Energy expert warns against substandard solar components

A smart energy expert, Orebiyi Godfrey, has warned Nigerians the use of against substandard solar components, citing premature equipment failure, avoidable replacement costs and potential safety risks.

Godfrey gave the warning in an interview with our reporter in Abuja on Monday.

He urged consumers to prioritise product quality and certification when purchasing solar equipment.

He said the widespread availability of substandard components remained a major challenge in Nigeria’s solar energy market, with cheap or counterfeit products often failing shortly after installation.

According to him, many solar system failures within the first year or two of installation usually result from inferior components and poor installation practices rather than defects in the technology itself.

“Many solar failures within the first year or two are due to cheap or fake components combined with poor installation,” he told NAN.

Godfrey cited an estimate attributed to the Nigerian Energy Support Program, which suggests that up to 40 per cent of solar components in the Nigerian market do not meet international standards.

He said some sellers also misrepresented product quality, including placing fake Grade A labels on lower-grade solar panels to mislead unsuspecting consumers.

The expert recalled a client whose low-cost battery pack failed after only six months, noting that the subsequent replacement cost exceeded what purchasing a standard product initially would have cost.

He said uncertified batteries and inverters were among the products consumers needed to approach with caution because their poor quality could undermine the reliability and safety of solar installations.

“To protect yourselves, buy from reputable vendors and insist on verifiable product certifications. Do not prioritise price over quality, especially when it comes to batteries and inverters,” he advised.

Godfrey further urged prospective solar users to verify product specifications and certification claims before making purchases, adding that professional installation was equally important to ensure the equipment performed safely and efficiently.

He said greater consumer awareness and responsible purchasing decisions would help reduce avoidable equipment failures, financial losses and safety problems associated with substandard solar products.