When we launched the PowerNow PayLater model, I thought the biggest challenge would be the technology.
I was wrong.
The real hurdles were human.
Getting customers across Nigeria to adopt solar energy wasn’t just about installing panels — it was about building understanding and trust.
Many people had never considered solar as an option, and some assumed our payment model was a leasing scheme. Explaining that it was actually a flexible ownership model required patience, clarity, and a lot of conversations.
This experience taught me three major lessons as a founder:
1. Education is part of your product
A great product alone doesn’t guarantee adoption. You need to educate your users about its value. At PowerNow, this meant walking customers through how the model works, why solar is cost-effective long-term, and how it empowers them to own their energy solution.
2. Clear communication matters more than you think
Assumptions are dangerous. Even if a message seems obvious internally, it may not be clear to your audience. We had to simplify, repeat, and reinforce our message to ensure people truly understood that they weren’t leasing — they were paying toward ownership.
3. Patience compounds results
Changing mindsets doesn’t happen overnight. Every demonstration, every conversation, and every small success story builds trust. That trust grows adoption. Today, we’re seeing more Nigerians embrace solar energy — one small step at a time.
Launching a product is just the start. Real growth comes from listening, educating, and guiding your users. The journey taught me that scaling a business isn’t only about operations or technology — it’s about helping people see the value you bring, and walking with them until they do.
At PowerNow, we’re proud to see our Powernow-PayLater model making solar energy accessible across Nigeria. And as a founder, every challenge along the way becomes a lesson that shapes the way I build, lead, and think about growth.
