The rise of counterfeit solar panel sellers, batteries from unknown sources, and untrustworthy installers is jeopardizing the trust in Uganda’s clean energy transition journey, experts have said.
Speaking at the Renewable Energy Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Mr. Ivan Tumuhimbise, the country director for World wide fund Uganda said the current rise of unscrupulous sellers taking advantage of the eagerness of Ugandans to adopt solar energy must be halted.
He admits that the market is flooded by sub-standard solar panels and that the habit is going unchecked. He urged the government through the Uganda National Bureau of Standards to urgently knock off solar panel sellers exploiting unsuspecting consumers.
He said counterfeit solar systems are already discouraging many people from using renewable energy products.
“If you acquire a solar system and it’s not working, and they don’t have after-sales service or guarantees, then it means you’re going to be discouraged and all the people around you are likely to be discouraged from buying solar systems,” Mr. Tumuhimbise said.
In the wake of the current rise in counterfeit and poor quality products that are flooding the market, I implore government to be vigilant and educate solar consumers,” he added.
Solar power has emerged as a promising solution, not only to reduce the carbon footprint and ensure homes and businesses can operate but solar solutions also allow Ugandans to save on energy bills and contribute to energy independence.
Uganda has abundant sunlight, making it an ideal environment for solar power generation.
James Kakeeto, the world wide fund Uganda -WWF regional energy officer said it’s important that the country puts the right enabling environment in place to ensure that Uganda assumes the 100% renewable energy goal.
“For Uganda to realize our target of achieving 100% renewable energy by the year 2050, it is important that we put the right enabling environment to ensure that we achieve those goals. The right enabling environment means the right policies that will make it conducive for the renewable sector to grow. That includes regulations that attract financing, to make it conducive for investors to invest their money in renewable energy. At the same time, not only foreign-invested investments but even financial flows,” he added.
Kakeeto also urged the government to fund local innovations that promote renewable energy.
“We need to research and fund local innovations including encouraging local production or assembly of solar panels and batteries. We can look at other incentives like tax holidays, and tax waivers that will allow these solar products to be affordable within the country.” Kakeeto said.
A high percentage of Uganda’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources, but mainly from traditional firewood and charcoal.
Modern renewables accounted for only 22% in 2020. So, a rapid transition towards renewable energy, and bioenergy in particular, is needed to avoid further deforestation, emissions, and health risks.
The Government of Uganda has already recognized the importance of addressing climate change and has implemented policies in this regard, for example, Uganda’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Initiative Action Agenda. However, there is a need for further measures, strategies, and investments, particularly concerning the use of biomass. To ensure a sustainable energy supply for all Ugandans, it is crucial to diversify the energy mix.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/capitalradio.co.ug/amp/news/2023-11-21-counterfeit-solar-panels-stand-to-destroy-confidence-in-ugandas-clean-energy-transition-journey/mm
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20 w
The government should protect its citizens.
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54 w
Fraud is a significant threat to the integrity of schemes and the credibility of the markets.
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63 w
This is very bad actions need to be done to stop such incidences ... This will hurt the journey to sustainable future a big deal.
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63 w
This is an issue of morality and we call upon Ugandan authorities to crack the whip on those found dealing counterfeits and as such derailing the transition to clean energy.
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63 w
It is important for stakeholders to work together to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit solar panels and to take steps to ensure that only genuine, high-quality products are available on the market. Failure to address this issue could result in a loss of confidence in Uganda's clean energy transition, which would have negative consequences for both the environment and the economy.
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64 w
Unscrupulous dealers standing in the way of genuine transition need to be dealt with accordingly
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64 w
Dear johnte ndeto Your climate warning has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to Government of Uganda by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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64 w
This is very wrong and actions should be taken to stop it
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64 w
This is morally bad and a bad show for the nation. It will hurt the journey to sustainable future a big deal.
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64 w
@joseph_githinji I agree with you 💯
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64 w
@joseph_githinji counterfeit will cheat that we are progressing on to renewables but in.reality we are going nowhere
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64 w
@joseph_githinji I agree
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64 w
Oh no, se cannot allow fraudsters to penetrate the clean energy market and peddle substandard goods to our people. This has to be stopped immediately
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64 w
@munene_mugambi Putting a stop to such practices ensures the promotion of genuine and reliable solutions for a sustainable future. 🛑🌍
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64 w
@munene_mugambi they will jeopardize the credibility of the transition process
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64 w
This poses a serious threat to the country's clean energy transition, potentially eroding confidence in the journey toward sustainability. 😟
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@princess_nel_268 they will drag the efforts towards sustainable behind
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@princess_nel_268 counterfeit?? Why dont they approach University Students who have so many (original) ideas that need funding.