With certain challenges facing the Nigerian electricity value chain, it has become necessary for individuals to find alternative sources of energy for themselves. And with countries all over the world making moves to transition into cleaner energy sources, Nigeria also has made its introduction to renewable energy.
Being among the most common, the adoption of solar energy has had its fair share of a journey in Nigeria. At first, the reaction towards using solar energy was not accepted for reasons which include: the cost of production, its procurement and installation, the lack of sensitisation among members of the public, and the fact that on rainy days one may be stranded.
For these reasons, the few people who employed solar energy in most cases did so as a supplement to other alternative energy sources such as petrol or diesel generators.
However, these problems are fairly becoming a thing of the past!
Firstly, industries have found and continue to find new ways to make solar panels and other parts of solar home systems that not only improve the quality of service rendered but also make the systems affordable.
Secondly, these days there are workshops that enlighten people about solar home systems and other renewable energy sources, not just for the fact that they help diversify the energy chain but also because of their advantages for global climate and that they could serve as means for entrepreneurial growth.
Also, rainy days seem to become less of a threat for solar home systems because of their modifications with battery storage technology that help save energy for a much more needed time.
With these new solutions, there has been an overall increase in the employment of solar home systems in the country. And not just as energy supplements. In fact, under the Nigeria Electrification Programme, the federal government in 2020 has successfully provided solar home systems to underserved households and small and medium scale enterprises.
This action, apart from increasing the employment of solar as an alternative energy source, will do well to improve the diversity in the country’s energy sector. With more people joining the trend, it is safe to say that “the future of solar energy in Nigeria is bright”.