Feasibility of Solar Based Technology Use in Nigeria

Nigeria is rich in solar energy with 3.7-7 kWh/m².day, and hence stands to gain a lot from extensive exploitation of this renewable resource. This paper presents feasibility analysis of associated fundamental technologies, namely solar water heating, photovoltaic electricity generation, and solar-thermal electricity generation. The deployment status and use potentials are highlighted, and policy issues discussed. It has been concluded that even with the favorable techno-economic conditions, social constraints have been inhibitive to the adoption of new technologies in Nigeria. Intervention by government is required for the widespread use of the solar technologies through policy development, and enabling.