Nigerian rooftops are beginning to shine—literally —as solar panels steadily take the place of the ever-present generators that once defined everyday life in a country grappling with chronic power shortages.
Second Eye Africa
For decades, many Nigerians have endured unreliable electricity, leaning heavily on diesel-fuelled generators that provided dependable power but at a cost — noise pollution, hefty fuel expenses, and choking emissions.
Now, with fuel prices climbing and energy tariffs rising sharply, an increasing number of Nigerian homes and businesses are embracing solar power to fill the electricity gap.
By 2024, Nigeria had moved into fifth position in Africa for solar installations, recording a total capacity of over 112 megawatts—a staggering 2,700% jump since 2014, based on data from Statista.
The trend aligns with a wider shift across the continent, as more countries—from Zambia to Angola and Egypt—turn to off-grid renewable energy. In South Africa, a large-scale rollout of solar has even been credited with putting an end to persistent power outages.
According to McKinsey, solar power is expected to keep gaining ground in Africa after 2030, contributing 8% of total electricity generation by 2040 and accounting for more than 30% of new power capacity added between 2030 and 2040.
This transformation is being accelerated by Nigerian startups eager to plug the gap left by the country’s erratic power grid—an effort that mirrors a broader trend of private-sector-led energy interventions in South Africa.
In 2024, electricity costs for Nigerian consumers surged by 40%, while the price of diesel—a go-to backup fuel—leapt from ₦350 (US$0.23) to ₦1,200 (US$0.78) per litre, a sharp rise compared to 2022.
The national grid, often sarcastically referred to as “NEPA” after the long-defunct power authority, remains highly unreliable, leaving more than 40% of Nigerians without formal electricity access.
But now, solar panels are becoming commonplace in urban skylines—especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja—as more Nigerians invest in renewable solutions to power homes and sustain small businesses.
What started as a stopgap measure has blossomed into a vibrant market opportunity, as solar startups move in to meet soaring demand for clean, affordable energy.
Among them is SunFi, which raised US$2.3 million in 2023 and now provides flexible leasing and subscription-based solar systems for homes and small enterprises, making solar more accessible by removing high upfront costs.
“Walk down any street, and you’ll spot solar panels on nearly every third rooftop,” CEO Rotimi Thomas told WeeTracker, a Pan-African media and research platform focused on startups.
The company has already rolled out more than 1,500 systems and is targeting Nigeria’s 100 million underserved citizens.
Rival firm Arnergy, which secured US$3 million in investment, has also seen sales skyrocket as companies shift away from diesel. In Akwa Ibom State, Prado Power’s mini-grid operations have electrified remote communities like Mbiabet, where solar-powered freezers now help fishermen preserve their daily catch.
In December, renewable energy firm Winock Solar joined forces with China-based Cola Solar in a strategic partnership to distribute solar generators to 100 million Nigerians over the next five years.
Their collaboration targets small businesses and underserved rural areas—traditionally reliant on fossil fuel generators—with off-grid solar setups that offer cleaner, more dependable energy.
Across the continent, solar power is on track to double capacity to 23 gigawatts by 2028, spurred by both government incentives and grassroots adoption.
Rooftop solar first gained a foothold in wealthier districts of Kenya and South Africa. But demand is now growing fastest in lower-income and rural areas, where solar lighting has become a critical service. According to the Global Solar Council, Africa’s solar capacity is expected to jump from 19.2 GW in 2024 to 42.2 GW by 2028, with a projected 42% annual growth rate in 2025 alone.
Still, the continent has only scratched the surface of its solar potential. Experts argue that wider deployment will be essential to achieving renewable energy targets and boosting climate resilience.
By 2025, at least 18 African nations are projected to install 100 megawatts or more annually—up significantly from just 2 MW recorded in 2024.
