In the heart of Nigeria’s energy revolution, LPV Technologies is quietly transforming the country’s power landscape. With a massive 200-megawatt production capacity, the company stands as a beacon of hope in a nation plagued by erratic electricity supply.
Its locally manufactured solar panels are not just a response to Nigeria’s energy deficit—they are a critical piece of the country’s renewable energy ambitions.
Nigeria has long struggled with an unreliable power grid, forcing businesses and households to rely on expensive diesel generators. With over 85 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity, the government set an ambitious goal: 30% of the country’s energy mix should come from renewable sources by 2030. LPV Technologies is stepping up to make that vision a reality.
“Our facility is designed to meet Nigeria’s demand for solar panels without relying on imports,” says Yinka Adelodun, executive director of the company during a tour of the factory with a group of journalists recently in Lagos.
The plant, a state-of-the-art facility, hums with the rhythmic precision of automated machinery. Robotics and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in ensuring quality, using advanced imaging technology to detect micro-cracks and defects before panels leave the production line.
Unlike imported solar panels, which often vary in quality, LPV’s manufacturing process follows strict international standards. The company has invested in cutting-edge technology to produce durable and efficient panels tailored for Nigeria’s climate.
“The key challenge with solar adoption in Nigeria has been the perception of quality,” explains Emmanuel Agboola, head of operations of the firm.
“Our panels are engineered to last for more than 25 years,” Agboola noted, explaining that the company’s heavy investment in advanced technology and automation allows for a level of quality that can rival—and even exceed—that of imported products.
Despite its technological edge, LPV Technologies faces hurdles, particularly in sourcing raw materials. Currently, the company imports most of its components, but discussions are underway to establish local supply chains.
Read also: How local manufacturing can bridge solar panel quality issues in Nigeria
“We’re working with Nigerian firms to source materials like glass and aluminum locally,” says Adelodun. “It’s a long process, but we are committed to making solar manufacturing truly Nigerian.”
The Lagos-based new facility which became operational in January 2025 is entirely operated by Nigerian experts, underscoring the potential of homegrown talent in the renewable energy sector.
Adelodun noted with pride that every person on the production line is an engineer, demonstrating a commitment to not only manufacturing excellence but also capacity building and job creation.
“We want to replace the importation of panels with Nigerian ingenuity. This is a critical undertaking for our country’s future,” he said.
The company’s production line is designed with flexibility in mind. Currently using PERC technology, the facility can produce panels ranging from 550-watt to 720-watt configurations and is already configured to adopt emerging technologies like TopCon.
The executive director pointed out that while the company’s current capacity is about 100 megawatts, it is only a fraction of Nigeria’s potential.
“Nigeria needs gigawatts of power every year. Even if we double our capacity, we will still have ample demand locally. And make no mistake—there is also substantial interest from other West African countries like Togo and Cameroon,” he said.
To ramp up production capacity and ensure accessibility, Adelodun urges the government as well as policymakers to remove duty free on components used in the manufacturing processes in order to incentivise local production.
“If you’re importing panels duty-free while we pay duty on everything except the cells, the playing field isn’t level. We expect a zero-import policy on solar panels so that Nigerians can take pride in our own manufacturing capabilities,” Adelodun stated.
Meanwhile, Juwon Solarin, head of Business Development and Marketing, shared insights into the company’s distribution strategy.
“We already have multiple sales outlets in place, and our plans include expanding our distribution network significantly.
“We are calling on more distributors to join us in pushing these high-quality, locally manufactured panels throughout Nigeria. It’s about building a strong ecosystem that can compete on a global level,” he said.
With the right government backing, LPV Technologies could be the catalyst Nigeria needs to achieve its renewable energy goals, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and finally provide reliable electricity to millions.
