Constraints to the use of solar photovoltaic as a sustainable power source in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses the constraint to the wide use of solar photovoltaic for household power generation in Nigeria. Solar photovoltaic is a viable alternative energy for power generation in Nigeria. However, the use is constrained by the high cost of the photovoltaic components. The average power estimate for a 3-bed room flat using low-power consuming appliances is 1.086KWh. The design analysis shows that it will cost about N740, 000 beside installation cost to generate this amount of power using solar photovoltaic means. 243Wh power rate suitable for a room apartment will cost N173, 000 to generate using solar photovoltaic. An average person because of the initial capital cost will opt for a small generator to power his apartment rather than investing on solar photovoltaic. However, on the long run, the man with generator will end up spending more on power generation than the person who invest in solar photovoltaic. The generator will impact negatively on the environment unlike the Solar PV.