Nigeria is stepping up efforts to develop a domestic solar manufacturing industry as the country experiences rapid growth in demand for solar power.
A recent report by TheCable and Climate Home News highlights the growing number of Nigerian companies assembling and manufacturing solar panels, including facilities operating in Lagos.
The development comes as solar becomes increasingly important for Nigerian households and businesses dealing with unreliable grid electricity. Nigeria’s cumulative solar capacity has reached about 6 gigawatts, according to figures cited in the report.
However, most of the solar panels used in Nigeria are still imported, particularly from China. Nigeria imported about 2.9 million solar panels worth more than ₦400 billion in 2025, with more than 70 percent coming from China.
Local manufacturers are now working to change this situation. One Lagos-based manufacturer, LPV Technologies, reportedly produces about 180,000 panels annually.
The government is also pursuing larger manufacturing initiatives. A proposed partnership with Chinese solar manufacturer LONGi is expected to support the establishment of a 1,000 MW manufacturing facility in Nigeria.
Local production could create jobs, strengthen technical skills and reduce some of the costs and supply-chain challenges associated with importing solar equipment.
However, manufacturers still face challenges, including access to financing, reliable electricity for factories and the need to develop local production of key components such as solar cells, wafers and other materials.
The growth of domestic manufacturing could become an important part of Nigeria’s wider renewable-energy expansion, particularly as more businesses and households adopt solar systems.
For companies operating in the solar industry, developments in local manufacturing could also create new opportunities across equipment supply, installation, maintenance and distribution.
