PSA raises alarm over surge in low-quality solar panels

LAHORE: The Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) has voiced significant concerns about the rising influx of B-grade and low-quality solar panels being imported by unauthorized third-party traders.

In a strongly worded statement given during the media interaction on Wednesday, the PSA highlighted the risks these subpar products pose not only to consumers but also to the economy and the nation’s reputation.

The PSA said that the issue of poor-quality solar panels extends beyond individual consumer problems and is a matter of national significance. “The influx of substandard solar materials is a substantial loss for consumers who invest in these products with expectations of long-term savings and reliable energy solutions,” said Chairperson of the PSA Amir Chaudhary. He added that these substandard products result in inefficiencies, frequent breakdowns and increased maintenance costs, ultimately undermining the intended benefits of solar energy.The PSA cautioned that if the trend of importing low-quality solar panels continues, Pakistan risks becoming a dumping ground for the world’s substandard products. This could hinder the country’s renewable energy transition efforts and severely damage consumer trust in solar technology.

Chaudhary also clarified that the third-party importers flooding the market with inferior panels are not PSA members. “These importers are operating outside the quality assurance and ethical standards that our association upholds,” he said, adding that “their focus on profit margins over product quality is compromising consumer safety and eroding the nation’s reputation in the global market.”

Chaudhary also noted that the excess supply of B-grade solar panels from China is being offloaded by third-party stockists, who are then selling these unworthy products to unsuspecting buyers in Pakistan without any warranties or assurances. The PSA has called on the government and relevant regulatory bodies to take immediate action against these unauthorized importers. It urged for stricter enforcement of quality standards and regulations for the import and sale of solar products. The association also advised consumers to verify the credentials of suppliers and opt for PSA-affiliated manufacturers and importers to ensure they are purchasing high-quality, certified solar panels.

Pakistan imports solar panels from 29 different countries, accounting for 98 per cent of its total solar panel imports. The country has experienced a 77 per cent increase in solar panel imports from January 2022 to December 2023. The federal government has issued SRO604 in the Import Policy Order to regulate the import of solar PV equipment and maintain international quality standards.

Imported solar panels must meet specific requirements, including a type test certificate (TTC), certificate of conformity (CoC), and pre-shipment inspection certificate (PSIC).

The solar market in Pakistan is rapidly expanding, with an anticipated installed base of 1.41 gigawatts in 2024 and 9.53 gigawatts by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.55 per cent during this period. This growth is driven by increased adoption of solar PV systems, falling solar panel costs, and growing environmental awareness. The utility sector is expected to lead the market, with the government targeting 30 per cent of the nation’s power to come from renewable sources by 2030.