Nigeria’s Power Supply Crisis: Solar Energy To The Rescue

By Cami Ezenwa

Across many cities and states in Nigeria, solar energy to the rescue has become an increasing euphemism.

In the face of perennial failure of public electricity supply, this is not difficult to understand.

Electricity supply is not just a basic necessity, it is a driver of both industrial production and domestic comfort.

But things have so deteriorated over the years that basic electric supply has become a luxury.

Last September’s episode remains a watershed. Electricity distribution companies reported “a total system collapse” after a fire on a major transmission line, caused widespread blackouts.

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, told journalists that fire caused an explosion on a transmission line connecting the Kainji and Jebba power plants in north central Niger state, tripping the grid.

Issues of the above nature are common in Nigeria. For many organisations and homes, it is solar energy to the rescue, in the face of these public power supply disruptions.

Solar Energy To The Rescue

Simply put, solar energy or solar power is energy from the sun converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Of all energy sources, solar energy is the cleanest. It is the most abundant renewable energy source available.

Incidentally, Nigeria is rich in solar energy by virtue of its location in the solar system.

She receives sunshine virtually all-year round. Energy experts see this as a great asset when fully utilise.

Yes, while it is solar energy to the rescue, certain infrastructure are important, a solar inverter being key.

The Solar Energy Technologies Office, defines a solar inverter as a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity.

Uses & Benefits Of A Solar Inverter?

1.It enables you  to harness usable current from the sun’s rays.

2. A solar panel inverter can help you maximize energy output, monitor system output and communicate with the grid

3. It also helps detect faults that could damage your solar system.

4. Solar inverter maximises energy production while monitoring system output

5. Solar inverter tracks the voltage of solar celle.

6. Experts add that. In comparison to low-cost inverters that generate modified sine waves, grid-tied home solar inverters also output more pure sine waves to ensure that your sensitive devices run smoothly and efficiently.

It flows from the above that our euphemism of “solar energy to the rescue” depends on a number of variables to remain a reality

You can also use your home inverter’s performance tracking to regularly check on the status of your system’s components and ensure they are producing the correct amount of electric

 Production line workers who may be Poor maintenance, aging, and degradation of wiring and solar equipment can potentially lead to dangerous electrical faults such as ground faults or arcs. If such events occur, a solar inverter will quickly detect and shut down the problem

Solar Energy To The Rescue: Update

Nigeria’s 5m New Solar-Based Connections

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has launched an initiative as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to roll out  5 million new solar-based connections in communities that are not grid connected. This programme is expected to generate an additional N7 billion increase in tax revenues per annum and $10 million in annual import substitution

The Solar Connection Intervention Facility will complement the Federal government’s effort of providing affordable electricity to underserved rural communities.

US Announces $7m Solar Energy Research Funding

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) has announced the Solar Energy Evolution and Diffusion Studies 4 (SEEDS 4) funding opportunity

The fund will award up to $7 million for social science research that generates actionable insights that can improve large-scale solar (LSS) siting processes.

These will help enable the deployment of large-scale solar energy necessary to meet the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals for decarbonizing the electricity sector by 2035. 

More details here.