How to Check Original and Fake Solar Panels in Pakistan?
You may have heard many people asking about the authenticity of solar panels. They just want to check the differences between real and fake solar panels. So, how do we verify whether a solar panel is real or fake? is a common question these days.
When you visit the market to buy solar panels, you might have seen that most sellers try to satisfy you about the quality and price of solar panels. They offer you the cheapest price to sell their products. However, you need to double check the authenticity of the seller and the solar panel.
After discussing this issue with solar panel experts and trusted sellers, we got all the information to verify the originality of the panel. To buy original solar panels, you need to take several steps. So let’s check the solution.
Also read: Solar Panel Price in Pakistan 2024: The Ultimate Guide
How to Check the Authenticity of a Solar Panel?
There are 5 ways to check genuine and fake solar panels. When purchasing a panel, you must follow the instructions below.
1. Do Proper Research Before Visiting Market
You need to have sufficient knowledge about solar panels, solar cell manufacturing companies, and types of solar panels. The top 5 most popular companies in Pakistan are LONGI, JINKO, CANADIAN, JA, and TRINA. All of these companies make both P-type and N-type Tier-1, A-grade solar panels. You need to be knowledgeable about these companies and panel types.
2. Check the Market Prices
Don’t rush to buy solar panels after visiting a single store. Visit several shops, explore the market, and note the prices you get from all the shop owners. If the seller offers you a significantly low price. Consider him a red flag. They might try to sell you fake or B-grade panels.
3. Scan the Serial Number
Serial numbers are also a very good and effective method to verify the originality of a solar panel. These serial numbers are printed on a sticker on the back of the solar panels. But as we know, these stickers can also be easily printed.
The second method looks for the serial number that is printed inside the solar panel. This serial number is located on the front between the cells. You can find it in the upper left or right corner of the solar panel.
After finding out the serial number, just enter the serial number on the company’s website. You can also scan the barcode to verify the authenticity of the solar panel. As an example, mentioned below is a step-by-step procedure to verify if some LONGI solar panel is genuine or fake.
Step 1: I checked the serial number or barcode that was printed on the front of my LONGI solar panel.
Step 2: Search for the authenticity of the solar panel with the company name. For example, “Authenticity of LONGI Solar Panels.”. The company’s website will be displayed. Click on it, and the following screen will appear.
Step 3: Scan the barcode or simply type the serial number of your panel in the given field, and you will get information about the solar panel if it is original. Otherwise, the website will display an error.
4. Ask for Documentation
Solar panels with proper and authentic documentation are considered legitimate. The purchase documents contain all the details of the company name, model name, performance, serial number, and importer details. You can contact the importer to further verify the authenticity of the seller and the solar panels.
Verify the serial number on the company website and compare the serial number with the serial number of the panel. So you need to request a documented panel from the shop owner. If he can’t provide you with documentation, don’t buy.
5. Always Buy from a Trusted Dealer
If you are considering buying solar panels on your own, you need to be very careful. Because you can easily get scammed if you are not properly educated about the market. First, try to find a person who has already installed a good solar panel system.
You can get information about the owner of the shop where he bought the solar panels. There is a high chance that you will get the right seller with this method. Secondly, you can also choose a proven and reputable solar dealer in your area.
How to Check if Your Solar Panel is A Grade or B Grade?
It’s another difficult task to complete before making a purchase. A-grade solar panels are real, highly efficient, and original. Many buyers were cheated by shop owners when they were given a grade B panel instead of Class A without knowing it.
But don’t worry, we will share the complete details on how to know if a solar panel is grade A or B. To check this, you must first look at the physical condition of the panels. If its quality and condition look rough or badly machined. It is probably a class B solar panel.
The next step is to verify all the documents supplied with the solar panel pallet. The document will contain all the information, including number of bus count, serial number, type, etc.
Also read: How to Protect Solar Panels from Rain: The Ultimate Guide
How to Check if Your Solar Panel is P Type or N Type?
Solar panels are usually divided into two types:
- P-type Solar Panel
- N-types Solar Panel
P-type solar panels are doped with boron and therefore prone to rust or corrosion. P-type solar panels are less efficient compared to N-type solar panels. While N-type solar panels are doped with phosphorous, which helps the panel to produce more electricity more efficiently than P-type solar panels.
When buying a solar panel, you should first check whether the panel is P or N type. Sometimes people who do not realize the difference between these types are caught in the trap of fraudsters. They sell P-type panels instead of N-type, and the customer (due to lack of knowledge) gets fooled by these scams.
To check this, first count the number of bars. P-type panels have a number of busbars of 10. In contrast, the number of N-type busbars is 16 or 18.
Conclusion
If you are trying to buy and install original solar panels. One should check the market prices, authentic seller, documentation of the solar panels, and verify the serial number of the panels from the company’s website.
Also read: Solar Inverter Price in Pakistan 2024: The Ultimate Guide