Beware of Black Sheep in the Solar Business: How to Recognize Genuine Quality

The solar industry is booming in Thailand and around the world, offering homeowners and businesses the opportunity to reduce energy costs and move toward a greener future. Solar energy is no longer just a trend — it is a meaningful investment in both financial savings and environmental responsibility.

However, as opportunities grow, so too does the number of companies willing to cut corners. While many solar providers advertise premium modules and trusted inverter brands, the true differences in quality — and the associated risks — often lie hidden where most customers don't even think to look.

At first glance, offers from different installers may appear very similar. Well-known brands, impressive system sizes, and attractive pricing dominate the discussion. Yet behind the marketing backdrop, significant differences in quality can emerge — and these can unfortunately have serious consequences for customers later on.

Some companies offer unrealistically low prices to win projects, using so-called dumping strategies, or they simply try to maximize their profits by cutting costs on critical components. In both cases, the customer ultimately pays the price — often without realizing it until years later.

One of the most common areas where quality is compromised is in the choice of cabling. Proper solar-rated copper cables, double-insulated and UV-resistant, are crucial for safety and performance. However, to save costs, some companies install aluminum wiring — available at about a tenth of the price.

The immediate impact? None that a customer would easily notice. But over time, the risks build up quietly. Aluminum heats up much faster under load and is far more susceptible to weathering under Thailand's intense sunlight. This dramatically increases the risk of insulation breakdown, voltage drops, short circuits, and, in the worst case, electrical fires.

The same dangerous cost-cutting often applies to protective devices. Fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protectors are vital to safeguarding a home's electrical system. Reputable brands rigorously test these components to ensure they respond correctly during faults. In contrast, cheap, unknown products can fail unnoticed — putting your system and property at significant risk.

Another alarming practice that many customers are unaware of is the use of old or used solar panels. To the untrained eye, a second-hand panel can appear brand new. Yet inside, its performance has already deteriorated, its efficiency is lower, and its expected lifespan is significantly shortened. Worse still, outdated panels typically come without valid manufacturer warranties. Over time, the promised energy savings diminish, while the risk of costly replacements increases.

It is essential to ensure that only the latest-generation panels are installed, backed by full factory warranties. A properly designed solar system should deliver reliable performance for twenty years or more — not fail after a few seasons because outdated technology was hidden behind a shiny casing.

Beyond materials and components, the official registration of your system with the PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority) or MEA (Metropolitan Electricity Authority) is another critical sign of quality. Legal registration includes inspections that verify correct sizing, wiring, grounding, and system standards. Installers who do not offer or even discourage this service often do so because their work would not pass a formal inspection — a clear warning sign for any serious buyer.

Selecting a solar system is about far more than choosing a few recognizable brands. It’s about the integrity of every component, the security built into every connection, and the long-term reliability guaranteed through proper certification, transparency, and professional execution.

At NCA SOLAR, we believe quality is non-negotiable. From the wiring behind the walls to the panels proudly facing the sun, every part of our systems is carefully selected for durability, safety, and proven performance. We use only certified premium materials, provide full PEA/MEA registration services upon request, and offer comprehensive manufacturer warranties on every component. Our mission is simple: protect your investment, maximize your returns, and deliver peace of mind — not just today, but for decades to come.

In an industry growing as fast as solar, there will always be black sheep who promise too much and deliver too little. Protect your home, your future, and your financial security by choosing partners who are committed to quality in every detail.