Energy experts have warned that counterfeit solar products are exposing Nigerians to fire hazards, equipment failure and financial losses as demand for alternative power sources continues to rise.
The experts gave the warning in separate interviews on Wednesday, urging consumers to purchase only genuine products from authorised dealers.
Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Managing Director of Wurvicat International Ltd., identified batteries, inverters, solar panels, charge controllers, cables and connectors as the solar products most commonly counterfeited.
She said fake batteries and inverters posed the greatest safety risks because they could overheat, fail prematurely and even trigger fire incidents.
Owolabi advised consumers to carefully inspect products before making purchases.
She urged buyers to verify manufacturers’ names, serial numbers, QR codes, certification labels, warranty documents and overall product quality.
The expert also encouraged consumers to examine product finishing and avoid equipment with poor workmanship, missing information or suspicious packaging.
“One simple piece of advice I always give is that if the price appears too good to be true, it probably is,” she said.
Owolabi noted that genuine products were rarely sold at unrealistically low prices because of manufacturing costs.
She added that qualified professionals could conduct performance and electrical tests to confirm product quality before installation.
However, she cautioned consumers against relying solely on serial numbers, QR codes and warranties.
“Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated,” she said.
Owolabi advised consumers to verify product details through manufacturers’ official platforms and request original invoices before making payment.
She also urged consumers to engage qualified engineers, noting that even genuine equipment could perform poorly if improperly designed, installed or maintained.
The expert called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen import inspections, enforce quality standards and intensify market surveillance.
She further advocated the use of tamper-proof certification stickers and tougher sanctions against importers and dealers found selling counterfeit solar products.
“An informed consumer is far less likely to become a victim,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Segun Ajayi, Solar Systems Installation Manager at Pure Volt Power Ltd., advised consumers to buy from authorised dealers and reputable solar companies.
Ajayi urged buyers to inquire about product certification, warranties, after-sales support and whether sellers were approved distributors.
He added that stronger regulation, improved product verification and sustained consumer education would help curb the circulation of counterfeit solar products.
