Consumer View: How solar conquers homes

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Nigeria has one of the worst electricity grids in Africa, facing significant challenges in power generation, transmission and distribution. This week, Renewables Rising sat down with Patrick Olaitan, CEO of Oltech Solar and a resident of Akure, Nigeria. Local challenges made his decision to switch to solar power an easy one.

• My foremost reason was to gain peace of mind,” Patrick explains. “Solar power means no more generator noise, no constant worry about purchasing fuel, and no unexpected power cuts. That calmness is invaluable.”

• Like many Nigerians, Patrick grew weary of the constant fuel hunt and the instability of the national grid. Switching to solar brought not only relief but also a dependable source of energy for his home.

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Patrick installed his solar home system three years ago. While he acknowledges that batteries degrade naturally over time, he notes that his system has consistently delivered reliable performance, with only occasional dips during less sunny days. “As long as the sun shines, I have power,” he affirms.

He also highlights the difficulty of finding trustworthy solar providers in Nigeria. “The market is flooded with people who aren’t qualified solar engineers, many are electricians who have just jumped on the solar bandwagon. It’s crucial to choose a specialist with a solid history of completed projects.”

In his region, the installation process is relatively simple, with no mandatory permits or regulatory requirements for residential solar setups. “If you have the means, you can install solar without bureaucratic delays,” he says. Nevertheless, Patrick advocates for government oversight to regulate the quality of solar equipment and ensure installers are properly certified, protecting consumers who invest heavily in these systems.

Patrick has witnessed a surge in solar adoption within his community. “Almost everyone around me is switching to solar. People have lost faith in the government’s ability to provide steady electricity or control fuel prices, so they’re taking matters into their own hands.”

Looking forward, Patrick is confident about solar’s role in Nigeria’s energy future. “I once thought solar was just a passing trend, but now I’m convinced it’s here to stay. As long as the sun keeps shining and the government doesn’t subsidise fuel, solar will become widespread. It’s more reliable and cost-effective over time.”

Drawing from his experience, Patrick encourages other Nigerian families to explore solar energy. “The peace of mind and cost savings make it worthwhile. I believe solar will be the standard for everyone in the near future.”

For Patrick and many Nigerians, solar power is emerging as a practical and economical alternative, offering a way to break free from the high costs and unreliability of the traditional electricity grid.