Concerns mount over SLSEA’s registration process as solar firms face collapse

The solar power industry leaders have raised serious concerns over the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority’s (SLSEA) ad hoc registration system, which they claim has left the solar customers vulnerable and exposed to significant risks. 

With hundreds of registered solar energy companies now defunct, the industry players argue that the lack of proper oversight has undermined the public trust in the sector.

According to Skura Power Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd CEO Haren Perera, a significant number of the over 320 companies registered with the SLSEA are no longer operational, leaving the customers without essential after-sales support. 
“Many companies enter the market, complete installations and exit, leaving the clients without adequate after-sales support,” he said addressing an event recently. Solar systems are typically long-term investments, often running for 20-25 years. However, the absence of reliable service providers has left many customers struggling to maintain their systems, leading to financial strain and eroding confidence in the industry.

Perera also pointed out that only a handful of companies have installed 1-2 MW of solar power, indicating a lack of serious players in the market.

Several industry players shared their concerns about the SLSEA registering firms without proper checks, including the companies without a physical office in Sri Lanka.
“Out of over 320 companies, only 20-30 firms are directly importing solar panels. The rest relies on local suppliers, raising questions about the authenticity and quality of the panels,” he added. The absence of testing facilities in Sri Lanka to verify the quality of solar panels has further compounded the issue. Many companies claim to offer Class A grade solar panels but Perera believes most of these claims are unsubstantiated. 
Contd. on page 11