Solar energy has been making waves worldwide, and Nigeria is not exempted from the mix! Blessed with abundant sunlight, Nigeria is passionately poised to harness the power of the sun to meet its growing energy needs.
In this article, we will delve into various aspects of solar energy, from its history and benefits to the different types of solar panels, comparisons with other energy sources, industry statistics, consumer behaviour, policies, and more.
A Brief Chronicle of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy dates back to ancient civilizations with the use of magnifying glasses to concentrate sunlight and create fire. Centuries on, French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, which is the process by which a material converts sunlight into electricity.
Low efficiency and high costs limited practical applications but during the space race in the 1950s and 1960s, solar panels gained traction as a reliable source of power for satellites and spacecraft. The Vanguard I satellite, launched in 1958, became the first artificial satellite powered by solar cells.
The oil crisis of the 1970s and growing environmental awareness heightened interest in renewable energy with investments in research and development of solar technology by Governments and organizations. The cost of solar panels started to decline, making them more accessible, and around the mid-2000s, solar power reached “grid parity” in some regions, where the cost of solar energy became comparable to or even lower than conventional fossil fuel-based energy.
In Nigeria, the mid-2010s saw an increase in private sector involvement, with companies offering solar solutions for both off-grid and on-grid applications. Entrepreneurs and startups began to emerge, focusing on solar installations for homes, businesses, and institutions.
The Genre of Solar Panels
There are various types of solar panels available such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film. Each type has its advantages and is suited to different applications. Monocrystalline panels are known for their efficiency, while thin-film panels are more flexible and lightweight.
IPower Solar Solutions has played a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and affordability of solar technology in the Nigerian market, ranging from different specifications and KVAs of solar panels, and inverters to inverter batteries. The solution, which is the best of its kind in the market space, enjoys huge patronage, has returned good value for money, and has contributed to making solar energy increasingly relevant as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the challenges of national electrification.
The solar industry in Nigeria has continued to grow rapidly, with a surge in installations in recent years. Consumers in Nigeria are becoming more inclined toward solar energy due to its economic advantages and the need for a reliable power supply. Solar installations for residential and commercial use are on the rise. According to the findings of the Christensen Institute, Nigeria’s off-grid solar market has been growing at a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2018!
The Nigerian government has implemented policies and structured incentives to promote solar energy adoption with the Nigerian Renewable Energy Master Plan. The plan aims to achieve 500 MW of installed solar PV capacity by 2025.
The future of solar energy in Nigeria is promising. Projections estimate a significant increase in solar installations as technology advances, costs decrease, and environmental awareness rises. With its rich history, numerous benefits, various panel types, and government support, solar power is at the forefront of this electrifying revolution.
In conclusion, solar energy is transforming the way Nigeria generates and consumes electricity. As the world embraces the power of the sun and shifts toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, and with brands such as iPower Solar Solutions leading the way, solar energy has found its niche in the Nigerian electricity space!!
At Zinox Technologies, we specialize in world-class quality solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Call +2347080601156 or email enquiries@zinoxtechnologies.com for more inquiries today.
