Stakeholders push solar generators as fuel costs rise

Renewable energy stakeholders have intensified calls for the widespread adoption of solar generators in Nigeria, describing the technology as a practical and cost-effective alternative to the millions of petrol and diesel generators powering homes and businesses across the country.

The push formed the basis of discussions ahead of the inaugural Nigeria Solar Generator Day, where policymakers, investors, renewable energy firms and development partners are expected to explore ways of accelerating the deployment of solar-powered systems nationwide.

A statement jointly issued on Wednesday in Abuja by three organisations—ZE-Gen, GOGLA and VeraSol—said Nigeria’s growing appetite for reliable electricity, coupled with rising fuel costs, presents a significant opportunity for the expansion of solar generator solutions.

The statement cited findings from a recent ZE-Gen report titled Understanding Nigeria’s Fossil Fuel Generator Challenge, which estimated that 41 million small businesses and 17 million households currently depend on petrol and diesel generators to meet their electricity needs.

According to the report, Nigerians spend about $8bn annually on fuel to keep these generators running. However, the report noted that a standard solar generator system could satisfy up to 85 per cent of the typical electricity demand of many users, eliminating recurring fuel expenses and shielding consumers from volatile energy prices.

The statement read, “Understanding Nigeria’s Fossil Fuel Generator Challenge estimates 41 million small businesses and 17 million households use petrol and diesel generators, costing around $8bn in annual fuel spend, and that a standard solar generator system could meet up to 85 per cent of typical energy demand for many users, while eliminating fuel costs and reducing exposure to price volatility.

“Nigeria is one of the largest generator-dependent markets globally, with more than 86 million people lacking access to electricity and millions of homes and businesses relying on self-generation.”

Commenting, the Programme Director at ZE-Gen, Lily Beadle, said efforts were now shifting from demonstrating the viability of solar technologies to expanding their reach across the country.

She stated, “ZE-Gen is helping to turn innovation into real-world deployment in Nigeria, combining research, technology innovation and partnerships to build a scalable market for solar generator solutions in place of polluting fossil fuel generators.

“Nigeria Solar Generator Day shows we are now at a critical moment. What is now needed is increased investment, philanthropic funding and collaboration to scale these solutions at pace and expand the reach of clean, reliable power.”

Country Representative for Nigeria at GOGLA, Sarah Odumwegu-Ojukwu, said solar generators offer households and businesses a reliable alternative to costly diesel.

She said, “Solar generators are that alternative, and the opportunity is enormous. The country’s first Solar Generator Day will spotlight their investment and impact potential, and drive alignment on quality standards, policy, and the future of Nigerian energy.”