The persistent collapse of Nigeria's national grid has pushed many citizens toward alternative energy sources. In this article, Joseph Omotayo examines solar electricity as a reliable and affordable option, challenging the misconception that it is prohibitively expensive. He highlights the influx of new solar products and calls for stronger quality control by regulatory bodies.
The Shift to Solar Energy
Solar electricity is no longer a Western concept. The removal of fuel subsidy about three years ago made it an attractive choice for many Nigerians. With fuel costs skyrocketing, generators that once shielded people from the failing power sector became unaffordable. Nobody anticipated fuel prices increasing by over 400% in a few years. Consequently, many Nigerians adopted solar energy out of necessity, not as an experimental alternative. Cheap petrol had previously discouraged its consideration.
Unlike buying a generator and fuel, setting up a solar system was a new experience for most. Years of failed government policies have forced citizens to become self-reliant—digging boreholes, paying for private security, and developing community roads. Establishing a personal power station was a novel endeavor, leading many to view solar as expensive.
Solar: The Cheapest Energy Source
Solar electricity is arguably the most affordable energy source. The debate often centers on its initial setup cost, a false narrative that has slowed adoption despite solar being a dependable alternative for Nigerians.
Is a Solar System Expensive?
When the author installed his first solar system four years ago, solar panels on roofs were rare. At that time, fuel was heavily subsidized, selling for below N200. He recalls advising a friend to consider solar, but the friend, who ran generators almost 24 hours daily, cited the high initial cost. The only incentive then was the perennial fuel scarcity at the end of Buhari's administration.
Knowledge of the solar ecosystem was minimal. The author was shocked to learn that a 1kva setup cost ten times more than a generator of the same size. The biggest drawback was the limited number of appliances it could power. However, nearly a year later, with fuel selling at N800+ per liter, solar became a wise investment.
People often focus on the upfront cost without considering that solar requires little to no running costs compared to generators. The friend eventually switched to a 4kva tubular setup when his fuel expenses became unbearable.
Glut in the Chinese Solar Market
By 2024, setting up a solar system became much cheaper than before, thanks to a glut in the Chinese solar market. China's policy of dominating the solar market led to oversupply, reducing prices. While this affected their solar industry, it made components like panels more affordable. Tier 1 panels such as Jinko and Longi are now cheaper, with advanced technologies like N cells and bifacial types offering higher efficiency. A 600w panel costs less than a 400w panel did years ago.
Batteries and inverters have also become cheaper due to increased competition. Brands like Firman, known for generators, have entered the solar market. Itel and Hisense, known for mobile devices and appliances, are also competing aggressively.
Sourcing Solar Materials
Purchasing solar components yourself rather than outsourcing the work can significantly reduce costs. DIY forums in Nigeria are educating people on choosing batteries, panels, and inverters—the main materials needed for a setup.
Going the DIY route cuts costs by a wider margin than contracting the work. The author learned from experience that hiring a solar company resulted in only the components they deemed necessary, whereas he could have gotten more for his money.
Load Management
To ensure solar electricity is cheap, it is essential to know what loads you want to power. Don't assume that because you can afford a 5kva generator, a 1kva solar inverter should power the same appliances. Solar has no running costs like fuel-powered generators.
Keeping solar affordable requires sizing down your power needs to the basics. Ask yourself: what are the most important things I need power for urgently?
Need for Market Regulation
With more solar products entering the market, the government must enforce tighter quality control to ensure outputs match advertisements. Currently, solar experts and enthusiasts are performing this role through live capacity tests on social media.
Joseph Omotayo is the head of the Human Interest Desk at Legit. He has been writing about solar energy for over three years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng.
