Uganda’s march towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future is facing a serious hurdle, the rising tide of counterfeit solar products in the local market. Dealers and renewable energy advocates warn that the influx of substandard equipment is eroding public confidence in solar energy and jeopardizing national clean energy targets.
According to industry players, fake solar panels, batteries, and inverters are being disguised with well-known brand labels and misleading specifications. Unsuspecting buyers often end up with poor-quality systems that fail within months, leaving households frustrated and sceptical about the promise of renewable energy. In some cases, counterfeit receipts are issued from non-existent companies, making accountability impossible.
“This problem goes beyond cheating a single customer,” one dealer explained. “Every fake product installed in a home damages the credibility of solar as a whole and slows down Uganda’s transition to modern, sustainable power.”
The solar industry is urging government to tighten controls at the country’s borders, where most of the counterfeit equipment enters. They are also calling for mandatory testing and certification of solar products upon entry to ensure only systems that meet international quality standards reach consumers.
Stakeholders fear that if unchecked, the fake solar trade could erode gains already made in expanding access to off-grid power, especially in rural communities where solar remains the most viable energy source. Beyond undermining Uganda’s commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), the spread of unsafe products also poses risks of electrical faults, fires, and wasted household income.
Dealers insist that safeguarding the integrity of the solar market is a national priority if Uganda is to meet its clean energy aspirations. Asone distributor noted, “We need urgent action because every counterfeit product that goes undetected is not just a lost sale, but a lost opportunity for a family to embrace safe and reliable clean energy.”