In a nation such as Nigeria, where there is an endless need for a steady supply of electricity, generators have long been the preferred option. The majority of Nigerians still largely rely on generators that run on fuel, even though solar energy has obvious financial and environmental benefits. So why are solar barriers still in the way of the widespread adoption of solar power, and what has to happen for solar energy to become the primary energy source in Nigerian homes?
Solar as a Renewed Hope.
The energy issue in Nigeria can be resolved by solar energy. Since the sun in Nigeria is a plentiful and limitless source of energy, using a generator could be eliminated along with many of its challenges, including noise pollution, fuel shortages, ongoing maintenance costs, and pollution. Furthermore, although there is an initial cost associated with solar energy, over time you can save money with solar from lower electricity bills and the elimination of the need to purchase and maintain a generator outweigh the initial cost.
So why do so many people continue to rely on their expensive, noisy generators when solar energy is such a good alternative?
The Major Solar Barriers In Nigeria.
Here are some of the major solar barriers in Nigeria, and this include:
Piece-by-Piece Purchases Habit:
An average Nigerian prefers to buy an average of N,4000 worth of fuel daily for his “I pass my neighbor” generator to power light bulbs, fans, TV rather than save-up to buy a solar system at an outright purchase. They felt it is easier to raise N4,000 and buy fuel daily than to save a huge amount of money (N850,000) to buy a 1KVA complete solar system they are not sure of its durability.
Cost remains a major barrier for Nigerians who want to switch from petrol-powered generators to solar-powered generators which can cost more than 10 times the monthly minimum wage
Seen As Luxury:
Even Small and Medium Scale Business Owners are not left out, because they need a constant power supply to run their businesses, they considered solar system as a luxury since it couldn’t power their income-generating appliances such as pressing iron for a laundry man, rework station for a phone repairer, hand and hair dryer for a hairdresser, sewing and weaving machine for a fashion designer, towel stretcher for barbers, freezers for food business owners. This makes the use of generators to be on the increase by SME’s in Nigeria.
Some categories of electrical loads known as Electric Motors which include air conditioner, water pump, microwave, electric sewing machine and heaters are not advisable to be on solar system if you want it to lasts longer, because when you switch on an an electric motor, it draws a very high current between 5 to 10 times higher than the normal operating current within 0.2 to 0.5 seconds. This current surge must be considered when designing the power supply of a solar system. Asking an SME’s business owner not to use any of the electric motors for his business poses a solar barrier.
Stuck in the Norm:
In Nigeria, generators have long been accepted as the standard backup power source, and according to TheCable, Nigerians spend $12bn on generators every year. Even though solar energy is a better alternative, many individuals are hesitant to change what they know and are accustomed to. One of the hardest obstacles to overcome is this reluctance to change.
Concern Over Non-Standard Solar Products:
A lot of Nigerians are still wary about adopting solar energy, and it’s understandable. There’s a real concern about ending up with sub-standard solar products, especially when past experiences or stories from friends and family about bad investments have left a mark. With solar products being a significant investment, people are naturally cautious about where they put their hard-earned money. Many would rather stick with generators, which they feel are a safer bet. This hesitation highlights the need for greater trust and assurance in solar solutions before more people are ready to make the switch.
Unstable Government Support:
Even while the government does occasionally launch programs to support solar energy, their inconsistency or inadequacy prevents widespread adoption. Solar system costs can be decreased with the aid of subsidies and incentives, yet these policies are not always accessible or efficiently carried out.
How Can We Turn the Tide?
We all have a role to play in breaking the solar barriers in Nigeria, and this include:
- The Media has a big part to play in reducing solar barriers and spreading awareness about the benefits of solar power because many Nigerians still have doubts about its reliability, with some believing it can’t meet the energy needs of their homes or businesses. Through ongoing media campaigns, sharing success stories of people and companies who have transitioned to solar could help change these perceptions and encourage more widespread adoption.
- Individuals and communities must take control of their energy decisions by becoming more knowledgeable about solar options.
- Solar Energy Industries should provide affordable, reliable solar-powered appliances that suit the budgets of various homes and businesses so we can reduce our carbon footprint and save our environment from the adverse effects of climate change.
- Community solar initiatives, government subsidies, PAYG models, and other creative options present hope for increased accessibility even if the high cost of solar systems continues to be a major barrier for many Nigerians.
Ultimately, Nigeria faces substantial but surmountable solar barriers to the broad deployment of solar power. In many Nigerian homes, solar energy has the potential to overtake generators as the primary energy source by offering cleaner, quieter, and more affordable electricity with the correct combination of financial accessibility, education, and government backing. It’s just a matter of bridging the gap before Nigeria can finally liberate itself from the clamor and pollution caused by generators.
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