Pakistan’s solar boom has a dark side: as demand explodes, the market has filled up with fake, used and B/C-grade solar panels being sold as genuine A-grade. Pay for the wrong panels and you get less power, faster degradation, and no real warranty when things go wrong. Here is how to protect your investment, from Abu Bakar Solar Kohat (ABS Kohat).

Why Fake & B-Grade Panels Are a Problem

• Lower output — you paid for, say, 585W but get far less in real conditions.
• Fast degradation — cheap cells lose capacity quickly, so savings shrink year after year.
• No genuine warranty — when a fake panel fails, there is no real manufacturer to honour the claim.
• Safety risk — poor materials and weak junction boxes can lead to hotspots and, in bad cases, fire.

Grade A vs B vs C — What’s the Difference?

8 Ways to Spot Fake or B-Grade Panels

1. Price looks too good to be true. If a “Tier-1” panel is far below the market per-watt rate, be suspicious.
2. No proper datasheet. Genuine panels come with a spec sheet stating wattage, efficiency, tolerance and warranty.
3. Mismatched or missing serial / QR. Every real panel has a unique serial and often a scannable QR you can verify with the manufacturer.
4. Uneven cells or visible defects. Look for scratches, misaligned cells, bubbles under the glass or a crooked frame.
5. No EL (electroluminescence) test. Reputable suppliers can show EL images that reveal hidden micro-cracks.
6. Cheap junction box & connectors. Flimsy back boxes and non-standard connectors are a red flag.
7. Wrong weight or build. Under-weight panels often mean thinner glass and lower-grade materials.
8. Brand can’t be verified. If the seller can’t prove the brand and warranty in writing, walk away.

Buy Genuine, Tier-1 Panels

Stick to established Tier-1 panel brands (LONGi, Canadian Solar, Jinko, JA Solar) with real 25-year warranties. ABS Kohat supplies only original, A-grade solar panels with genuine warranty and after-sales support, delivered across Pakistan.

How to Verify Before You Buy

• Ask for the datasheet and match the wattage and specs.
• Note the serial numbers and verify with the brand where possible.
• Insist on the warranty in writing.
• Buy from a reputable, authorised dealer — not an unknown roadside seller.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a solar panel is fake in Pakistan?

Check for a proper datasheet, unique/verifiable serial numbers, clean and even cells, a quality junction box, correct weight, and a written warranty. If the price is far below market and the brand can’t be verified, it’s likely fake or B-grade.

What is the difference between A-grade and B-grade panels?

A-grade panels are factory-fresh with full rated output and genuine warranty. B-grade panels have minor defects and lower, inconsistent output — but are often sold as A-grade at A-grade prices.

Are cheap solar panels worth it?

Usually not. A slightly lower price on fake or B-grade panels leads to less output, faster degradation and no real warranty — costing you far more over the system’s life.

How do I make sure I’m buying genuine panels?

Buy Tier-1 brands from an authorised dealer like ABS Kohat, insist on the datasheet and written warranty, and verify serial numbers with the manufacturer where possible.

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