Experts in the renewable energy sector said that solar energy adoption in Nigeria has grown significantly over the past two years, driven by the demand for reliable power, affordability, and shifting public perception.

They emphasised that despite existing challenges, the trend indicates that solar energy is rapidly positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s energy future, with even greater potential for expansion.

Chief Executive Officer of Excellent-Glory Solar System, Dr Felix Adekunjo, told The Guardian that frequent blackouts and grid failures have made alternative energy sources essential, noting that many households and businesses are turning to solar to reduce dependence on the unstable grid.

He added that the removal of fuel subsidies and soaring diesel prices have made generators more expensive to operate, making solar energy a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.

“Compared to two years ago, the costs of solar panels, batteries, inverters and other solar components have decreased globally, partly due to advancement in technology and economies of scale. This has made solar systems more affordable for the average Nigerian household and small businesses.
“There has been a slight increase in government and institutional support for solar adoption, such as commercial banks’ renewable energy financing schemes like Access Bank’s Switch to Solar project and international partnerships promoting solar energy access,” he said.

Adekunjo noted that Nigerians who adopted solar energy in the past two years have become advocates for its reliability, particularly during periods of grid failure or fuel scarcity, noting that word-of-mouth referrals have played a key role in encouraging more individuals and organisations to transition to solar solutions.

However, he noted that despite long-term savings, upfront installation costs remain a hurdle. Lack of skilled technicians, poor installations and inadequate maintenance by untrained personnel discourage adoption, he added. Adekunjo also pointed out that many Nigerians still struggle to afford solar systems due to the lack of flexible payment plans.

“The growth of solar is driven by the rising need for reliable energy, affordability, and a shift in public perception. While challenges persist, the trajectory shows that solar energy is fast becoming the future of energy in Nigeria, with even greater potential for expansion in the coming years.

“As solar merchants, we remain committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and reliable solar solutions to empower Nigerians to take charge of their energy needs,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Royal Power and Energy Limited, Adewale Odugbesan, told The Guardian that he has observed significant growth in solar adoption since his company launched eight years ago. He noted that when they started, solar energy cost about $3 per kilowatt, but this has now reduced to approximately $0.1 per kilowatt.

He emphasised that back then when comparing the cost of grid power and diesel, solar was still more expensive. However, compared to Band A tariffs now, solar is likely around N160 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), whereas Band A costs between N220 and N250/kWh, depending on the location. The cost of using a diesel generator is even higher, at around N400 to N450 per kWh, making solar the most cost-efficient way to power businesses.