Counterfeit solar products flood the market—MBS

Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has advised consumers to seek guidance from experts before importing renewable energy products. The bureau has warned that the market is flooded with counterfeits.

Speaking on Friday in Balaka during a renewable energy open day organised by Community Energy Malawi (CEM), MBS standards officer Chitani Kela said many consumers are duped by contractors and suppliers that are not registered with Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera).

He said MBS conducts periodic and random market surveys, market audits and surveillances to ensure consumer quality services to promote renewable energy products in the country.

“Customers must be well informed on quality of the equipment they are buying for installation as well as the after-service,” said Kela.

In his remarks, Mera senior renewable energy specialist Wilfred Kasakula said government removed import duty on all renewable energy products to promote usage of the products.

CEM country director Edgar Bayani said renewable energy technologies are expensive; hence, the need for consumers to use specialists during installation to avoid losing money.

“As government, through Mera and other stakeholders, is promoting exploitation of renewable energy resources, it is imperative to enhance consumer awareness and education on renewable energy,” he said.

Bayani said it is also important for customers and consumers of renewable energy technologies to understand these technologies before buying and using them.

CEM was established to enable Malawian communities create sustainable renewable energy solutions to meet their energy needs.