Pakistan's solar market has a persistent problem with counterfeit and underspec panels. These are panels labelled as LONGi, JA Solar, or Jinko at 640W+ but are actually 500 to 560W reject cells repackaged with printed stickers. Here is how to protect yourself.

The most common fraud is wattage inflation. A panel stickered as 645W may actually measure 580 to 600W under standard test conditions. This is done using cells that failed the manufacturer's own quality bin test at the correct wattage. They are sold cheaply to local assemblers who reprint the labels with inflated wattage figures. The buyer gets 10 to 15 percent less generation than expected for the life of the system.

Check 1 — Verify the serial number. Every genuine LONGi, JA Solar, Jinko, Trina, and Canadian Solar panel has a unique serial number that can be verified on the manufacturer's website or app. LONGi panels have a QR code that links to a genuine verification page. Fake panels either have no working QR code or link to a generic unverifiable page.

Check 2 — Ask for the flash test certificate. A reputable supplier provides a flash test printout for each panel lot showing the actual measured wattage at the factory. A genuine 645W panel will test at 645 to 665W (factories bin panels slightly above rated output). If the certificate is missing or shows numbers far from the rated wattage, be suspicious.

Check 3 — Physical cell appearance. N-type TOPCon cells (used in all current premium panels) have a characteristic blue-black appearance with very fine, closely-spaced bus bar lines — often 15 or more per cell. Older P-type cells are darker navy with fewer, thicker bus bars. If a panel is sold as a 2024/2025 N-type product but the cells look like an older P-type design, it is likely mislabelled.

Check 4 — Price reality check. If the price per watt is more than 15 percent below current market rates, ask why. Genuine Tier 1 panels cannot be priced that far below market consistently. Deep discounts usually mean grey market stock, reject cells, or outright counterfeits.

Where fraud is highest: open panel markets and informal channel dealers with no manufacturer relationship. Buying from a manufacturer-authorised dealer with a verifiable dealer agreement is the safest approach.

Encountered a fake or underspec panel? Share the seller details below — it protects the whole community.