Nigeria’s solar capacity has increased by 63.5 Megawatts Peak (MWp), but it still contributes a dismal amount to the country’s energy mix in recent years, Energy Partner at Bloomfield, Dr Ayodele Oni, has said.

However, despite this growth, Oni said solar energy still accounts for only 1.6 per cent of the country’s total energy mix, stressing the challenges in scaling renewable energy adoption. He told The Guardian that the country’s solar adoption has significantly increased compared to the previous two years.

According to him, in 2024, Nigeria became the fourth-leading country in Africa for solar energy uptake, expanding its solar capacity by 63.5 MWp to reach a total of 385.7 MWp.

Oni mentioned that the surge in solar energy interest can largely be tied to the discontinuation of fuel subsidies, motivating Nigerians to pursue cost-effective and sustainable power solutions.

“Frequent grid failures and the general instability of Nigeria’s energy system have pushed consumers towards alternative energy sources, cutting reliance on fuel and reducing significant expenses. Consequently, solar energy proves to be a dependable choice for those aiming for energy autonomy,” he said.

He added that factors like a heightened consciousness of the importance of sustainable energy, technological progress, and increased investment from various stakeholders have also played roles in bolstering solar energy adoption.