By Chibuzor Alli
As more Nigerians turn to solar power to escape unreliable electricity supply, Kartel Energy has raised concerns that counterfeit and substandard products could erode consumer confidence and threaten the growth of the country’s renewable energy market.
The company is urging government regulators to strengthen market surveillance, enforce product quality standards and intensify consumer education to prevent unsuspecting buyers from investing in unreliable solar equipment.
Chief Executive Officer of Skyville Company Limited, Ola Ogunsemowo, raised the concern on the sidelines of the recently concluded Nigeria Energy 2026 exhibition in Lagos, where industry players showcased technologies aimed at addressing the country’s energy challenges.
According to him, the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s solar market has been accompanied by growing concerns over inconsistent product quality and the circulation of counterfeit equipment, leaving consumers struggling to identify genuine and dependable products.
He warned that allowing the trend to persist could damage confidence in renewable energy solutions at a time when households and businesses are increasingly embracing solar power.
“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.
Kartel expands solar product portfolio
Beyond raising concerns about product quality in the industry, the company is expanding its solar and energy storage offerings to serve different categories of consumers, including households, small businesses and industrial operators.
At the Nigeria Energy 2026 exhibition, Kartel Energy and LuxWatt Nigeria, both solar brands of Skyville Company Limited, displayed a range of renewable energy solutions, including hybrid inverters, lithium batteries and solar panels.
Through its LuxWatt brand, the company offers low-voltage lithium battery systems with capacities ranging from 1.28kWh to 25kWh, alongside high-voltage storage solutions of up to 705kWh.
Its hybrid inverter range covers capacities between 4.2kVA and 8kVA.
Ogunsemowo said the company’s strategy centres on product durability, dependable customer support and long-term value as competition intensifies in Nigeria’s solar energy market.
He explained that, as an original equipment manufacturer, the company considers local operating conditions when developing its products, while also providing warranty coverage and technical support to customers.
Kartel academy trains over 1,500 solar professionals
In addition to equipment manufacturing and distribution, Skyville is investing in technical capacity development through the Kartel Energy Academy, an initiative aimed at improving the skills of professionals working in the solar industry.
Ogunsemowo disclosed that the academy’s Masterclass programme trained more than 1,500 solar professionals last year, with training sessions organised across major cities in Nigeria.
He said the programme was already operational, while the academy’s institutional training arm was still being prepared for launch.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a more skilled workforce capable of installing, maintaining and supporting solar energy systems across the country.
Chinese technology gains ground at Nigeria Energy exhibition
Reflecting on developments at the exhibition, Ogunsemowo said the event provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and examine emerging technologies designed to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.
He observed growing interest in renewable energy solutions as households and businesses increasingly seek alternatives to unreliable grid electricity.
He also highlighted the growing dominance of Chinese technology over Indian products at the exhibition, noting the need for Nigeria to strengthen its domestic technological capacity.
His comments come amid increasing attention on the quality, affordability and sustainability of solar equipment in Nigeria, where the expansion of off-grid energy solutions has made consumer protection and technical expertise important considerations for the industry’s long-term development.
Leave a comment