Nigeria’s worsening electricity crisis continued to fuel a sharp rise in solar energy adoption last year, with the country importing approximately 2.9 million solar panels valued at over N435 billion in 2025, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The Foreign Trade Statistics report, obtained on March 30, 2026, shows that solar panel imports remained consistently high throughout the year, reflecting households and businesses turning to alternative power sources amid frequent blackouts and unreliable grid supply.
Quarterly breakdown reveals that photovoltaic cells assembled into modules or panels worth N125.29 billion were imported in the first quarter, followed by N117.39 billion in the second quarter. Imports dipped to N92.00 billion in the third quarter — a 21.6% decline from the previous quarter — before rebounding 9.6% to N100.83 billion in the fourth quarter. The overall annual total stood at approximately N435.52 billion.
Assuming an average cost of N150,000 per unit for larger panels (400W–600W+), the import value translates to roughly 2.9 million panels. For smaller, more affordable panels (10W–100W) commonly used by low-income households, the same value could represent as many as 17.4 million units at an average price of N25,000. Medium-sized panels (150W–300W), popular among small businesses and residential users, suggest an estimated 6.6 million units imported at around N66,000 each.
The wide variation in estimated volumes underscores the growing penetration of entry-level solar solutions as Nigerians seek cheaper, scalable alternatives to cope with persistent power shortages.
The surge in imports occurred despite the Federal Government’s push to promote local manufacturing of solar panels and reduce reliance on foreign products. Officials have repeatedly stated that Nigeria now has the capacity to produce solar components domestically, yet demand for imported panels remained strong throughout 2025.
The data highlights the scale of Nigeria’s energy access gap and the increasing role of solar power as a reliable backup or primary source for both residential and commercial users. As power outages continue to disrupt daily life and economic activities, solar adoption is expected to remain robust in the near term, even as policymakers intensify efforts to boost local production and improve grid reliability.
Analysts note that while the rise in solar imports signals growing energy self-reliance at the individual and business level, it also reflects the urgent need for comprehensive power sector reforms to address systemic challenges and reduce long-term dependence on imported solutions.
