Kartel Energy warns against substandard solar products

A solar energy company, Kartel Energy, has warned that the growing presence of counterfeit and substandard products in Nigeria’s renewable energy market could undermine consumer confidence and slow the sector’s development.

The company called for stronger oversight and enforcement by relevant government agencies, clearer product standards and increased consumer education to protect buyers from unreliable solar products.

The Chief Executive Officer of Skyville Company Limited, Ola Ogunsemowo, gave the warning on the sidelines of the just-concluded Nigeria Energy 2026 exhibition in Lagos.

He said the rapid growth of the solar market had created challenges, including inconsistent product quality and the proliferation of counterfeit or substandard products, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish reliable products from unsuitable alternatives.

“Kartel believes stronger oversight and enforcement by relevant government agencies, clearer product standards, and consumer education are important to protecting customers and supporting sustainable market growth.

Customers should also be encouraged to buy from reputable suppliers and confirm product warranties and after-sales support before making a purchase,” Ogunsemowo said.

He said the company is expanding its range of solar and energy storage products to meet the needs of households, small businesses and industrial users.

At the exhibition, Kartel Energy and LuxWatt Nigeria, solar brands of Skyville Company Limited, showcased hybrid inverters, lithium batteries and solar panels designed for different applications.

Through LuxWatt, the company offers low-voltage lithium batteries ranging from 1.28kWh to 25kWh and high-voltage storage systems of up to 705kWh. Its hybrid inverters range from 4.2kVA to 8kVA.

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Ogunsemowo said the company’s focus is on product durability, customer support and long-term value amid increasing competition in the solar market.

He added that, as an original equipment manufacturer, the company considers Nigerian operating conditions in developing its products, while providing warranty services and technical support.

He said the company also invested in developing local technical expertise through the Kartel Energy Academy, which trains solar professionals.

Providing an update on the academy, Ogunsemowo said its Masterclass programme was operational and travelled to major cities across the country to train solar professionals.

He said the programme trained more than 1,500 solar experts last year, adding that the academy’s institutional training arm was still being prepared for launch.

On developments in the industry, Ogunsemowo noted that the exhibition provided an opportunity to engage with stakeholders and assess solutions being developed to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges.

He noted the growing interest in renewable energy systems among households and businesses seeking alternatives to unreliable electricity supply.

The CEO also observed the increasing dominance of Chinese technology over Indian products at the exhibition, stressing the need for stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic technological capacity.