Before we can talk about solar energy in Nigeria, we have to take a glance at progression of solar energy since it’s “inception”.
We are in the 21st century, and with the advent of climate change, there has been an alarming rate of environmental degradation in recent years, largely caused by the widespread use of fossil fuels. An eco-friendly alternative for energy production becomes an unimpeachable necessity.
Because of this, many countries are making the necessary adjustments to make their countries carbon-negative. Even though it is not easy to transition from the norm of using fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), it is very possible.
One of the renewable energies that has made this transition easier is solar energy.
Since the dawn of time, humans have harnessed solar energy to start fires by focusing sunlight using magnifying glasses. The ability of a material to convert sunlight into electricity is known as the photovoltaic effect, and it was first discovered centuries ago by the French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel.
The high cost and low efficiency of solar panels limited their practical applications. Nevertheless, solar power gained popularity as a dependable power source for satellites and spacecraft during the space race of the 1950s and 1960s. Launched in 1958, the Vanguard I satellite was the first man-made satellite to run on solar energy.
Though solar energy has been around since the early 20th century, when significant oil finds were made, it has only recently gained international recognition.
The 1970s oil crisis and rising environmental consciousness spurred interest in renewable energy, and governments and organisations invested in solar technology research and development to lower the cost of solar energy for the average person. I can assure you that tremendous progress has been made in this area.
Around the mid-2000s, solar power reached “grid parity” in some areas, when the cost of solar energy became equal to or even lower than traditional fossil fuel-based energy. As a result, solar panels became more affordable and more widely available.
Nigeria, though, has not retreated from this global trend. Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has several energy-related issues, such as restricted access to power and an excessive reliance on fossil fuels for its energy needs.
The private sector began to become more involved in Nigeria in the mid-2010s, with businesses providing solar solutions for both on- and off-grid uses. Startups and entrepreneurs with an emphasis on solar systems for residences, companies, and institutions started to appear.
Solar energy in Nigeria has a bright future because of rising government initiatives, increased investments, and technological breakthroughs that have led to a rise in solar energy consumption, even in the nation’s most remote and impoverished places.
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Why is That?
The obvious reason has been the increase in fuel costs and the inefficient power supply. Considering that Nigeria enjoys an abundance of sunlight (more than 5 kWh/m2 per day), it is ironic that the country continues to underuse renewable energy resources, especially solar electricity.
Nigeria is the country in Africa with the greatest population and economy. Consequently, it makes sense that there is a significant need for power. The maximum generation capacity is 5300 MW; however, the current estimate for daily electricity demand is 17,520 MW.
Nigeria’s per-capita energy usage is 144.52 kWh, according to the World Bank (compared to about 5500 kWh in Europe); however, some sources place the figure as low as 123 kWh. In the coming years, there will be a sharp increase in the need for power.
Some European sources estimate that Nigeria’s power consumption will rise by 16.8 times by 2030, while other sources put the country’s power demand at 77,450 MW in 2025 and 119,200 MW in 2030. The Central Bank of Nigeria has projected an astounding 52% increase in the nation’s energy demand between 2010 and 2035.
By 2030, 80% of the population should have access to electricity, compared to the current 60%. However, even then, there is no guarantee that people will always have access to energy, as Nigeria still produces insufficient amounts even now.
In Nigeria, energy that might normally come from renewable sources is produced using coal and oil. The majority of people in rural areas cook with charcoal, and occasionally the sun is the only source of light.
The Nigerian Energy Commission reports that the country’s citizens spend an astounding $22 billion per year, or about 5% of GDP, on oil to power their generators.
While cheap petrol generators, which can be turned off when not in use or during hard times, enable the average Nigerian to live and do business, large diesel generators are found in homes, shops, and office buildings.
Nigeria receives 19.8 MJm2/day of evenly distributed solar energy, with an average of six hours of sunshine daily.
The nation’s northern region, which features semi-arid or desert terrain in the far north, is home to a savanna ecosystem, while the southern portion experiences tropical weather. Nigeria is a popular destination for solar energy projects due to the nation’s constant need for electricity and an abundance of sunshine.
Solar energy is becoming more and more popular in Nigeria for several uses, such as standard electrification, communications, lighting, and irrigation. The primary cause of the increased adoption of solar power is its declining cost. The cost of a solar panel decreased 93% from $5 per watt in 2000 to $0.37 in 2017.
The cost of switching to solar power has dropped by almost 40% as a result of declining manufacturing costs and increased market competitiveness.
Nonetheless, N1.8 million ($9090) is the typical cost in Nigeria to build a 4-kW solar PV system, which also includes the cost of an energy-storing battery bank. Because many Nigerians cannot afford this, pay-as-you-go (PAYG) options have become more and more common.
Apart from resolutely advocating for solar energy, the federal government, under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), has provided 25 million Nigerians with the chance to buy 5 million solar systems through Solar Home Systems at a monthly cost of N4,000.
With government assistance as well, the private company Lumos has placed more than 100,000 of its devices in Nigerian homes and plans to increase its market share tenfold.
300w 12v solar panel price in Nigeria at a minimum of N25,000 but the price goes higher if you want to purchase a 300w of higher voltage or amper. 500w solar panel price starts from N90,000 up, while 1000w solar panel price starts from N360,000.
Advantages of Solar Energy in Nigeria
- Renewable Energy Source
- Reduces Electricity Bills
- Low Maintenance Costs
- Technology Development
1. Renewable Energy Source
One completely renewable energy source is solar energy. It is available every day and can be used anywhere in the world. Unlike several other energy sources, solar energy never runs out. When the sun dies, which experts predict will happen in at least 5 billion years, we will still have access to sunlight.
2. Reduces Electricity Bills
Since your solar system will use some of the electricity it produces to meet your needs, your energy costs will go down. The size of the solar system and the amount of electricity or heat you use will determine how much money you save on your bill.
Not only will you save money on your electricity bill, but the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) offers you the opportunity to get paid for any excess energy you export back to the grid.
if, given that your solar panel system is connected to the grid, you produce more electricity than you use. For any extra electricity you return to the grid, your energy company will frequently give you credits. We call this net metering.
3. Low Maintenance Costs
In general, solar energy systems don’t need much upkeep. They need to be kept somewhat clean, so giving them a quick cleaning once or twice a year would be enough. Additionally, there is no wear and tear because there are no moving parts.
Because the inverter works nonstop to convert solar energy into heat and electricity, it is typically the sole component that needs to be replaced after five to ten years. Therefore, you should anticipate spending very little on maintenance and repairs after the initial cost of the solar system has been paid for.
4. Technology Development
The solar power business is experiencing a steady advancement in technology, with further advances expected shortly. Advances in quantum physics and nanotechnology have the potential to double, or even triple, the efficiency of solar panels.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy in Nigeria
- Cost
- Depending on the Weather
- The Cost of Solar Energy Storage
- Uses a Lot of Space
1. Cost
Investing in a solar system entails a hefty upfront investment. This covers the cost of the installation, wiring, batteries, inverter, and solar panels. However, as solar technology is always evolving, it is reasonable to predict that costs will decrease in the future.
2. Depending on the Weather
Rainy and gloomy days still allow solar energy to be harvested, but the solar system’s efficiency decreases. For solar panels to efficiently collect solar energy, sunlight is a requirement. For this reason, a few overcast, wet days can have a significant impact on the energy system. It’s important to keep in mind that solar energy cannot be captured at night.
3. The Cost of Solar Energy Storage
Solar energy cannot be stored in big batteries; it must be used immediately. These batteries can be charged throughout the day to use the energy at night in off-grid solar systems. While this is an excellent way to use solar energy continuously, the cost of this method is high.
4. Uses a Lot of Space
You will need more solar panels to capture as much sunlight as possible and generate more electricity. Many roofs are too small to accommodate the quantity of solar PV panels you would like to have because solar PV panels take up a lot of space.
Nigeria’s Solar Energy Future: Trends and Forecasts
- Increasing Funding for Solar Energy Initiatives
- Government Support and Policy Frameworks
- Off-Grid Solutions and Electrification of Rural Areas
- Advancements in Solar Technology
- Integration of Solar with Other Energy Sources
- Creation of Jobs and Economic Possibilities
1. Increasing Funding for Solar Energy Initiatives
Nigeria has seen an increase in both domestic and foreign investment in solar energy projects. The nation presents a favourable environment for solar development because of its plentiful sunshine and enormous untapped solar potential.
Together with encouraging laws and incentives, the government’s efforts to create an environment that encourages investments in renewable energy have attracted an increasing number of investors. It is anticipated that these investments will propel the growth of Nigeria’s solar infrastructure and power generation.
2. Government Support and Policy Frameworks
The Nigerian government has actively promoted the use of solar energy because it understands its enormous potential. The Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing has created frameworks and policies to facilitate the integration of solar energy into the nation’s energy mix.
For example, the Nigerian Solar Home Systems Programme seeks to enable millions of rural households to obtain power through off-grid solar solutions. Such government backing is crucial in determining how solar energy develops in Nigeria in the future.
3. Off-Grid Solutions and Electrification of Rural Areas
The lack of energy availability in Nigeria, especially in rural regions, is one of the major problems. Using solar energy offers a practical way to deal with this problem. Off-grid solar solutions provide decentralised electricity generation and delivery, empowering communities and promoting socioeconomic development.
Examples of these solutions are solar residential systems and mini-grids. With off-grid solar projects, Nigeria’s solar energy future will mostly concentrate on rural electrification, enhancing millions of people’s lives by supplying electricity to isolated locations.
4. Advancements in Solar Technology
Technological developments in solar energy systems have been a major factor in the industry’s expansion. Enhancements in energy management systems, photovoltaic (PV) technology, and battery storage have improved the dependability and efficiency of solar power systems.
Future solar energy in Nigeria will see broad adoption of cutting-edge solar technology, lowering the cost of clean and sustainable energy and increasing accessibility. This is due to the ongoing drop in the cost of solar panels.
5. Integration of Solar with Other Energy Sources
The combination of solar energy with other energy sources to create a more resilient and balanced energy mix is what will shape solar energy in Nigeria in the future. Together with other renewable energy sources like wind and hydropower, solar electricity can supplement the current grid infrastructure.
The combination of solar energy and traditional fossil fuel-based power plants in hybrid power plants provides a dependable and adaptable energy source. Nigeria may lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and lessen the negative environmental effects of energy production by diversifying its energy mix.
6. Creation of Jobs and Economic Possibilities
Nigeria’s solar energy industry has the potential to boost employment and the country’s economy. There will be an increasing need for qualified experts in solar installation, maintenance, and research as the sector grows.
Solar energy projects can also encourage local entrepreneurship and present chances for small and medium-sized businesses to prosper. In addition to offering clean energy, solar energy in Nigeria has the potential to create jobs and provide opportunities for economic emancipation.
Conclusion
As we have seen, solar energy has a great future in Nigeria. Rural electrification with solar will only increase with the provision of portable solar energy products.
Residential areas, both urban and rural, have and will continue to integrate solar energy to supplement their energy needs. Some will even totally depend on solar and do away with being connected to the nation’s electricity grid, which fails every time.
For industrial areas and big organisations, it’s not realistically possible now for industries to run fully on solar energy due to cost and other factors but they can certainly offset some of their energy needs with solar. While big organisations and corporations have not fully welcomed solar, they will certainly do so as they see the cost-effectiveness and reliability compared to being connected to the national grid or running fully on fossil fuel energy.
The increasing popularity of solar energy has captivated the citizens of Nigeria more than the government. This is because the country’s main source of revenue is still fossil fuels. Until the government sees the need for solar, will they welcome it with full arms?
When this is done, Nigeria will be able to meet most of her energy needs.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.