent.
Do you want to sell or buy solar panels via a secure and reliable platform? Contact Search4Solar and benefit from our expertise and screening processes. 
