Households, Startups, and SMEs face the challenge of finding the most efficient and cost-effective power supply. Unfortunately, NEPA is unreliable, and the electricity tariff is high. Similarly, generators rely on fuel, which has become a luxury in Nigeria.
Amidst these challenges, solar energy presents a better alternative power source for households, startups, and SMEs. By leveraging the abundant sunlight available in Nigeria, solar energy offers a cost-effective and reliable power solution, enhancing energy security and independence and reducing environmental impact.
Here are 5 benefits of Solar Energy to Households, Startups and S.M.E.s
1. Reduce Energy Cost
Electricity tariffs can drive up households’ living costs and the operation costs for startups and SMEs. Households and small businesses have tight budgets and usually seek low-cost solutions. Unfortunately, the power grid cost is high, with most Nigerians paying N65 per KWh and Band A users paying as high as N225/KWh.
Similarly, using generators is very expensive. Since the government removed fuel subsidy, the fuel price has tripled, currently hovering around N700. This leads to costly operations over time, especially for households because they are not producing.
However, lowering or completely generating electricity through solar power is a cost-effective alternative for small users. While the upfront cost of installing solar energy is higher than other alternative power sources, it becomes free over time after you have accounted for the upfront cost. Solar energy is primarily a one-time payment, so you save costs in the long run, making it more cost-effective.
2. Low Maintenance Cost
Solar energy significantly reduces maintenance costs, making it an economical choice for households and startups. Solar panels only require periodic cleaning to ensure that dirt and debris don’t affect their functionality. Also, since they don’t have moving parts, there is minimal wear and tear or mechanical issues. Thus, they require little to no upkeep over their lifespan.
Additionally, most solar panel manufacturers provide extensive warranties that span 20 to 25 years, ensuring long-term peace of mind for users. Similarly, inverters have a 10 to 15-year lifespan, so homeowners, S.M.E.s, and start-ups can keep maintenance costs at a bare minimum, leading to additional electricity savings.
3. Reduced Environmental Impact
Solar energy is an environmentally friendly solution that reduces your environmental impact. It helps to reduce your carbon footprint as installing and maintaining solar panels have a relatively smaller ecological footprint than fossil fuel extraction and combustion.
With an alternative power source like a generator, which uses fuel, you produce greenhouse gasses or other harmful pollutants, increasing your carbon footprint and endangering the environment.
However, solar energy dramatically reduces environmental impact, providing green energy that protects against global warming and the greenhouse effect. Solar energy systems are also completely silent, so they don’t cause noise pollution.
Finally, solar energy conserves water resources because it doesn’t require water for operation, unlike power plants that need vast amounts of water for cooling. Thus, solar energy is generally cleaner, ensuring sustainability and conserving natural resources.
4. Improved Energy Security and Independence
The unpredictability of the national grid’s electricity supply leaves small businesses or homes vulnerable to issues like food and goods spoilage and loss of productivity. For instance, an SME selling perishable foods may be unable to freeze them during power outages, leading to spoilage and losses.
If they need to rely on alternative sources like generators, it will lead to higher production costs that often become the burden of customers. Even generators pose the risk of uncertainty due to fuel price hikes or scarcity that may leave your home or business in darkness. Thus, the possibility of power failure and outages leaves you with little control and security.
However, self-generating your energy gives you higher control over your electricity supply and less dependence or total independence from alternative power sources like the national grid or generators. With support from battery storage systems, you can store excess energy at night or on rainy days to ensure you get an electricity supply even when your solar panel is not generating power.
Additionally, decentralized energy production through solar reduces the strain on the national grid, contributing to a more balanced and robust energy system. By adopting solar energy, homes, SMEs, and startups not only secure a stable energy supply for themselves but also support broader efforts toward a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape in Nigeria.
5. Ensures Location Fluidity
Solar energy significantly enhances location fluidity by providing a reliable power source in areas the traditional power grid cannot reach. This is particularly beneficial for remote and rural regions, which often suffer from a lack of infrastructure and connectivity. With solar panels, households, startups, and SMEs can leverage the sun’s energy to access electricity in such areas.
Thus, households and businesses don’t need to worry about location because solar energy allows you to use electricity wherever you go. You also gain energy independence, reducing reliance on costly generators and minimizing environmental impact.
Embrace Solar Energy with Afoha Solar: The Smart Choice for Small Businesses and Households
Afoha Solar is a solar energy company in Abuja dedicated to helping households, startups, and SMEs transition to a more reliable energy source. Our top-tier solar solutions are designed to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly power.
By choosing Afoha Solar, you not only reduce your energy bills but also contribute to a sustainable future. Located in the heart of Abuja, we offer customized solar plans tailored to your specific requirements and budget.
Don’t let energy costs hold you back—let Afoha Solar empower your home or business with clean, renewable energy. Contact us today to learn more about our solar solutions and take the first step toward energy independence and sustainability. Make the smart choice with Afoha Solar and start enjoying the benefits of solar energy today!
