If solar is so good, why isn’t everyone using it?
And honestly, I used to ask the same thing — even before I co-founded a solar company.
On paper, solar sounds like a dream:
Zero fuel cost
Clean, quiet energy
Low maintenance
Long-term savings
So, what’s the hold-up?
After years installing solar systems across Nigeria, talking to hundreds of customers, and watching both successes and disappointments play out — I’ve realized something:
The real reason solar isn’t mainstream yet isn’t about the technology. It’s about trust.
People don’t trust what they don’t understand.
We’ve met people who paid over ₦800,000 for solar systems that couldn’t power a fan.
We’ve seen “engineers” install four batteries, two panels, then disappear — never to be heard from again.
We’ve listened to stories — some painful, some downright ridiculous — about systems that worked for one week and never came back on.
So now, when you mention solar, most people flinch.
Not because they doubt the sun. Because they doubt the people selling it.
And honestly, I don’t blame them.
The problem isn’t solar. The problem is bad solar experiences.
Let me share something I heard from someone who had a bad experience.
He said: “I spent over ₦800k on a solar system two years ago. The guy said it would power my freezer, lights, and TV. After one week, it stopped working. He stopped picking my calls. Since then, I just stick to my gen.”
That stuck with me.
Because it’s not a rare story. It’s a typical one.
People want to believe in solar.
But many have been burned — either by poor installations, wrong sizing, or installers who disappear after payment.
Why solar isn’t mainstream (yet)
Let’s be honest — solar is still seen as:
Expensive (because people compare upfront cost to short-term fuel)
Unreliable (because of wrong sizing, poor workmanship)
Confusing (watts, inverters, panels — it’s overwhelming)
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 60% of households still rely primarily on petrol/diesel generators, despite the rising fuel prices and power cuts.
So what’s the solution?
What we can do about it (as providers, customers, and a country)
If we want solar to go mainstream, we have to fix the trust gap first.
Here’s how we’re doing it at PowerNow:
1. Honest conversations — We tell people what their system can and can’t power.
2. Proper assessments — No guesswork. We match your energy needs to your budget.
3. Accessible options — Our PowerNow PayLater system spreads cost across months.
4. Support that stays — We don’t vanish after install day. You can reach us.
Quick answers to common solar doubts:
Can solar power a freezer or AC? Yes — if your system is correctly sized. A proper setup can run freezers, fans, lights, and even small AC units.
What happens during rainy season or at night? Your batteries store power during the day. A well-designed system gives you light 24/7 — rain or shine.
Is solar only for the rich? Not anymore. With financing, solar is becoming more affordable than running a generator long-term.
Final thoughts
I believe solar will become mainstream in Nigeria — not because it’s trendy, but because it works. But it won’t happen through ads and slogans. It’ll happen through trust — one good installation at a time.
If you’ve had a bad solar experience before, I understand. But don’t give up on solar.Give it a proper shot — with the right team, the right system, and the right support.
Let’s fix energy, one honest solution at a time.
