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 buy only genuine products from authorised dealers.

Atinuke Owolabi, managing director of Wurvicat International, said batteries, inverters, solar panels, charge controllers, cables, and connectors were the products most commonly counterfeited.

She said fake batteries and inverters posed the greatest safety risks because they could overheat, fail prematurely, and even cause fire incidents.

Ms Owolabi urged consumers to inspect products carefully before making purchases.

She advised buyers to verify manufacturers’ names, serial numbers, QR codes, certification labels, warranty documents, and overall product quality.

She also urged buyers 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.

Ms Owolabi said genuine products were rarely sold at unrealistically low prices because of manufacturing costs.

She said qualified professionals could conduct performance and electrical tests to confirm product quality before installation.

She, however, cautioned consumers against relying solely on serial numbers, QR codes, and warranties, stating, “Counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated.”

She advised consumers to verify product details through manufacturers’ official platforms and request original invoices before making payment.

Ms Owolabi also urged consumers to engage qualified engineers, saying that even genuine equipment would perform poorly if it is poorly designed, installed, or maintained.

She called on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to strengthen import inspections, enforce quality standards, and intensify market surveillance.

She also advocated 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.

Segun Ajayi, solar systems installation manager at Pure Volt Power, urged consumers to buy from authorised dealers and reputable solar companies.

Mr Ajayi advised buyers to ask about product certification, warranties, after-sales support, and whether sellers were approved distributors.

He added that stronger regulation, better product verification, and sustained consumer education would help reduce the circulation of counterfeit solar products.

(NAN)