Lagos, Nigeria – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to the Nigerian company, Community Social Enterprises Limited (CESEL), for a feasibility study supporting the roll-out of 25 solar photovoltaic microgrids across Nigeria. Together, the microgrids will produce more than 5 megawatts.

This project will help Nigeria to capitalize on its tremendous solar energy potential by scaling up the deployment of off-grid generation and minigrid systems, ultimately increasing access to electricity. The study will focus on providing solar energy for rural and peri-urban communities that generally lack reliable access to electricity. The microgrid systems will operate on a “pay-as-you-go” structure using mobile payments, with production and consumption monitored on a real-time basis. This structure ensure payment and sustainability, as well as provide consistent, reliable power at a lower price than diesel generators.  

CESEL selected the U.S. firm, Renewvia Energy Corporation (Atlanta, GA), to conduct the feasibility study. The project presents opportunities for U.S. businesses to make sales in solar PV modules, batteries, electrical equipment, control systems and meters across Nigeria.

“We are proud to connect CESEL with a leading U.S. company on this important project to expand energy access in Nigeria,” said Lida Fitts, USTDA’s Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’re delighted to be selected as technical services partner for this project with CESEL,” said Trey Jarrard, CEO of Renewvia. “We look forward to continuing development of solar microgrids in Sub Saharan Africa, and we’re excited to play such an important role in helping to advance Nigeria’s support for off-grid power.”

The grant was signed by the U.S. Consul General of Lagos John Bray and Dr. Patrick Tolani of CESEL. This project advances the goals of Power Africa.