For those who want solar power without looking like they have it, they have options.
Homeowners using solar energy have had to settle for panels which are mounted on rooftops. But new technology has brought into the Kenyan market, solar-power tiles, which allow a roof to maintain its design appeal.
Strauss Energy, a Kenyan company, is betting on the solar tiles to increase the uptake of green energy and lower installation cost.
Tony Nyagah, Strauss Energy chief executive officer, said the solar tiles are integrated right into the roof, allowing developers and home owners to construct houses without worrying about the need to create allowances for the installation of panels.
This is a story that has been told for decades. We have every excuse in the book but no solutions. It started with Kainji Dam, maintenance, the generator mafia, now it is gas and sabotage.
Solar power energy tackles electricity challenges in Nigeria three years after the privatization of power sector, generation has remained below 5,000 Mega Watts (MW). This energy deficit has hampered economic growth and prevented investments in the country.
1.8 KW
The challenges facing the power sector have been attributed to the high debt profile of power firms, unfavorable tariff structure and gas pipeline vandalism.
Experts at the just concluded yearly Power and Utilities Round Table, organized by PricewaterhouseCoopers in Lagos, believed that off-grid and small-scale energy solutions (solar power) that generate electricity closer to end users will also bolster productive uses of energy and income generation in the country.a
Some multinationals and private estates are already off-grid (solar power) in a bid to provide reliable electricity.
Already, Lagos State Government is exploring the off-grid solution to tackle its electricity challenges.
Partner and lead, Power & Utilities, PwC Nigeria, Pedro Omontuemhen, said:
Solar power Energy is breaking grounds as Governors from the northern states in Nigeria want to tap into the abundant solar radiation of the region to industrialize and improve the livelihood of their residents. They signed a fresh pact to generate 500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy with globally acclaimed power firm in Nigeria.
“I would rather go to any extreme than suffer anything that is unworthy of my reputation, or of that of my crown”. Elizabeth I
During our interactions with our competitors clients, we are surprised by the compromises and the pain the clients have to endure in other to own solar. Some even with solar accept that they have to run a generator every day because they have no choice. Some endure inverters and controllers that fail after rainstorms. Many endure batteries that fail months after the installation. The worst we have seen are failed inverters with bulging damaged batteries.
What did we observe. Look at the pictures and then we will point out what could possibly be wrong.
Our Competitors jobLooks good right?
Obviously not very imaginative. It installs quickly at minimal cost. The inverter is plugged into an outlet. No way to isolate or prevent feed back in the event of an electrical fault or surge. The inverter selected is not really suitable for a client that lives 100% of the grid. It is not heavy duty / rugged enough. The installer placed the inverter on Styrofoam packaging. Inverters get hot as they invert. The packaging traps heat and can cause premature failure or a fire. The Styrofoam is placed on top of the battery. Batteries including maintenance free batteries will vent when overcharged. The cover can blocks the vents. When the battery can’t vent what do you think will happen? It will bulge and damage the plates, in rare instances they will explode. Your batteries are the 2nd most expensive part of your system. They need to be properly charged. The charge controller (the black thing on the wall) can’t do it very well. This is why after a few months, your batteries lose capacity or you are forced to run your generator daily. Finally. There are no protections. No fuses, battery disconnects or PV disconnects. This is why, when you experience thermal runaways they fry the inverters and controllers. There is nothing to disrupt that.
Take a look at our installation and you can immediately see the difference. The quality of the installation and equipment stands out.
Programming the SW with Battery BoxSW with Battery box
The picture speaks for itself. It looks very professional (comparable to anything you will see in Europe or America), all the protections are in place. The wires are tucked away and the battery box looks like a piece of furniture.
We spend money and time on the installation so that you can enjoy your investment for a very long time
In Nigeria we have been hungry for so long that a cracker looks like sumptuous meal. Hunger no more. The bar has been raised.There is a minimum that you should demand. With you on board we can raise the standard.
Final thought for the day. How much more did we cost? You will be shocked when you find out that we are pretty similar in price. We just spend more making sure that you get value for the money.
We are experts and it shows in our work. We do expert designs based on how you intend to use the system.
Come today and see why they call me Dr. Solar and learn why AWPS Renewable Energy is #1 in customer satisfaction.
Go to sleep in Nigeria and wake up 30 years later and the headlines would not change.
December 1, 2016
Ejiofor Alike
Power allocation to the 11 distribution companies, which had averaged 4,000 megawatts in recent months has further dropped to below 3,000MW following the inadequate supply of gas to the power stations as a result of the impact of the militant attacks on oil and gas facilities, THISDAY has learnt.
