More renewable energy firms are taking up the business opportunities created by Nigeria’s poor electricity system to provide solar power solutions that could electrify the homes of people on the base of the country’s electricity supply pyramid.
On the back of this, Pan Africa Solar and BBOXX have announced the formation of PAS BBOXX Limited, a company that will sell and distribute Solar Home Systems (SHS) to these ‘base-of-the-pyramid’ customers in Nigeria, starting from Kano, the largest commercial city in northern part of the country.
According to its promoters, PAS BBOXX has since commenced business operations in Nigeria with the opening of its first sales branch located on the outskirts of Kano.
A statement on this, noted that the business received partial funding from UK aid through the Solar Nigeria Programme.
The PAS BBOXX SHS, is said to be a plug-and-play device targeted to low-income households, and available through a monthly payment plan.
The system comprises a single 50W solar panel and a battery unit that can power LED bulbs, charge mobile phones, rechargeable torches and radios. These accessories, designed to plug directly into the PAS BBOXX power unit, will give customers a choice of offerings depending on their budget.
“With 93 million Nigerians without access to electricity, the off-grid solar market in Nigeria has huge potential,” said Marcus Heal, CEO of Pan Africa Solar.
Heal added: “I am very confident that through this partnership with BBOXX we can build a sustainable business model that will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians.”
Similarly, Mansoor Hamayun, CEO of BBOXX stated that: “PAS BBOXX is an excellent solution for low-income households that currently rely on kerosene, candles and torches to light their homes.”
He noted that: “Over the last six years we have installed over 100,000 units globally. We are very excited to have partnered with PAS in a joint effort to enter the Nigerian solar market, which looks to be very promising.”
Considering the huge number of people without electricity in Nigeria, the partnership stated that providing electricity for all over a short period will require the roll-out of affordable off-grid solutions.
According to Heal: “The government is making concerted efforts to increase the power-generation capacity in the country and is moving forward. In tandem with these efforts, we can provide a solar energy solution that brings clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to consumers who are unlikely to be connected to the grid for many years to come.”
