By Chinenye Anuforo
LPV Technologies, Nigerian solar panel manufacturer, has called on the federal government to remove import duties on all components used in the production of solar panels, arguing that this would level the playing field and significantly boost local content in the renewable energy sector. This appeal comes as the company aims to scale its operations and contribute to Nigeria’s energy transition.
During a tour of their facility in Lagos, Yinka Adelodun, Executive Director of LPV Technologies, highlighted the discrepancy in current import policies. “While finished solar panels are imported duty-free, we, as local manufacturers, are burdened with duties on all essential components like glass, aluminum frames, and junction boxes. This puts us at a competitive disadvantage and hinders our ability to fully realize our potential.
“By removing import duties on all components, the government can significantly boost local manufacturing and create a thriving solar industry in Nigeria. This will not only drive economic growth but also contribute to a sustainable and reliable energy future for the nation,” Adelodun said.
LPV Technologies, established nearly two years ago, aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s solar infrastructure. The company’s facility boasts a six-stage quality control process, ensuring their panels meet European standards through a partnership with a European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Adelodun emphasised that their panels are comparable to top international brands and offer warranties and after-sales support, addressing the quality concerns often associated with imported products.
“We believe solar and gas are the future of Nigeria’s energy. Our on-demand production model addresses the supply chain challenges faced by many companies, offering quick delivery and reducing reliance on lengthy storage and customs processes,” he said.
The company’s facility is designed to be highly flexible, capable of producing panels ranging from 350-watt to 680-watt, and adaptable to future technological advancements like Topcon technology. LPV Technologies is also exploring international markets in West and Central Africa, but their primary focus remains on meeting the vast demand within Nigeria.
Addressing the challenges of the Nigerian operating environment, Adelodun outlined the company’s commitment to sustainability. “We are gradually replacing foreign raw materials with locally sourced ones, working with Nigerian manufacturers to produce components like glass and aluminum frames,” he said. “Solar is a key part of the energy transition, and we are confident in its long-term viability, similar to the telecommunications industry.”
LPV Technologies is seeking government support to prioritize locally manufactured panels in government projects and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) initiative. They are also advocating for policy changes that would create a level playing field for local manufacturers. “We funded this project ourselves, demonstrating our commitment,” Adelodun noted. “We are prepared to tackle the challenges posed by those who benefit from the status quo, and we see the Electricity Act of 2023 as a significant opportunity for decentralized energy solutions.”
During the facility tour, Emmanuel Agboola, Head of Operations, reinforced the quality message by highlighting the exceptional durability of the solar panels.
“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.
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.
Looking ahead, LPV Technologies plans to expand its production capacity to 600 megawatts to one gigawatt within the next five years, focusing on utility-scale solar farms. The company is also establishing a training center to ensure a skilled workforce for solar installations and has partnerships for deploying complete solutions, including batteries and inverters.