The rise of fake solar products has largely disturbed the solar sector globally. Many people have been victims of this issue and many will likely continue falling to this.
Hence there is need to raise awareness and tech people how they can identify fake solar products and fake deals in the solar sector
In recent years, solar energy has become one of the most popular renewable energy sources, as it is not only clean and cost-effective but also has a wide range of applications.
Unfortunately, there are some people who are taking advantage of this demand, and are selling fake solar products.
***ALSO READ: How to identify Fake Solar Panels – 5 things to check and never be scammed
Examples of Victims to Fake Solar Products
Here are a few examples of where people have fallen victim to fake solar products:
1. United Kingdom Fake Solar Victim
In the United Kingdom, a man was scammed out of £30,000 (over $39,000) for what he thought were solar panels. The man had met with a representative at a hotel and had agreed to buy a package of solar panels worth £30,000, only to find out later that the product was not authentic.
He had paid for two invoices for the product in cash, but never received any of the solar panels he had bought. Unfortunately, the man was unable to locate the company or the representative, and he was unable to get his money back.
MYTHS AND FACTS ON SOLAR ENERGY
2. India Fake Solar Victim
In India, a company sold fake solar power packs and inverters to customers in the state of Bihar. The fake solar power packs did not meet the specifications they had been advertised with, and customers found that they were not able to use the products they had purchased.
The Effect of Fake Solar Components on the Global Uptake of Solar Energy as a Source of Electricity
The company had used social media to advertise their products and attract buyers, making it even more difficult for people to get their money back.
3. United States Fake Solar Victim
In the United States, a woman in New Jersey was scammed out of over $10,000 after purchasing what she thought were solar panels from a company she found online.
The company had promised her that their product would generate electricity at no cost and would pay for itself in three years through free electricity it generated.
However, when the woman received the product, she found out that it was fake and would not generate electricity at all.
HOW TO IDENTIFY FAKE SOLAR PRODUCTS – 6 things to check
These are just a few examples of where people have fallen victim to Fake Solar Products. It is important to always do your research before making any purchases and to make sure that you are dealing with legitimate companies that have good reputations.
If you are ever uncertain about a company or product, it is best to look for reviews and feedback from other customers before investing your money.
You can simply use this comprehensive article on how to identify fake solar products.
Effect of Fake Solar Products to the Market
Fake solar products have become an incredibly prevalent problem in the solar industry. Buyers are often drawn in with attractive prices, only to find out that their purchase was a huge waste of money.
In many cases, these fake solar products may even be dangerous, leading to an increased risk of fire.
The danger of fake solar products starts with the quality of the materials used.
Cheaper materials often don’t meet safety standards and may even be potentially hazardous. If a fire were to start because of a fake solar product, it could result in devastating losses and further harm the reputation of the solar industry.
HOW TO START A SOLAR COMPANY – do these 6 things and make money through solar
In addition to the safety risks, fake solar products also have a negative effect on the market as a whole. Buyers may become wary of making a purchase, as they won’t know what they’re getting until after they’ve made the purchase.
This can hurt legitimate companies who produce genuine solar products, as it will be harder for them to compete against the cheaper prices offered by fake products.
Real life examples of this problem are becoming increasingly common. In October 2020, US Customs and Border Protection seized over 8,000 counterfeit solar panels coming from China at ports in California and New York.
***ALSO READ: Causes of Fire on Solar Installations, How to Avoid it – don’t be a victim
This shipment was estimated to be worth more than US$1 million, indicating just how serious this problem is becoming.
10 Global Trends in the Solar Sector
The only way to combat this problem is for buyers to be extra cautious when looking for solar products. They should do their research on any potential seller and make sure that they are purchasing from a reputable source.
This will help ensure that they are getting a product that is safe to use and of an appropriate quality.
Conclusion
Overall, fake solar products pose a serious issue both in terms of safety and market competition.
It’s important for buyers to be aware of this problem so that they can make informed decisions when shopping for solar products. Doing so will help reduce the impact of these fake products on the market and ultimately help protect the industry as a whole.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on LINKEDIN, FACEBOOK, TELEGRAM GROUP and WHATSAPP.
***ALSO READ: How to identify Fake Solar Panels – 5 things to check and never be scammed
12 CHALLENGES FACED BY SOLAR COMPANIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
HOW TO SIZE A SOLAR SYSTEM – 5 clear steps anyone can follow
HOW TO START A SOLAR COMPANY – do these 6 things and make money through solar
