Solar power plants in Nigeria
Africa's largest economy runs on diesel: replacing generator power with solar and storage is the biggest C&I opportunity on the continent.
Market overview
Nigeria has more than 200 million people and a grid that delivers only a fraction of what the economy needs. Factories, banks, telecom towers, hospitals and estates run on diesel generators, at costs that make solar with battery storage pay back quickly. The Electricity Act 2023 has decentralised the sector: states can now set up their own electricity markets and regulators, which is opening new routes for private projects.
The core of our offer in Nigeria is the hybrid plant: solar, battery and the existing generators under one controller, so that diesel runs only when it must.
- Regulators
- NERC (federal) and, since the Electricity Act 2023, state regulators for intrastate markets
- Grid operators
- TCN (transmission), 11 DisCos (distribution)
- Grid situation
- Grid supply often far below demand; businesses rely on diesel generators
- Irradiation
- About 1,500 kWh/m² in the south to over 2,200 kWh/m² in the north
- Legal basis
- Electricity Act 2023, NERC captive and mini-grid regulations
Market situation
- Very large C&I market: industrial estates, manufacturing, telecoms, banking, healthcare, residential estates
- Mini-grids and off-grid for the large share of the population without grid access, supported by the Rural Electrification Agency
- Utility-scale solar in the north is technically attractive but depends on grid evacuation and bankable off-takers
- Currency and import logistics are key project risks and are addressed in our procurement plan
Permits and grid connection
- Self-generation on own premises below 1 MW: no NERC licence
- Captive generation above 1 MW: captive generation permit (NERC or state regulator, depending on the state)
- Mini-grids: 100 kW to 1 MW permit, above 1 MW or third-party sales full licence
- Equipment certification by NEMSA; grid-connected projects coordinate with the DisCo or TCN
What we build here
- Hybrid plants (solar, BESS, generator integration) for industry, estates and institutions
- Rooftop and carport systems for commercial buildings
- Ground-mounted plants for industrial estates and mini-grids
Frequently asked questions
How much diesel can a hybrid plant replace?
Depending on the load profile and battery size, typically 60 to 90 percent of generator runtime. We calculate the exact figure from your consumption data and fuel bills.
Do I need a NERC licence for a factory solar plant?
Below 1 MW for own use, no. Above 1 MW a captive generation permit is required, issued by NERC or by the state regulator in states that have taken over their electricity market.
How do you handle import and currency risk?
Our fixed-price offers are based on long-term supply agreements, and the procurement plan sets out lead times, customs steps and the currency basis of each component so that there are no surprises.
Regulatory details change. Figures and rules on this page reflect our research as of October 2026 and are verified for every project.
Other markets
Planning a project in Nigeria?
Send us the location, the area and the planned capacity. We reply with a first assessment.