Like many other African nations, Nigeria enjoys year-round, strong sunshine. Particularly during the dry season, when temperatures frequently reach into the high 30s and low 40s Celsius, consumers’ wallets might suffer greatly from rising electricity expenses. Installing solar panels emerges as an unexpectedly appealing choice for many Nigerians, as concerns about the environmental impact of non-renewable energy sources grow and the cost of necessities keeps growing.
Recent years have seen a notable expansion of the solar energy sector, which is now a preferred option for producing electricity sustainably. With the development of technology, the solar panel industry has grown dramatically. We at SmartHub Projects Limited have personally seen how installing solar panels can be economical and beneficial to the environment. In this extensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through all you need to know about solar panels and their installation in Nigeria.
Why Should Nigerians Opt for Solar Panel Installation?
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria and desiring uninterrupted and stable power at reduced cost around the clock, solar should be your first priority. Let’s look at the many advantages of going solar in Nigeria before getting into the specifics of solar panel types and installation prices.
1. Advantages for the Environment:
In Nigeria, burning fossil fuels is a major part of the country’s traditional electricity production process, which contributes to air pollution and climate change. The increasing need for electricity is causing our natural resources to run out faster. In contrast, solar panels use the sun’s energy, which is a plentiful and sustainable resource in Nigeria. You may reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to protecting the environment for future generations by switching to solar power.
Moreover, solar panels normally endure 25 years or more—a very long period. Solar panels are a very sustainable choice for Nigerians who care about the environment since their long-term use helps to offset the environmental impact of their manufacture.
2. Notable Drop in Electricity Costs:
Your electricity rates will drop dramatically after installing solar panels, which is one of the most noticeable and immediate benefits. As soon as your solar system is operating, you are practically producing free electricity. Many of SmartHub Projects Limited’s clients discover that, despite one-time installation fees and sporadic maintenance charges, they quickly recoup their investment in energy savings.
The solar panels on your roof can provide extra electricity that you could feed back into the grid to possibly earn credits (a very long and not so straight process with NERC in Nigeria) or help to reduce your future power bills by selling to your neighbours (best local option for Nigerians for now)!
3. Self-Sufficiency in Energy:
Long-term dependability problems with Nigeria’s national system have resulted in frequent power outages and voltage swings. You can achieve some degree of energy independence by installing solar panels. You are no longer vulnerable to load shedding or grid breakdowns. For households that depend on steady electricity for critical appliances and enterprises that cannot afford downtime, this dependable power source is very important.
4. Government Grants:
The Nigerian government in a bid to encourage the adoption of solar energy, had launched a number of solar power programs and projects accessible through the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria to encourage the use of solar energy after realizing its potential.
These include initiatives to expedite the process of connecting solar systems to the national grid and financing incentives for renewable energy projects. Although individual initiatives may vary over time, Nigeria is firmly dedicated to fostering the expansion of solar energy.
5. Enhanced Property Appraisal:
Solar-powered homes and businesses are increasingly regarded as cutting-edge and contemporary. A higher perceived value of real estate may result from this. Many property owners discover that solar installations boost the appeal of their properties to potential tenants or buyers, however the precise increase may vary based on factors like location and system size.
Nigerian Solar Panel Types Available
We at SmartHub Projects Limited provide a range of solar panel choices to accommodate various demands and price ranges. Below is a summary of the primary types that you may come across:
1. Solar Panels with a Single Crystal:
These solar panels are the most traditional and are renowned for having a high efficiency, usually between 20 and 22 percent. Their unique uniform black color comes from the silicon used in their construction, which is a single crystal. Even though they are the priciest alternative, individuals who want the best performance but have limited installation space should choose them.
2. Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
These panels, which are also referred to as multi-crystalline panels, are created by melting many silicon pieces together. They are more reasonably priced yet have a marginally lower efficiency (15–17%) than monocrystalline panels. They’re an excellent compromise choice for a lot of Nigerian houses and companies.
3. Solar Panels with Thin Film:
One or more thin layers of photovoltaic material are deposited onto a substrate to create these panels. They are the least expensive of the three primary kinds, but they are also the least effective. Because of their adaptability, they can be used in portable solar devices or in unusual installation places like curved roofs.
4. Solar Panels with Two Faces:
These cutting-edge panels can produce more energy overall because they can collect sunlight from both their front and rear surfaces. When placed on reflecting surfaces or in locations with high albedo (reflected sunlight), they work especially well. These ones are not yet common in the Nigerian market.
5. Solar Panels PERC:
The technology known as Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) offers an enhancement over conventional solar cell architecture. More sunlight may be absorbed and transformed into power by using PERC panels, which feature an extra layer on the back of a standard solar cell.
Current Solar Panel Installation Procedures in Nigeria
Now that you are aware of the advantages and varieties of solar panels, let’s go over the installation procedures that is common practice of some of the top solar installation companies in Nigeria:
1. Site Evaluation
The first thing we often do is inspect your site for the purpose of evaluation. We have to evaluate the proposed site or facility for solar installation and give your property a comprehensive assessment.
When our staff from SmartHub Solution Projects Limited visit your place, they will evaluate things like the shade, space availability, and state of the roof. To further understand your energy needs, we’ll also examine your electricity bills.
2. System Design & Construction:
Depending on the size of your proposed projects and the type of solar project you intend to build, this is the phase where we begin to analyse, design, plan, and construct your works before we begin to implement them.
We will build a solar system that meets your unique needs based on the site inspection. This involves deciding on the best kind and quantity of panels, the size of the inverter, and where to put the panels to get the most sunshine exposure.
3. Documentation and Permissions:
We’ll take care of obtaining all the permits and paperwork before installation starts. Approvals from your local government if needed, your electricity provider, and, if relevant, any homeowners’ associations, may fall under this category.
4. Solar System Setup:
When everything is approved, our knowledgeable personnel will start the installation procedure. This usually entails: Installing the solar panels, Mounting the racking system, Configuring the inverter and other electrical parts; and attaching the system to the electrical panel in your house.
Depending on the size and complexity of the system, the installation typically takes one to three days.
5. Exam and Grid Link:
The system will be inspected following installation to make sure it satisfies all performance and safety requirements. When your system is grid-tied, we will work with your electricity supplier to arrange for a new meter to be installed and the grid to be connected.
6. Activation of the System:
After everything is set up and authorized, your system will be turned on. You’ll be given a thorough explanation on how to use it and track its effectiveness.
7. Continued Assistance:
Our cooperation doesn’t stop with the installation. To guarantee that your system keeps operating at its best for many years to come, SmartHub Projects Limited offers continuous support and maintenance services.
Nigerian Solar Panel Installation Costs
Nigerian solar panel installation costs can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including:
1. System Size: Naturally, larger systems that can supply energy to entire houses or businesses would be more expensive than smaller systems made for basic requirements.
2. Panel Quality: Panels with higher efficiency, like as monocrystalline models, come at a higher cost than those with lower efficiency.
3. Installation Complexity: A number of variables, including system design, type of roof, and equipment requirements, might impact installation expenses.
4. Location: Local labor rates and transportation expenses may have an impact on the final cost.
5. Additional Components: The price will go up for things like monitoring systems, high-end inverters, and batteries for off-grid installations.
Residential solar installations in Nigeria might cost anything from ₦2,500,000 for a simple system to over ₦25,000,000 for an all-inclusive off-grid solution, as a general estimate indicates. The cost of commercial installations might vary greatly depending on energy needs.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that, despite their hefty upfront cost, solar panels usually pay for themselves over time in energy savings. After 3–7 years, many of our clients at SmartHub Projects Limited experience a return on their investment, and for the remainder of the system’s life, they practically receive free electricity..
Dimeji OLOWE
Nigerian Solar Installation Financing Options
There are several funding methods available to increase the accessibility of solar:
1. Outright Purchase: The simplest way to save money is to purchase the system outright for those who can afford it.
2. Bank Loans: Some Nigerian banks, especially the Bank of Industry and other infrastructure-friendly banks, currently have credit programs designed especially for projects involving renewable energy, primarily for businesses. Other international organizations, like the UN, AFDB, and WorldBank Bank, among others, also have funding in form of grants and single-digit loans for
3. Lease or electricity Purchase Agreements (PPAs): In return for a monthly fee or a commitment to buy the generated electricity, some businesses offer to install and operate the system for little or no upfront cost.
4. Instalment options: To help spread the expense over time, SmartHub Projects Limited provides various payment options.
Upkeep and Durability of Solar Panels
Low maintenance needs are one of the key benefits of solar panels. Most systems can function well for 25 to 30 years with little maintenance. But in order to guarantee peak performance:
- Keep panels clean: To preserve efficiency in dusty environments, periodic cleaning may be required.
- Routine inspections: Annual examinations help identify problems early and provide solutions.
- Replacing an inverter: Inverters normally require replacement every ten to fifteen years.
- Battery maintenance: Batteries in systems need to be properly cared for and eventually replaced.
In conclusion, Nigeria should embrace solar power.
Solar power provides a dependable, affordable, and ecologically friendly answer as Nigeria continues to struggle with its electrical supply. Solar panels can help you with a variety of issues, including lowering your electricity costs as a homeowner, gaining energy independence for your business, or just wanting to lessen your carbon footprint.
We at SmartHub Projects Limited are dedicated to assisting Nigerians in using solar energy. Our team of professionals is prepared to assist you at every stage of the procedure, from the first evaluation to installation and beyond. By selecting solar energy, you’re improving Nigeria’s sustainability and cleanliness, in addition to your own energy future.
Are you prepared to move to solar power? Reach out to SmartHub Projects Limited right now to begin your journey towards energy independence with a free consultation!