‎KSCPC launches investigation over alleged sale of substandard solar panels

‎By our Corespondent 

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has commence an investigation into complaints over the alleged sale of substandard solar panels with false power output ratings.

‎The Executive Secretary of the council, Dr Ibrahim Garba-Muhammad, disclosed this in a statement issued by the council’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Jamilu Mustapha, on Wednesday in Kano.

According to the statement, “the investigation follow reports that some dealers were allegedly selling substandard solar panels whose actual power output was lower than the specifications indicate on their labels.

“The council will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and take appropriate action in line with relevant consumer protection laws if claims are substantiated.

‎”We will ensure that consumers are protected from deceptive trade practices and products that do not meet approved quality standards,” he said in the statement.

The statement also quote a representative of the complainants, Malam Yusuf Sani, as alleging  that some dealers were misleading consumers by affixing inaccurate power ratings to solar panels.

‎Sani said tests conducted with standard power-measuring equipment reveal significant discrepancies between the label capacity and actual power generated by some of the panels.

According to him,” use of such products can damage batteries use for energy storage and, in some cases, increase the risk of battery explosions.

He also alleged that many of the products were imported without adequate quality assurance or compliance with require standards.

Sani plead with the council to intensify market surveillance to protect consumers, particularly as adoption of solar energy continue to increase across the state.

‎Responding, Garba-Muhammad commend the complainants for bringing drawing the council’s attention and urge solar panel dealers to ensure that the specifications display on their products accurately reflect their actual performance.

‎He reaffirm the council’s commitment to protect consumers from substandard products, promote fair trade practices and ensure accountability in the marketplace.