The use of substandard solar panels would affect the amount of energy you get, therefore you won’t get value for money invested. Its so unfair that some distributors sell substandard products at a very high price. Its a common practice of tampering with the wattage making you pay more for a lower wattage.
In order to protect yourself against tampering, check the power rating inside the glass frame and ensure it matches with the rating on the box. See below details on how to detect fake solar panel.
Ways You Can Detect A Fake Solar Panel
Solar panel testing will ensure that you get the wattage you have paid for. Registered solar companies can help you to conduct the test. It is also important to look for the Diamond Mark of Quality or the import standardization mark on your solar products.
Properly testing your solar panels is very important and an often overlooked procedure. You can perform a simple test by touching the multi-meter’s (red) positive lead to your solar panel’s positive wire, then touch the multi-meter’s (black) negative lead to your solar panel’s negative wire.
The volt reading on your multi-meter should be close to (or just under) 60 volts. If it’s not, there is a problem with your solar panel output. Go back and check all the connections of your solar cells and all your stringers or check for cracks in the solar cells themselves.
Its a lot safer to buy from a license company with a very good track record. When you buy from such a company you have access to warranty programs and always request for data sheet.
I hope this article has helped open your eyes to the ways you can detect a fake solar panel. Please note that just because you are buying brand new solar panel doesn’t guarantee that it cannot be fake. These tips will expose you to the easy way you can check if a solar panel is fake.
Drop your questions and observations in the comment section below.