THE RISE OF SOLAR ALTERNATIVES
In the face of unreliable electricity, individuals are switching to solar energy to light their homes Erratic electricity from the national grid is increasingly forcing many Nigerians to rely on
Nigerians are increasingly turning to solar energy as a reliable alternative to the inconsistent electricity supply from the national grid. In Lagos, the launch of new solar energy products saw the technical lead for Mission 300, Dayo Olowoniyi, report that over five million off-grid electricity connections were established in the country since 2025. This Mission, a collaboration between the African Development Bank and the World Bank, aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
The Nigerian government's DARES programme, implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency, offers capital subsidies to companies like Sun King to reduce the cost of solar equipment for Nigerians. However, frequent power outages and the high cost of running petrol and diesel generators have driven individuals and businesses towards solar and inverter solutions. In June, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission introduced a framework allowing solar system owners to sell excess power to distribution companies.
The shift towards solar energy is further fueled by changes in Nigeria’s electricity pricing structure, with a growing preference for rooftop solar installations and large-scale renewable energy projects. In 2025, Nigeria imported approximately 2.9 million solar panels from China, valued at over N435 billion.
Solar setups have become commonplace in homes, offices, and businesses, with commercial banks utilizing solar power to reduce generator costs and even offer loans for solar appliance purchases. Hospitals and universities are also adopting off-grid solar power solutions, with some federal universities powered by a 12 MW hybrid solar plant. The Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja is transitioning to solar power, and the State House Medical Centre has been running on solar since May 2025.
While solar energy offers a cost-effective solution, the initial installation expenses remain prohibitive for many Nigerians. However, the long-term benefits make it a financially attractive option. Experts caution against an environmental e-waste crisis as the solar boom continues to grow.
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