A Nigerian businesswoman has become the centre of a heated online discussion after investing a significant sum in a solar power system for her venture, prioritizing her business needs over the renovation of her ageing home.
A Strategic Investment for Business Growth
The story came to light when an installer, who goes by the TikTok handle @teextratechnology, shared a video of the solar panel installation project. The footage showed several panels being affixed to the roof of the woman's house. The total cost of the solar system was reported to be over N600,000, with some estimates placing it as high as N650,000.
The primary goal was clear: to achieve a reliable power supply for her chest freezer, which she uses to store an assortment of cold drinks for sale. According to the installer, this move successfully ended her previous struggles with a noisy and costly fuel-powered generator.
Public Reaction: A Clash of Perspectives
While the installer praised the initiative, viewers of the video quickly diverted their attention to the state of the property. The house appeared old, with a rusty roof and makeshift windows constructed from wood and roofing sheets. This visible disparity sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
Many questioned the woman's financial priorities. Comments like "Them use 650k buy solar ontop this kain house" from a user named HAREMU and "Owo to ye kie fi tunlese efin ra solar" (Money you ought to use to repair the house, you used the same to get solar) from Adegoke Olanrewaju olax, captured the sentiment of those who believed the money should have been used for home improvements first.
However, a strong contingent of supporters defended her decision as a shrewd business move. User @Mj_gadgetz argued, "They need light first! How do you want them to be charging their phones and other appliances?" Another user, Ishorlaade, shared a personal testimony, stating that investing in solar was the best decision they made, having previously spent N17,000 weekly on fuel for a generator.
The installer himself confirmed the business rationale, replying to a comment with, "Yes ooo, she took smart move." User jooda and associates also noted, "I am very sure is one mama that is selling cold something in the whole community that did it for her own business."
Broader Context: Solar Energy's Rising Value in Nigeria
This incident highlights a growing trend among Nigerian entrepreneurs and households seeking alternatives to the unreliable national grid and expensive fuel. The debate touches on a fundamental question of resource allocation for small business owners: should capital go into immediate business-enabling infrastructure or into improving living conditions?
The news report, originally published by Legit.ng on December 18, 2025, and written by Joseph Omotayo, also referenced a related story about a Nigerian man who installed a 16kva solar system capable of powering his home, including an induction cooker during a gas scarcity, and even exporting excess power.
Ultimately, the woman's choice underscores the critical role of stable electricity for micro-businesses in Nigeria. While her old roof remains a topic of discussion, her new solar panels represent a direct investment in the viability and growth of her cold drink enterprise, a calculation many fellow entrepreneurs online seem to understand and respect.
