By Our Correspondent
The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has commenced an investigation into complaints alleging the sale of substandard solar panels whose actual power output falls short of the specifications displayed on their labels.
The complaints were presented to the council by a group of concerned consumers led by Mallam Yusuf Sani, who alleged that some solar panel dealers were misleading buyers by falsely labeling products with power ratings that do not reflect their actual performance.
According to Sani, tests conducted with standard power-measuring equipment revealed significant discrepancies between the advertised capacity of some solar panels and the electricity they generate.
He warned that the use of such panels could damage batteries used for energy storage and, in some cases, increase the risk of battery explosions.
Sani further alleged that many of the products were imported without adequate quality assurance or compliance with established standards and testing procedures.
He called on the council to intensify market surveillance to protect consumers, particularly as the adoption of solar energy continues to grow.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of KCPC, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, commended the complainants for bringing the issue to the council’s attention, describing their action as a contribution to consumer protection.
He assured them that the council would carry out a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Muhammad also cautioned solar panel dealers against misrepresenting the power ratings of their products, stressing that the specifications displayed must accurately reflect the panels’ actual performance.
He said compliance with product standards is essential to protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring product quality, and preventing deceptive trade practices.
The executive secretary reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting residents of Kano State from substandard products while promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in the marketplace.
