Tag: Solar

Provider of innovative energy solutions, itel Energy, has reaffirmed its commitment to powering Nigerian homes and businesses with smart, reliable, and affordable solar energy technologies, as it officially unveiled its two new All-in-One (AIO) solar power systems.

The high-impact channel launch held in Lagos, attracted an impressive gathering of distributors, EPC partners, key stakeholders, and media professionals to what it tagged: the future of clean, accessible energy in Nigeria.

The newly launched products, the Power Tank 500W AIO and the 3.6kW + 8kWh AIO, are designed to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges with compact, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solutions. Prioritising safety, reliability, and affordability, the new AIO offerings mark a bold step forward in itel Energy’s mission to drive energy independence across the country.

“We are proud to introduce products that solve the real challenges Nigerians face with energy, and also create new opportunities for our partners across the country,” said Lu Liang, Director, West Africa, itel Energy, in his keynote speech.

“This vision didn’t just start. itel has been in Nigeria for over a decade, growing from a trusted mobile phone brand into a household name known for affordability, accessibility, and reliability. We have built our reputation by listening to everyday Nigerians and creating solutions that truly serve them. With itel Energy, we are now extending that same promise, from mobile connectivity to energy security,” he stated further.

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The Power Tank 500W AIO, he said, is a sleek, compact, wall-mounted unit that offers 10ms seamless power switching, a 1kWh lithium battery, fast charging (fully charged in 2 hours), and critical safety features such as overload and overheat protection.

The 3.6kW + 8kWh AIO, on the other hand, is ideal for family homes and small businesses, features a smart hybrid-ready system, space-saving design, automatic load management, 2-year replacement warranty, and a 50% cost-saving on installation. It’s a plug-and-play powerhouse for a country seeking reliable backup energy solutions.

The launch event was hosted by one-time Big Brother Nigeria Season 5 winner/ TV personality, Uti Nwachukwu, with special appearances by Kellyrae, winner of Big Brother Nigeria Season 9, and Kassia, an ex-housemate of the same season.

itel Energy also revealed plans to expand its awareness campaign with similar channel meetings in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Warri.

Olaotan Fawehinmi, PR Manager at itel Energy, assured Nigerians of the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions.

“We are democratising energy access, reducing dependence on erratic power supply, and empowering every household and business with smart, clean, and affordable energy solutions. At itel Energy, we believe the future is equitable, reliable, and renewable.”

Nigeria’s agricultural sector stands on the brink of a transformative shift, with increasing use of solar energy to power food production across the country, the Chief Executive ,SMEFUNDS, Dr. Femi Oye has said.

SMEFUNDS is a social enterprise committed to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises.

To this end, he has called for the widespread adoption of solar-powered technologies to tackle the energy crisis in farming and enhance agricultural output.

He believes that integrating solar energy into farming practices could significantly increase productivity, reduce operational costs, and simultaneously bolster both food and energy security.

According to him, a major barrier to modern agricultural practices in Nigeria remains the unreliable and often non-existent access to electricity, particularly in rural and off-grid areas.

 The energy shortfall, he  observed, restricts farmers from embracing mechanisation, impedes efficient food processing, and leads to high post-harvest losses due to the lack of storage infrastructure.

Oye argued that decentralised renewable energy solutions, especially those powered by solar, can solve these challenges by providing clean, affordable, and consistent power to agricultural operations.

Highlighting the promise of emerging technologies, Oye pointed to solar-powered irrigation pumps as an effective solution for improving water access and crop yields. His words: “ These systems enable farmers to irrigate their fields efficiently even in water-scarce areas, without the high costs and environmental concerns tied to diesel-powered alternatives. Similarly, solar cold storage units are transforming the post-harvest landscape by helping farmers preserve perishable produce, thereby reducing waste and extending shelf life. Innovations like these are already gaining traction, with companies such as Ecotutu making headway in delivering sustainable and accessible cooling solutions for rural farmers.”

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Another breakthrough,  Oye emphasised is the use of agrivoltaics, or Agri-PV—a technology that allows for the dual use of land for both solar energy generation and crop cultivation. “ This method not only optimises land resources but also contributes to more resilient agricultural ecosystems. Agri-PV systems are gaining recognition globally for their ability to balance energy generation with agricultural productivity, and Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from adopting this model.Electric tractors and milling machines powered by solar energy also hold significant potential. These technologies provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to their diesel-fueled counterparts, lowering fuel costs for farmers while helping reduce the agriculture sector’s carbon footprint. Such innovations could be particularly impactful in remote areas where access to fuel is limited or costly,” he  maintained.

While the technology to revolutionise Nigerian agriculture already exists,  Oye stressed the critical need for enabling policy environments and financial structures to support implementation. He called on the government to establish frameworks that attract global investors and support local manufacturers.

 According to Oye, awareness of new technologies  such as  Agri-PV remains limited among many farmers, who may be hesitant to adopt unfamiliar systems without adequate knowledge.

 He advocated for  training programmes  tailored  for local communities that can help farmers understand how to install, operate, and maintain solar-powered equipment.

 He  added: “Empowering local technicians and entrepreneurs with the necessary skills will also ensure that solar systems remain operational over the long term, boosting trust and confidence among end users.”

A central concern raised by Oye was the need for greater farmer involvement in the design and implementation of solar farming projects.

He cautioned that many existing initiatives are either commercially or academically driven, often lacking a farmer-centric approach. He recommended enhanced stakeholder consultations and farmer-led research initiatives to ensure that the models being promoted genuinely meet the needs of those on the ground.

Drawing inspiration from successful global examples, Oye cited countries such as  India that have embraced solar-powered agriculture through government support, public-private partnerships, and grassroots initiatives. He suggested that Nigeria could benefit immensely from studying these models and adapting best practices to local realities.

According to him, SMEFUNDS is also supporting innovative clean energy initiatives in many  areas, including domestic energy use. One such initiative,he  noted  is KIKE AI, an intelligent kitchen application developed to promote responsible gas usage and efficient energy management in Nigerian households.

He explained: “The application educates users on safe and optimal cooking gas practices, helping to reduce waste, improve safety, and promote energy conservation at the household level.”

The Abia State Government, in conjunction with the European Union (EU), is set to spend over €2.6 million to inaugurate the Solar for Health project, which aims to promote renewable energy in healthcare facilities across the state.

A statement by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, revealed that Abia was one of six states selected to benefit from the Solar for Health programme, having met all eligibility requirements.

He further explained that the initiative, led by the EU, aims to use renewable energy to power health facilities and productive users around those facilities.

He said the EU will provide over €2 million for the project, while Abia State will contribute more than €624,000 as counterpart funding.

According to the Commissioner, the project will have a total capacity of 500 kilowatts, which will be distributed across at least 9 health facilities in the state.

He added that the initiative is not limited to health centres alone, as there are plans to extend the power supply to nearby businesses, such as shops, to promote sustainability and business solutions. According to him it’s not just about the health centres, the goal is to ensure sustainability by also supporting productive users.

Monday explained that each installation would feature metering systems, with small service charges introduced to support ongoing operations and maintenance.

On its sustainability, he explained that to guarantee uninterrupted power supply, especially during periods of low solar output like the rainy season, the systems will be equipped with battery storage technology.

“Multiple energy sources are also being considered in the system’s design,” he added.

He noted that more than 50 personnel from the State Ministries of Power and Health have already received training on the operation and maintenance of solar systems.

He added that energy audits are currently being carried out at the selected health facilities to determine the most effective deployment strategies.

The commissioner emphasized that the Solar for Health project is a timely initiative, highlighting that a reliable energy supply is essential for driving socio-economic development in the state.

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Monday also provided updates on broader efforts to improve electricity access across the state, especially beyond the Aba Ring-Fenced area.

“We’ve made some progress with Aba Ring-Fenced, but from Umuahia to Abia North, power supply has been a challenge,” he said.

He disclosed that the Abia State government is in advanced negotiations with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire a controlling stake in its electricity infrastructure within the state.

“We’ve completed due diligence to assess the value of the assets. Our first offer has been made, and negotiations are ongoing to reach a fair agreement. Full details will be disclosed once discussions are finalized,” he said.

On plans to acquire EEDC’s interstate electricity assets the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, confirmed that the state had submitted a bid to acquire a 60 per cent stake in EEDC’s interstate electricity assets within Abia.

He further mentioned that negotiations for the acquisition have reached an advanced stage.

Chief Executive, SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye, has called for legislation to facilitate nationwide community solar projects, which would significantly contribute to food production and stimulate economic development.

He emphasised the importance of enabling residential, commercial, and industrial customers in rural areas to access solar energy, thereby utilising clean energy for agricultural and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Oye elaborated that the expansion of community solar projects would not only reduce energy expenses for consumers but also promote well-paying green energy jobs and address the ongoing climate crisis.

As the climate emergency escalates, he asserted that it is imperative for the government to support clean energy initiatives for all Nigerians and to generate more quality employment opportunities in the clean energy sector.

He stated that farmers should be empowered to harness the abundant and free solar energy to enhance agricultural output for the nation.

 According to him, community solar represents a mutually beneficial solution; by broadening its reach, harmful emissions can be diminished, farmers can save on electricity costs, and new job opportunities can be created.”

He noted that  his  organisation is prepared to collaborate with state governments to develop community-owned solar facilities, thereby enhancing rural electrification. “We believe in empowering local governments to foster new avenues for private investment in community solar projects, which will encourage innovation and lower energy expenses for Nigeria. We envision community solar as a catalyst for job creation, economic advancement, and the provision of clean, affordable energy for all Nigerians.”

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He pointed out the challenges faced by traders across the nation, who struggle to keep perishable goods fresh due to frequent power outages. “Small businesses, which are vital to the Nigerian economy, are hindered by the exorbitant costs associated with operating generators. The energy shortfall adversely affects food production, processing, and distribution. A community-owned solar installation could energise a network of farms, powering pumps that provide essential water resources.”

He elaborated, stating that a compact processing unit, also energised by the solar farm, enabled farmers to package their products, thereby minimising spoilage and enhancing their earnings. “As more communities adopted solar energy, the necessity for local technicians and maintenance personnel surged, resulting in the creation of new employment opportunities. The emergence of local manufacturing for solar components further invigorated the economy. Food production would see an increase, incomes would elevate, and the murmurs of hardship would dissipate, giving way to the sound of progress and the hopeful vision of a brighter future, all powered by solar energy. The necessity for additional community solar installations is evident; it serves as the cornerstone for unlocking Nigeria’s agricultural potential and fostering sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the government should provide farmers with financial support and facilitate access to solar energy and modern agricultural equipment to enhance crop management. He noted that his organization is actively pursuing innovations aimed at advancing the food industry.” He stated: “In the food industry, where time is of the essence, we have launched an innovative approach aimed at transforming operational practices. Kike AI is a pioneering application that provides food industry operators with predictive insights into gas supply management. This groundbreaking tool redefines how food businesses handle their gas resources. By utilising sophisticated analytics and real-time data, the application offers accurate forecasts regarding the depletion of gas supplies. This proactive methodology empowers businesses to make strategic decisions, ensuring uninterrupted operations. It not only improves operational efficiency but also significantly contributes to the economic development of the food sector. With decreased downtime and heightened productivity, businesses can prioritize the expansion of their operations, create new job opportunities, and support a flourishing culinary environment.”

Chief Executive, SMEFUNDS, Femi Oye has said the widespread adoption of solar energy could enable the nation to achieve an annual food production of 1 trillion tons in response to the growing population. His comments follow a report indicating that off-grid solar solutions represent the most economical means to provide energy access to 41 per cent of the global population by 2030.

Oye highlighted the challenges faced by numerous farmers who struggle to power their operations, which hampers both productivity and economic development. He is confident that solar energy can be instrumental in revitalizing these off-grid regions. Furthermore, he pointed out that the solar sector accounted for 55 per cent of new energy connections in sub-Saharan Africa from 2020 to 2022.

The Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report (MTR) 2024, published by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP) in collaboration with GOGLA, indicated that a sixfold increase in current investment levels—amounting to $21 billion—is essential to harness the full potential of off-grid solar in achieving universal energy access.

Failure to secure this investment, the report noted, could result in a significant missed opportunity. If the current trend continues, it is estimated that 660 million individuals will remain without electricity by the year 2030. Consequently, the World Bank Group has joined forces with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to provide electricity to 300 million people across Africa within the next six years through the Mission 300 initiative.

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Off-grid solar is expected to be pivotal in delivering electricity to households and enhancing access for businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, thereby fostering development across various sectors.

He stated that Nigeria possesses the local capacity to assist AfDB and other entities in implementing off-grid solar solutions, which could benefit thousands of farmers facing rising inflation and significant currency devaluation. He highlighted initiatives such as the World Bank’s Mission 300 and the AfDB’s efforts to electrify 10 million farming households across Africa, thereby supporting local food processing.

He urged the Federal Government to collaborate with investors and development partners to harness the potential of off-grid solar energy, aiming to create a transformative effect on farming households, small businesses, and food production. Meanwhile, a recent study from the University of Sheffield in the UK has demonstrated that the integration of solar panels with agricultural practices can significantly enhance crop production while simultaneously conserving water and generating renewable energy for regions at risk from climate change.

The research, spearheaded by the University of Sheffield, highlights the concept of ‘agrivoltaics’—the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation—which results in improved crop yields with reduced water usage compared to traditional open-field farming. The international research team, which included collaborators from the University of Arizona and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), discovered that specific crops, including maize, Swiss chard, and beans, flourished under the partial shade of solar panels. This shading effect not only mitigated water loss through evaporation but also allowed for the utilization of rainwater collected from the panels to meet irrigation requirements. Professor Sue Hartley, the senior author of the study and Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, remarked: “Envision a future where farms are powered by clean energy and crops exhibit greater resilience to climate change.”

She emphasized that agrivoltaics could transform this vision into reality by addressing critical issues such as food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy demands.