Why Solar Systems Fail in Nigeria (And How to Avoid Being Scammed This December Festivities Period)”

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Solar energy has become a lifeline for many Nigerian homes and businesses. With rising fuel prices, unstable power supply, and frequent blackouts, solar systems promise peace of mind. Yet, many Nigerians will tell you the same story:
“My solar stopped working after 6 months.”
“The batteries didn’t last one year.”
“I was scammed by an installer.”
So the big question is: why do so many solar systems fail in Nigeria?
And more importantly, how can you avoid being the next victim?
This article explains the real reasons solar systems fail in Nigeria and gives you practical steps to protect your money and investment.
1. Poor Load Assessment (The #1 Silent Killer)
One of the biggest reasons solar systems fail is wrong load calculation.
Many installers do not properly calculate:
Total appliances
Starting power of ACs, pumps, and fridges
Daily energy consumption (kWh)
What happens?
Inverter overloads
Frequent system shutdown
Batteries drain too fast
Inverter gets damaged over time
How to avoid this
Always insist on:
A written load assessment
Appliance wattage breakdown
Clear explanation of inverter capacity
If an installer just says “6kVA will carry it” without calculations — walk away.
2. Fake or Substandard Solar Panels
Nigeria’s market is flooded with fake and refurbished solar panels sold as brand new.
Common signs
No serial numbers
No manufacturer warranty
Weight feels unusually light
Unrealistically cheap prices
Why this causes failure
Panels degrade quickly
Low real output despite high rating
Poor performance during cloudy days
How to avoid being scammed
Buy panels with verifiable brand websites
Demand warranty cards
Use installers who source from known distributors
Remember: cheap solar is the most expensive solar in the long run.
3. Wrong Battery Choice for Nigerian Weather
Not all batteries survive Nigeria’s heat.
Many people are sold:
Old lead-acid batteries
Incompatible lithium batteries
Batteries without proper BMS (Battery Management System)
Result
Battery swelling
Short lifespan (3–6 months)
Fire risk in extreme cases
How to choose right
Use tubular batteries or Grade A lithium batteries
Ensure proper ventilation
Avoid indoor battery placement without cooling
If you’re investing long-term, lithium is better, but only when properly sized and installed.
4. Poor Installation Workmanship
A good solar system can still fail due to bad installation.
Common mistakes
Wrong cable sizes
Loose MC4 connectors
No proper earthing
Panels mounted at wrong angles
Effects
Power loss
System inefficiency
Fire hazards
Component damage
What to demand
Neat cable management
Proper earthing system
Correct panel tilt (Nigeria average: 10–15°)
Installer photos and documentation
Professional installation matters as much as equipment quality.
5. No System Protection (Surge & Lightning)
Nigeria experiences frequent:
Lightning strikes
Voltage spikes
Power surges
Yet many systems lack:
Surge protection devices (SPD)
DC breakers
AC breakers
Result
One lightning strike can:
Damage inverter
Destroy batteries
Burn charge controllers
How to stay safe
Ensure your system includes:
DC surge protectors
AC surge arrestors
Proper grounding
Protection is not optional — it’s insurance for your solar system.
6. Overpromising Installers
Some installers promise:
“24 hours power with small batteries”
“AC will run all day”
“No maintenance ever”
These promises are red flags.
Why this leads to failure
Unrealistic system design
Customer disappointment
System misuse
Smart advice
Trust installers who:
Explain limitations
Educate you on usage
Provide realistic expectations
Honesty is a sign of professionalism.
7. Lack of Maintenance
Solar is low maintenance, not zero maintenance.
Common neglect includes:
Dirty panels
Loose connections
Ignoring system alerts
Effects
Reduced energy production
Battery stress
Shortened system lifespan
Maintenance tips
Clean panels every 1–2 months
Inspect cables quarterly
Monitor inverter alerts
A well-maintained system lasts 10–25 years.
8. No After-Sales Support
Many Nigerians are abandoned after installation.
Signs of bad installers
No warranty support
Phone numbers switched off
No service agreement
How to avoid this
Work with registered companies
Check previous projects
Ask for references
Get written warranty terms
A solar system is a long-term relationship, not a one-day transaction.
How to Avoid Solar Scams in Nigeria (Quick Checklist)
Before paying any installer, confirm:
✔ Proper load assessment
✔ Original equipment
✔ Warranty documentation
✔ Clear quotation
✔ After-sales support
✔ Professional installation photos
If anything feels rushed or unclear — pause.
Final Thoughts
Solar systems don’t fail because solar doesn’t work in Nigeria.
They fail because of poor design, fake components, and dishonest practices.
When done right, solar power:
Saves money
Provides stability
Increases property value
Gives peace of mind
Knowledge is your first protection against scams.


✍️ Author Credit
Written by: Ekeson Collins
Solar Energy Professional & Renewable Energy Advocate
Lithium battery and inverter setup for Nigerian home”
Location: United States

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