INVESTMENT IN SOLAR ENERGY WILL GREATLY BOOST ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN NIGERIA — EXPERTS
REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
As Electricity supply continues to be one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria, experts are of the view that solar generated power is very visible.
Some solar light experts in Anambra State say there is a possibility to have an alternative source of energy in the country if government pays proper attention to that direction.
According to them, if the Federal Government can consider reduction of import duty tariffs for solar power installation materials, it will no doubt have a long way in assisting the existing power source, which over the years has not been able to meet up with daily consumption of the people.
One of them, Mr. Daniel Aja, says Nigeria is long over due for an alternative source of power considering the advantages it has over solar lower.
According to Mr. Aja, the sunny weather in Nigeria and Africa in general places the region is in a better position to harness the option.
He says there is the need to build a solar village from where power could be transmitted to those who are yet to be connected to the grid.
Mr. Aja, however, expresses regret that successive governments have failed to explore the option probably because it will benefit the masses.
Another expert, Mr. Chukwudi Mouobiegbunam, observed that the high cost of solar equipment, including battery, panel and cells, have become so expensive that millions of Nigerians can not afford solar energy.
Mr. Mouobiegbunam therefore appeals to the Federal Government to review downwards the cost of solar power materials as it would encourage many to embrace the alternative power source.
He notes that some of the distribution companies are already using solar to generate electricity, which they use to augment the quantity they receive from the electricity transmission companies.
An Engineer and solar installation professional, Mr. Ifeanyi Agos, points out that the national grid can no longer be reliable as all the much billions expended to revitalize the sector have not yielded the needed result.
Mr. Agos, however, laments that most people are discouraged from installing solar power due to the high level of fake and sub standard materials being used by both the installation experts and the users.
The respondents are of the opinion that solar energy if well harnessed by the government will no doubt guarantee steady power supply to many customers and households across Nigeria.
