Nigeria’s installed solar capacity has reached 385.7 Megawatt peak (MWp) as of 2024, marking an addition of 63.5 MWp this year alone. This development comes from a recent report by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), which highlights Nigeria’s growing role in harnessing solar power as an alternative energy source.
The surge in solar capacity is largely driven by the recent removal of fuel subsidies, which has led many Nigerians to seek more affordable energy solutions. As electricity costs from the national grid continue to rise, solar energy is becoming an increasingly attractive option for households and businesses alike.
According to the AFSIA report, Nigeria now ranks 4th in Africa for solar energy capacity, trailing behind South Africa, Egypt, and Zambia. South Africa remains the leader in the continent’s solar landscape, while Egypt has climbed to second place thanks to new projects coming online.
Despite the promising growth in solar installations, Nigeria still faces challenges. The contribution of solar energy to the national energy mix stands at only 1.6%. This indicates that while progress is being made, there is still a long way to go in fully integrating solar power into the country’s energy strategy.
AFSIA CEO John van Zuylen noted during the unveiling of the report at the Powerelec Nigeria conference in Lagos that while solar energy is gaining traction across Africa, it remains concentrated in a few countries. In fact, South Africa and Egypt accounted for nearly 80% of all new solar installations in 2024.
As Nigeria continues to explore renewable energy options, experts believe that increased investments and supportive policies could lead to a more diversified and sustainable energy landscape in the coming years. With ongoing interest and initiatives aimed at promoting solar power, there is hope that Nigeria can significantly enhance its renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
This positive trend reflects a broader movement across Africa towards sustainable energy solutions, as countries seek to address power shortages and environmental concerns through innovative technologies like solar power
