Solar energy as solution to Nigeria’s energy problems
EJIOFOR ALIKE, 28 April, 2008
Source: BusinesDayOnline.com
http://www.businessdayonline.com/energy/8809.html
RAOUF SAIDI, technical director of Ecoru Group, a Netherlands-based solar energy solution provider, committed to being part of the solution to Nigeria’s energy problems, in this interview with EJIOFOR ALIKE, speaks on how his company plan to make solar energy systems affordable to the average Nigerian though the support of some Nigerian banks.
Excerpts:
Partnership with banks We are currently discussing with UBA Plc to explore possible areas of partnership so that potential customers who cannot afford the cost of the products can obtain soft loans from the bank for between one to three years to buy the system and pay back through monthly installments.
We have been sensitising the public through fliers but the only marketing that works especially for new products is when people start buying it. All we need is for one or two people to come and buy it so that when others see how well it works, they will also come. When they buy, their friends and family will see that it works and they will tell others and the ball will start rolling. We are trying to use that kind of marketing because we believe we are going to get more satisfactory results through than just placing advertisements.
Partnership with UBA and others
We are partnering with UBA, Oceanic Bank and other banks as well. We have different systems, and sell at different prices. The consumer has to put down 20 percent of the amount and the rest is paid through monthly installment.
Target customers
Our targets are households, businesses, government institutions and power plants of between 30 kilowatts to several hundreds of megawatts. But the major challenge for us is to reach the average Nigerian. We also intend to partner governments at various levels in the provision of traffic and street lights.
Company’s major milestones
We have done many projects in Mali; we have done many projects in Ghana. We have done many projects in the Netherlands where I come from. Mali, which is relatively poorer has benefited immensely from solar energy.
As a country with such huge economic potentials, I feel that solar energy will provide the solution to Nigeria’s energy problems. Solar energy is the solution to many of the problems hindering the country’s economic growth.
In other countries, our installations and solar panel have been used for 15-16 years.
System quality
We are using high-quality systems and we have 10 years guarantee. We share the risks with our customers. Since there is no moving parts and since there is no mechanical processes, we know that it will last for over 20 years.
I have been in Nigeria for sometime, may be two months, but I doubt if there is anything in Nigeria that has 10 years guarantee.
Within this period they may lose only 10-20 percent of their output. Instead of 100 watts, they may be producing 80- 90 watts. So, I know the quality of these products. During my studies at the universities several years ago, I did several tests with solar panel and I know that they only experience elementary reactions under harsh environmental conditions and nothing else. When somebody buys our products, we give guarantee upon installation. We state clearly in the contract that if we install it and it starts having problems, the customer should call us. Nothing will happen if the system is not tampered with.
Message to Nigerians
The solar product is something that every Nigerian must acquire. People are used to calling batteries solar energy but that is not solar energy. Here, you see the real solar energy in action; and we believe we are offering the best in the market. I encourage people to come and acquire the products and also make their needs known to us. We shall surely fulfill their needs.
My message is that instead of buying generators and paying bills every month and year, power consumers should go for solar energy. You know how much you spend on diesels and fuels in one year; it is exhorbitant. The initial cost of solar system may be high but one has to look at it from the long term point of view; it is maintenance free. Besides, with our collaboration with the banks, you can pay installmentally.