Solar-Inverter Systems: A Reliable Solution To Power Outages in Nigeria

The availability of reliable, world class energy infrastructure is required for fast and sustainable economic development. You can hardly see an industrialized country without a thriving power sector.

Nigeria is faced with chronic electricity crisis that has resulted in the crippling of most sectors of the economy. It is estimated that only 40% of Nigerians are connected to the national grid and the connected population are exposed to frequent power outages. Nigeria’s electricity grid is mainly powered by large hydro-power and depleting hydrocarbon resources. Fossil-based electricity generation contributes not only to increase in carbon footprints, but also exposes the country to changes in price of petroleum resources and political instability from the oil producing region of the country.

In Nigeria today, electricity is becoming an increasingly essential commodity and 24/7 power supply is hardly ever enjoyed in the country.

Recent studies show that only 40% of Nigeria’s population of over 160 million have access to electricity. This figure reduces to 2% in rural communities. Even in areas with electricity access, an average of 30 power outages occur every month, with each outage varying in length between a few minutes to several hours. The underlying reasons for outages include insufficient generation capacity, fuel shortages, excess strain on the system and shutdowns for repairs, vandalization of power infrastructure and theft.

Whatever the reason, the result is essentially the same; increased poverty, poor economic performance, limited employment opportunities and complicated prospects for institutional development. Thus, an economy that is unable to operate at its full potential.

The lack of reliable grid power means that most Nigerians have to resort to other means of generating electricity, the most common of which is the use of diesel generators. However, due to the high cost of fuel and maintenance, it is not practicable and financially viable to run a generator for 24 hours.

This results in residences, offices and health facilities having to operate without electrical power, which reduces productivity and the capability to offer required services. It also has adverse impact on the environment due to emissions from diesel generators.

To help plug the gap in the energy sector, Sygnite power and energy solution has come up with a hybrid Solar-Inverter system. This system will provide 24/7/constant power, cut down the carbon foot prints of several locations where it is installed, and drastically reduce the cost of energy and noise pollutions. In summary, the goal is to reduce the percentage of people without access to energy in Nigeria to the barest minimum.

What makes Sygnite’s Solar-inverter system stand out