Epileptic power supply pushes more Nigerians to solar systems
MORE Nigerians are subscribing to alternative energy sources such as solar to power their homes as a result of the persistent power outages,
Investigation by The Guardian shows that solar system adoption is becoming a common sight in several Nigerian homes, commercial outlets, and the adaptability has increased due to the influx of second- hand panels into the markets. The current foreign exchange rate has slightly affected the prices of most of the equipment being used in installations. Prices of panels, batteries, solar charging controllers, and inverters that were affordable last year have almost doubled due to rising exchange rate.
However, many Nigerians are seeing solar systems as a reliable alternative to the increasing cost of diesel and petrol to power generators. Those working from home for their different establishments find it as a reliable alternative to the public power supply, as well as costeffective.
Solar radiation being abundantly present in Nigeria is one area of focus among renewable energy resources. Nigeria receives an average solar radiation of about 7.0kwh/ m2- day ( 25.2MJ/ m2day) in the far north and about 3.5kwh/ m2- day ( 12.6MJ/ m2- day) in the coastal latitudes. The various energy centres are making giant strides in the production of solar energy technologies for the direct harnessing of solar energy since the country is situated in the high solar radiation belt of the world.
Energy research centres are also making intensive efforts to popularise the applications of these devices to become household commodities. Some state governments, in collaboration with non- governmental agencies, have sponsored some solar energy projects in some rural communities, drive water, and small- scale industrial projects.
P. A. Ilenikhena and LI. N. Ezemonye of the University of Benin, in their paper on ‘ Solar Energy Applications in Nigeria,’ stated that effective harnessing of solar radiation using solar energy technologies to augment energy supply from fossil fuel energy resources ( using cleaner fossil fuel technologies) would enhance the availability of energy for socio- economic activities and to improve the standard of livelihood of the people.
“Renewable energy, particularly solar, holds the potential to support the growth and development of industries in the country. By generating electricity that adequately powers homes and industries, renewable energy could facilitate the industrialisation process by cutting costs, creating jobs, increasing productivity, and promoting sustainable development,” they said.
The Guardian’s visit to the dealers at the Alaba International Market revealed that not only property owners have adopted the solar energy system, but tenants, and hotel owners are also utilising the opportunity. The dealers revealed that the solar energy system requirements include installation accessories such as DC cable for the panel, DC surge protector, AC and DC breaker for high voltage.
It was gathered that the Canadian mono solar panel 300W 24V cost between N65,000 and N260,000, while Tubular or Dry cell batteries hover between N290,000 to N350,000 and 2.5KVA inverters cost N270,000, while 3.5KVA inverters are sold for N360,000, depending on the brand.