Staff Writer
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has urged consumers to carefully assess the capacity, battery specifications, warranty and expected performance of solar systems before purchasing them to avoid being misled by promises that may not match the products’ actual capabilities.
The consumer protection body said buyers should seek detailed information about solar products and services, including installation requirements, after-sales support and the availability of replacement parts, to ensure they get value for their money.
In a consumer advisory, CCZ emphasised the importance of understanding the technical specifications and performance of solar systems before committing to a purchase, particularly as households and businesses increasingly rely on solar energy to meet their electricity needs.
“Before purchasing a solar system, ask about capacity, battery specifications, warranty, installation, after-sales service, replacement parts, and expected performance,” CCZ said.
The council warned consumers against making purchasing decisions based solely on sales promises, urging them to establish what a solar system can realistically deliver before paying for it.
“Don’t buy a solar system based on promises alone. Know what you are paying for,” CCZ advised.
CCZ highlighted system capacity as one of the key considerations when selecting a solar product, advising consumers to establish whether the system can adequately meet their electricity requirements.
Buyers should assess their household or business power needs and ensure the proposed system can support the appliances and equipment they intend to use.
Battery specifications are equally important, as they help determine how much electricity can be stored and used when solar panels are not generating sufficient power.
Consumers should therefore request clear information about battery capacity and specifications before making a purchase, rather than relying on general assurances from sellers.
The council also urged consumers to establish the terms and conditions of a product’s warranty before purchasing a solar system.
Understanding warranty coverage can help buyers know what protection is available if components develop faults or fail to perform as expected.
CCZ further identified installation as a critical factor to consider, encouraging consumers to seek clarity on the installation process and ensure that the service forms part of the agreed purchase arrangement where applicable.
Proper installation is important in ensuring that a solar system operates as intended, while consumers should understand who is responsible for addressing installation-related problems.
CCZ also urged buyers to consider the availability of after-sales services and replacement parts when evaluating solar products.
Consumers should establish whether the supplier can provide assistance when technical problems arise and whether essential components can be obtained if repairs become necessary.
The availability of replacement parts can be particularly important in maintaining a solar system over time and avoiding prolonged interruptions caused by faulty components.
The council’s advisory places emphasis on looking beyond the initial purchase price and considering the support and maintenance services available throughout the product’s lifespan.
CCZ said consumers should seek clear information about the expected performance of solar systems before purchasing them.
Buyers should ensure that claims made by suppliers about a system’s capabilities are consistent with its specifications and their electricity requirements.
The council’s warning serves as a reminder that consumers need to make informed decisions by asking questions, examining product details and understanding the terms of sale before making payments.
As solar energy products become an important option for households and businesses seeking alternative electricity sources, access to accurate product information remains essential in protecting consumers from unsuitable purchases.
CCZ, which operates under the slogan “The voice of the consumer,” encouraged buyers to take responsibility for understanding what they are purchasing rather than relying exclusively on sales representations.
Consumers can contact the council through its website, www.ccz.org.zw�, or email pr@ccz.org.zw for further information.
The organisation is located at 35 Rhodesville Road, Eastlea, Harare. Its contact numbers are 08688008623 and 0714000888.