Written By: Faith Jemosop
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has issued a public warning against the unregulated installation of solar panels on rooftops, citing concerns over fire hazards, poor efficiency, and lack of professionalism in the booming off-grid solar sector.
This development comes amid a surge in rooftop solar adoption across Nigeria, driven by chronic grid instability, skyrocketing diesel costs, and an expanding energy access gap. While the clean energy revolution promises a lifeline to millions without reliable power, experts warn that doing it wrong can do more harm than good.
Rooftop Solar Systems Pose Fire Risks When Poorly Installed
The core of the NBTE’s warning revolves around fire hazards resulting from amateur or unregulated rooftop solar installations. According to Professor Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of NBTE, many homes are unknowingly at risk due to improperly installed photovoltaic (PV) systems.
“During peak solar radiation, the wires of solar systems carry maximum current. If the installer has used undersized cables or improper insulation, the resistance generates excessive heat that could melt the wires and ignite a fire,” Prof. Idris Bugaje, NBTE Executive Secretary .
These risks are particularly serious in densely populated urban slums and rural areas where buildings often use flammable roofing materials, such as wood, corrugated plastic, or thatch. Without appropriate circuit breakers, grounding, or thermal protection, a solar energy solution could rapidly become a fire hazard.
Incorrect Panel Angling Reduces Efficiency by Up to 50%
Beyond safety, the NBTE also raised concerns over the technical inefficiency of many rooftop installations. According to solar design principles, the orientation and tilt angle of a PV panel significantly affect how much sunlight it captures and, therefore, how much energy it generates.
Yet many installers in Nigeria simply mount panels flush against steeply sloped rooftops, which typically range between 60 to 70 degrees in pitch.
“This angle drastically reduces the performance of the system. For Abuja, for example, the optimal panel tilt should be about 10 degrees facing true south, not the angle of a pitched roof,” NBTE Advisory, 2025.
This lack of technical know-how leads to widespread inefficiencies where households end up with underperforming solar setups, despite having invested thousands of naira into the system.
The Rise of Unqualified Installers
The Nigerian solar market is booming, but most installations are done by untrained or uncertified technicians, often referred to as “quack installers.” With no mandatory licensing body currently enforcing solar engineering standards, anyone can claim to be an installer even without electrical training.
“We see solar panels installed with car batteries and no charge controllers, or DC wires twisted and taped together without proper insulation. This is not just poor workmanship, it’s dangerous,” Engr. Chinedu Ogbonna, Renewable Energy Consultant, Lagos.
According to the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), over 40% of solar systems in peri-urban Nigeria are installed without compliance to international or even basic national electrical codes.
Structural Risks to Residential Buildings
Another often-overlooked issue is the structural integrity of rooftops, especially in older buildings or homes constructed with local materials. Rooftop solar panels can add up to 20–30 kg per square meter, depending on the design and support structure.
Many buildings in Nigeria are not structurally engineered to bear such loads, especially when retrofitted without a structural assessment. This can lead to:
- Cracks and sagging rooftops
- Leaks caused by improper anchoring
- Panel detachment during storms
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In regions prone to seasonal high winds and thunderstorms,common across Nigeria’s middle belt and northern regions,poorly mounted solar panels can become flying debris, endangering lives and damaging property.
Regulatory Vacuum and the Push for Standards
Nigeria currently lacks a comprehensive national policy for residential solar installation standards. Although the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) have published guidelines, enforcement remains weak, and many stakeholders operate in a grey regulatory zone.
In response, the NBTE is now collaborating with vocational institutions to train and certify solar technicians, introducing National Skills Qualifications Frameworks (NSQFs) specifically tailored for solar system design and installation.
“We cannot allow unsafe systems to proliferate. We are working with training institutions to ensure that every solar technician is properly certified,” NBTE Official Press Release, May 2025.
This move is expected to bring more oversight and professionalism into the sector, helping consumers make safer and more informed choices.
Nigeria’s Energy Crisis and the Solar Boom
Nigeria, with a population exceeding 220 million, has one of the world’s largest energy access deficits, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). As of 2023, over 85 million Nigerians lacked access to reliable electricity.
To bridge this gap, Nigerians, especially in underserved rural and semi-urban areas have turned to solar home systems (SHS). Solar panels now dot rooftops from Kano to Port Harcourt, powering lights, fans, fridges, and even irrigation pumps.
However, this decentralized growth has largely happened without a supporting infrastructure of quality control, licensing, or consumer protection.
What the Nigerian Government Recommends
In its most recent statement, the NBTE does not oppose rooftop solar entirely, but instead urges the public to:
- Use certified installers: Only work with technicians trained through NBTE-accredited programs.
- Check the angle: Panels should be angled optimally (about 10°) for maximum energy capture.
- Avoid substandard components: Use quality panels, wires, batteries, and inverters that meet SON or international standards.
- Consider ground-mounted systems: Where possible, install panels on the ground or via modular mounting structures.
- Seek structural advice: Conduct load assessments for roof-mounted systems.
- Stay informed: Engage with REAN, NBTE, and other certified bodies for updates on standards and best practices.
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Energy policy experts believe that this warning, while alarming to some, could be a pivotal moment for the Nigerian solar market.
“We’re entering a new phase where solar needs to be safe, scalable, and smart. Regulations are finally catching up to the market demand. It’s a good thing,” Dr. Tunde Akinyele, Energy Economist, University of Ibadan.
Several pilot programs are already underway to introduce smart solar certification programs and support small businesses that want to become compliant.
