LPV Technologies Advocates Local Solar Panel Production

LPV Technologies, an indigenous solar energy firm, has advocated for a shift to zero-importation of solar panels to strengthen Nigeria’s sustainable energy future and security.

During a news conference held on Thursday in Lagos to unveil the company’s new facility, the Executive Director, Yinka Adelodun, emphasised that local manufacturing is essential for securing Nigeria’s renewable energy future.

Outlining his vision for the country’s solar energy sector, Adelodun stated that “the future of solar power in the country is hinged on local production, quality assurance, and supportive government policies.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in solar power infrastructure, calling for quality assurance as a cornerstone for reliability and efficiency.

Adelodun also underscored the critical role of government support in creating an enabling environment for solar energy to flourish.

He noted that favorable policies encouraging investment, innovation, and adoption were key drivers for the sector’s growth.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Adelodun shared that it began nearly two years ago with the goal of scaling solar infrastructure deployment.

He explained that the new facility was established to tackle industry challenges such as shipment delays caused by customs or storage issues when developers ordered panels months in advance.

Highlighting the importance of controlling the supply chain, Adelodun stressed that stringent quality standards must be upheld for every solar panel produced.

He revealed that LPV Technologies is collaborating with a European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to ensure that its solar panels meet the highest European grid standards.

“Quality assurance is a multi-layered process for us. We involve six distinct gates of scrutiny before the final product is certified.

“This rigorous process guarantees a level of excellence that imported panels often fail to match, with a significant 20 per cent to 25 per cent falling short of the required standards.

“Today, while many are putting solar panels on their roofs as a band-aid, the real solution lies in harnessing solar and gas to power our economy sustainably,” he said.

Adelodun urged policymakers to implement frameworks that prioritise local production by eliminating import duties on components used for domestic manufacturing.

He criticised the current policy for creating an uneven playing field, where local manufacturers bear duties on nearly all components except solar cells.

He called for the adoption of a zero-import policy on solar panels to unlock Nigeria’s manufacturing potential.

“It is time for Nigerians to take pride in our own homegrown manufacturing capabilities,” Adelodun said.

He added that while solar cells are currently imported, other components such as glass, aluminum frames, and junction boxes are either locally sourced or can be manufactured domestically.

“We are working with local companies, like the aluminum facility in Abuja, to meet our needs. The more we localise production, the more we can alleviate forex issues and reduce production costs,” he explained.

Adelodun emphasised the facility’s reliance on Nigerian talent, showcasing the renewable energy sector’s potential for homegrown expertise.

“We want to replace the importation of panels with Nigerian ingenuity. This is a critical undertaking for our country’s future.

The company’s production line is designed with flexibility in mind. Currently using PERC technology, the facility can produce panels ranging from 350-watt to 680-watt configurations and is already configured to adopt emerging technologies like TopCon.

In a rapidly evolving industry, being flexible and ready to incorporate new technologies is key to staying ahead,” he added.

Adelodun noted that solar energy represents a vital step toward a sustainable and self-reliant energy future, especially as the national grid faces strain and decentralized micro-grids become increasingly essential.

Emmanuel Agboola, LPV Technologies’ Head of Operations, highlighted the company’s commitment to durability and quality.

He explained that the company’s panels are engineered to last over 25 years, adding that investments in advanced technology and automation enable LPV Technologies to produce panels that rival imported products.

 

 

 

 

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