Guide
How to buy solar in Nigeria
Going solar is not one decision. This is the order the decisions actually come in — what you need, what it costs, who does the work, and what you keep afterwards — with a deeper guide behind each step.
Start with what you need to power
Before any kilowatts, write down what has to stay on when the grid is off — lights, fans, the fridge, the wifi, a pump — and roughly how long each runs. That list decides your battery far more than your roof does. A sizing estimate turns it into three numbers (panels, battery, inverter) that should be in proportion, not just large.
What it costs — and how it compares to a generator
A home backup system is a real capital cost, usually paid up front or over a short plan. The number worth working out is the five-year one: the system, against what you currently spend on petrol or diesel plus servicing. For many households the generator is the more expensive machine once fuel is counted.
Your grid band changes the answer
NERC assigns every feeder a band (A to E) with a guaranteed minimum daily supply. Fewer guaranteed hours means more battery and more panels to get through the night and refill by day. Knowing your band — it is on a recent bill — makes every estimate more accurate.
Choose an installer whose credentials you can check
Rooftop solar work must be done by a NEMSA-certified electrical contractor. Ask to see the certificate and the name on it, and check that name against who is actually doing or supervising the work. On Suny this is confirmed and dated before an installer is ever shown to you — but a Suny check is a record on a date, not a government endorsement.
Read the quotation before any money moves
A good quotation is itemised — panels, battery, inverter, cabling, mounting, labour, each with a quantity and a price — with payments tied to milestones, not one lump sum up front. If you cannot see what you are paying for, do not pay for it.
Keep the record after handover
At handover you should get a walkthrough, warranty papers in your name for the panels, battery and inverter, and a copy of the final record of what was installed and paid. That record is the difference between a conversation and an argument if something needs a service visit later.
When you're ready
Describe what you need to power and get a free indicative estimate — a system direction and a cost range, not a quotation. Then compare itemised proposals from NEMSA-certified installers.