Solad, a leading energy company, is accelerating the deployment of Solar Home Systems across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities. The company has already installed over 1,800 systems in five states, with plans to roll out an additional 4,000 systems. This initiative supports Nigeria's goal of increasing reliable electricity access and expands Solad's distributed energy footprint. The programme is part of Solad's broader strategy to deliver decentralised energy solutions at various levels.
The Solar Home Systems programme is being implemented within the ecosystem created by the Rural Electrification Agency and the World Bank-supported Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme. DARES is one of Africa's most ambitious programmes aimed at accelerating renewable electricity access through solar-hybrid mini-grids and standalone solar systems. Solad's programme is designed to support real economic activity in communities, enabling small retailers to operate longer, tailors to use electrical equipment, and households to power lighting and communication equipment.
According to Yewande Olagbende, Chief Executive of Solad's Nigerian businesses, Nigeria's energy-access challenge requires solutions at multiple levels, including large power infrastructure, mini-grids, and individual solar systems. Solar Home Systems are crucial as they can be deployed quickly into communities where conventional grid expansion may take years. Olagbende emphasizes that reliable electricity creates additional working hours, reduces dependence on expensive generators, and provides entrepreneurs with a more reliable foundation for their businesses.
Solad's latest deployment builds on its long-standing involvement in Nigeria's distributed energy sector. The company has developed and operated energy infrastructure serving businesses and communities across Nigeria and has previously participated in programmes administered by the Rural Electrification Agency under the Nigeria Electrification Project. Solad's portfolio includes Solar Home Systems, mini-grids, commercial and industrial solar, battery storage, and decentralised energy infrastructure.
The company's experience demonstrates the vital role indigenous private-sector developers can play in translating national energy-access policy and development finance into operating infrastructure on the ground. Solad's programme is not only expanding access to electricity but also empowering communities economically. With reliable electricity, small businesses can operate more efficiently, and households can enjoy improved living standards.
Solad's Solar Home Systems programme has the potential to make a significant impact on Nigeria's energy landscape. The company's commitment to delivering decentralised energy solutions at multiple levels is in line with Nigeria's energy-access goals. As the programme continues to expand, it is expected to create new opportunities for economic growth and development in underserved communities.
As Solad continues to deploy Solar Home Systems across Nigeria, the company is poised to play a leading role in the country's transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy future. With its extensive experience in the distributed energy sector and commitment to economic empowerment, Solad is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on Nigeria's energy landscape.
Key points
- Solad has deployed over 1,800 Solar Home Systems in Nigeria, with plans to install an additional 4,000 systems.
- The programme is part of Solad's broader strategy to deliver decentralised energy solutions at multiple levels.
- Solad's initiative supports Nigeria's goal of increasing reliable electricity access and expanding economic opportunities in underserved communities.
