Why is now a good time to start using solar power in Nigeria?
I believe you’re reading this because you are considering buying and installing a solar panel, or you’re not yet confident about the decision you’re about to make. I can assure you that now is the best time to start using solar power, especially as a Nigerian, living in present-day Nigeria, where steady electricity is still a far-fetched dream.
Here are some reasons why now is a good time for you to go solar.
Note: Solar power is electrical energy generated from the sun. A solar panel converts this energy from the sun into electricity through its photovoltaic cells (PV), or through mirrors that concentrate the sun’s radiation. The energy generated can provide direct electricity for your homes and offices, or be stored in batteries, to be used when there is no sun.
Now, let’s get into the reasons why now is a good time for Nigerians to start using solar power to.
1. Nigeria has an abundance of sunshine
The sun is the raw material for solar energy, and in Nigeria, sunshine is abundant, especially during the dry season/ harmattan. Even the rainy season comes with a good amount of sunshine. So, you do not need to worry so much about the availability of sunlight, since we enjoy 6-9 hours of intense sun rays due to our geographical location, enough to generate and store energy in thermal storage or battery for use when the sun goes down.Â
Also Read: How to Choose a Reliable Solar Installation Company in Port-Harcourt
2. Saving Cost
The initial purchase of a solar panel system will be pricey, depending on your budget and home or office appliances. However, you will be saving yourself costs in the long run. Costs on electricity tariffs, Buying and servicing a generator, buying petrol or gas for your generator, your business expenditure for electricity will reduce significantly, especially if you’re in the hospitality, food, and restaurant business, etc.
The industry standard for solar panels is about 15–25 years warranty. Calculate how much you pay monthly for electricity, and add that to the money you spend on buying fuel and generator maintenance since there’s hardly a steady light supply. multiply that by 12 months and then 25 years. You’ll agree with me that now is a good time to invest in a solar panel, especially because you’re a Nigerian living in Nigeria.
3. Energy independence
With the frequent power outages and unreliable power supply, in many parts of Nigeria, solar panels offer you a way to achieve independence by generating your electricity directly from the sun, thereby reducing your reliance on the national electric grid which in recent times collapsed more often than not, leading to widespread power outage across the nation, that goes on for days or even weeks. Not to mention transformers that often blow up, and take months before they are repaired or changed.
4. Improvement for rural communities and remote areas
Rural areas/communities are usually the most affected, since they may not be covered by the electric grid due to many reasons, making it difficult to live in these places. If you live in a rural community, you do not have to depend on PHCN to enjoy electricity. Solar panels can provide a viable solution, which will supply electricity to these areas for the first time.
This will in turn improve the quality of life for you and residents of rural communities who decide to embrace solar energy.
Also Read: 5 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Inverter Battery
5. Comfort
The hot weather in Nigeria needs no introduction. In the past weeks, Nigeria experienced a heat wave like never before, making sleeping difficult or nearly impossible and drastically reducing people’s ability to focus on their work. With a steady supply of electricity from a solar panel system, you can power your fan, air conditioners, and whatever cooling system you have or use. Indeed, now is the best time to start using a solar panel system in Nigeria.
6. Health and environmental impact
The message of a green earth has been preached so many in recent times. Everyone is expected to do their best to ensure a safe environment. Planting a tree is one way to achieve this, using solar is another way to preserve your environment since it does not emit any pollutants or greenhouse gases. If more people start to use solar energy, we can combat climate change by significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This will in turn preserve our health since we breathe in oxygen from our environment. You can also avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat rashes (prickly heat).
7. Support for the remotest areas
Access to the national electricity grid is not available in many rural and remote parts of Nigeria. Solar panels can provide a viable alternative source of energy. That viable source of power supplies electricity to these areas experiencing total absence of light or an unstable supply since sunshine is readily available. thereby improving the quality of life among residents of these areas which includes
- Access to better education and study environment, and
- The internet
This will also attract settlers and businessmen to these rural areas.
Also Read: How Installing Solar Can Increase the Value of Your Property
Conclusion
The benefits of having access to steady electricity are numerous. Whether you’re a homeowner, or a business person, in Nigeria, there is a need for reliable and affordable energy generation.
As Nigeria continues to face light challenges, solar panels offer you a way to rise above this challenge. The rewards for your business, home, community, and environment far outweigh the initial cost of acquiring one. Solar panels are a safe and reliable investment for you to make.
