Unlocking Solar Potentials through off-Grid Hybrid Power Solutions 

Precious Ugwuzor writes on how Daystar Power and RMI are offering new solar-grid hybrid power systems and solutions to commercial and industrial businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby propelling them towards $6.5 billion investment boom 

As a leading off-grid power service provider, Daystar Power has been offering hybrid power solutions to commercial and industrial businesses in sub-Saharan Africa through the Daystar Power’s solutions “Solar-as-a-Service” (100 per cent solar power) and “Power-as-a-Service” (hybrid power solutions with battery storage) which provide clean and reliable power while significantly reducing clients’ overall power costs. 

The overarching objective is that the new Solar-Grid Hybrid Power System would  unlock 3.3GW solar potential, propelling nigerian businesses towards $6.5 billion investment boom.

Daystar, RMI Scale Utility-enabled Energy Resources 

Daystar Power (“Daystar”, part of the Shell group) and RMI (founded as Rocky Mountain Institute), jointly released a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)-funded feasibility study titled, “Scaling Utility-Enabled Distributed Energy Resources for Nigerian Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Customers”. 

The report introduces a groundbreaking business model designed for grid-connected hybrid solar power systems, with projections indicating the potential to unlock 3.3GW of solar capacity and attract $6.5 billion in investments. 

This study targets 170,000 corporations and industrial manufacturers in Nigeria, offering them substantial cost savings by transitioning from diesel-fired generators to utility-enabled solar systems with backup battery storage.

The study highlights the significant advantages of this new model, not only for C&I customers but also for electricity distribution companies (DisCos). By embracing utility-enabled solar systems, businesses can reduce energy costs, while DisCos stand to benefit from increased revenues through enhanced grid consumption and the connection of new customers to the grid. 

“This feasibility study has been in the works for a long time, and we’re elated to announce its results. While Nigeria’s solar industry is taking off, it’s still relatively in its early days, and innovative studies like this are key to deepening the market and adding more value to the business community.

” We can provide even more affordable and reliable power to Nigerian businesses if we team up with distribution companies in close partnerships to solve challenges and eliminate uncertainties in the power value chain,” said Victor Ezenwoko, Daystar Power, Country Head of Nigeria and Ghana. 

Pilot group results: C&I customers save on average 26 per cent in energy costs, DisCos see up to 1,000 per cent increase in profitability. 

In 2023, Daystar and RMI conducted Nigeria’s first-ever feasibility study to develop custom hybrid solar power systems that integrated with the national grid for 20 C&I customers in Abuja and Lagos, working in partnership with Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), and Ikeja Electric (IE). 

The study found that 17 of the 20 customers saved on energy costs, with an average savings of 26 per cent, while the project portfolio totaled 27 MW in new solar capacity and offset an estimated 25,000 metric tons in CO2 emissions. Under the model, DisCos’ profitability surged up to 1,000 per cent. 

 Among the 20 customers, The Wood Factory, an Abuja-based furniture manufacturer, became the first to reach close with an agreement signed with Daystar and AEDC on January 19, 2024.

”RMI is very proud to have de-risked a pipeline of projects at 20+ C&I customer sites and facilitated the contract signing of the first project of its kind in Nigeria. The business model exemplifies that unlocking sustainable grids and scaling distributed energy systems can go hand in hand and create win-win-win scenarios for customers, developers, and DisCos.

” It’s time for radical clean energy implementation, and we hope the project will lead to scaling distributed energy resources (DERs) in Nigeria to help improve reliability and reduce reliance on expensive, polluting fuels,” said Suleiman Babamanu, RMI, Nigeria Program Director.

Unique Tripartite Agreement to Drive Collaboration between National Grid,  Solar Companies 

The business model is based on a tripartite agreement between the customer, Daystar, and the DisCo. Daystar installs and operates a fully-financed hybrid solar system on behalf of Nigerian businesses to provide power supply during daytime peak hours (9 am to 3 pm).

 Meanwhile, the DisCos will extend hours of grid power to supply electricity to customers in the evening, night, and early morning hours (3 pm to 9 am). Backup batteries and generators mitigate against any grid outages and outperform generator-only backup systems in cost savings and reliability.

Addressing Grid Infrastructure Challenges

A majority of C&I customers face poor reliability from the grid due to blackouts resulting from a collapse in transmission and distribution networks. Given poor grid services, many customers depend on diesel-fired generators as a primary and backup power source and pay energy costs that are three times more expensive than grid tariffs. 

Over the last two years, diesel prices have surged in Nigeria, rising from 260 Naira per liter in 2021 to more than 800 Naira per liter in Lagos and 850 Naira per liter in Abuja at the time of the study in 2023. 

Under the tripartite agreement, Daystar will finance upfront grid infrastructure upgrades by deducting DisCo payments (see diagram). With support to solve persistent infrastructure gaps, DisCos have the incentives to prioritize grid supply to C&I customers.

About Daystar Power

Daystar Power is a leading off-grid power service provider, offering hybrid power solutions to commercial and industrial businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Daystar Power’s solutions “Solar-as-a-Service” (100 per cent solar power) and “Power-as-a-Service” (hybrid power solutions with battery storage) provide clean and reliable power while significantly reducing clients’ overall power costs. 

Daystar Power’s clients pay a flat monthly fee or a variable tariff (per kilowatt hour) for premium power services, which include a power audit and assessment of energy needs, a bespoke proposal, installation, and full operation & maintenance. 

Clients do not incur any capital expenditure and do not pay up-front costs. By outsourcing the management of their power systems, Daystar Power clients can focus more on running their core businesses.

Founded in 2017, by the African venture builder Sunray Ventures, Daystar Power counts the region’s leading industrial and commercial companies among its client base and is active in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo, Tanzania, and South Africa. With more than 400 projects completed in seven countries, Daystar has 100MW of power-generating assets.

 Daystar Power is part of the Shell Group and contributes to Shell’s Powering Progress strategy to reduce emissions from the products they sell to customers.

About RMI

RMI, founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, is an independent nonprofit that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all.

They work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030. 

RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; Nigeria and Beijing.