- Telecom companies are shifting to solar to cut diesel costs and boost sustainability, especially in remote areas.
- Although solar adoption in Nigeria is only 20%, OEM-backed models and proven savings signal strong potential for industry-wide transformation.
Telecom tower companies are actively adopting solar power solutions for base stations, especially in off-grid and remote areas. They are piloting these innovations in developed markets as part of a broader push toward sustainability and cost reduction.
Although full-scale adoption remains in progress, solar-powered telecom towers are quickly becoming a core strategy in the industry’s efforts to cut operational costs and reduce environmental impact.
Ernest Akinola, former CEO of a Nigerian Telecom company and a UK-based renewable energy expert, explained the urgency behind this shift. “Diesel expenses now account for nearly 60 per cent of a telecom operator’s operating costs,” Akinola told The PUNCH.
“Nigeria has about 42,000 base stations, likely only half of what we need,” he added. “Given the scale and the fact that these towers run 24/7, diesel reliance does not make sense anymore. Solarisation has become a necessity.”
Over time, telecom operators have sold off most of their base stations to tower companies, which now manage and maintain infrastructure for multiple network providers. These firms co-locate telecom equipment like Home Location Registers from different operators, creating shared infrastructure that significantly improves cost efficiency.
According to Akinola, despite the obvious financial benefits, only 20 per cent of Nigerian base stations currently run on solar power. This figure highlights a significant gap and an opportunity for transformation.
The industry has coined the term “tower power” to describe this ongoing move toward energy-efficient infrastructure.
Akinola explained that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are leading this shift by offering solar tower solutions through revenue-sharing models based on the energy savings they deliver. These OEMs, backed by substantial funding, are incentivising tower companies to make the switch.
Companies across Africa, particularly in Rwanda, South Sudan, and other regions, have begun deploying solar-powered base transceiver stations to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. MTN South Sudan, for instance, reported a 30 per cent reduction in fuel costs after integrating solar energy into its operations.
“MTN South Sudan has already achieved a remarkable 30 per cent reduction in fuel costs, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” the company stated.
Major players like MTN and Airtel in Nigeria are also exploring renewable options, including solar and wind energy. However, Akinola pointed out several challenges that slow down widespread implementation, especially in hard-to-reach or insecure locations.
“Beyond the upfront investment, telecom operators face logistical and security hurdles that complicate solar deployment,” he said.
He emphasised that the shift to solar isn’t just practical but vital. “If 60 per cent of your operational expenses go to diesel, the case for switching to solar is obvious. Without this transition, the economics of the industry will collapse.”
Akinola also highlighted the potential for innovation in solarisation, saying it could lead to smarter power management and new business models. These, he said, could ease financial burdens through energy-saving partnerships.
“The telecom industry in Nigeria is at a turning point,” Akinola concluded. “What happens next with infrastructure power will determine how affordable and accessible digital services become for millions of Nigerians.”