The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says that plans are ongoing to implement a net metering arrangement that will enable the export of excess power back into the national grid for commercial value.
In a statement on Thursday, the NERC stated that Nigeria’s solar energy capacity has experienced significant growth in recent years, with imported panels valued at $200m.
According to the NERC, the value of solar panels imported into Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025 was N125.3bn and that this reflects the increasing adoption of renewable energy.
“In 2023, solar panel imports were valued at over $200m, translating to more than four million panels, with a substantial portion allocated to captive power generation. By Q1 2025, the value of imported solar panels had reached approximately N125.29bn. This expansion reflects the increasing adoption of renewable energy, particularly in rural and off-grid areas, driven by government initiatives and private sector investments,” the commission said.
It added that in 2024, Nigeria added 63.5 megawatts of solar capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to 385.7 MW, further accelerating the shift towards decentralised energy solutions.
With this, NERC said some stakeholders approached it with requests to enable the export of excess power to the grid for commercial use.
The commission said that it had developed draft regulations on net billing. Given this expansion, stakeholders have approached the commission with requests to explore the possibility of implementing a net metering arrangement, enabling the export of excess power back into the grid for commercial value.
“In compliance with its business rules and pursuant to Sections 46 and 48 of the Electricity Act 2023, which govern the commission’s proceedings, consultations, and public hearings, the commission has developed draft regulations on net billing.
GIK/APA