PAS Solar Nigeria

A solar home system distributor that provides affordable and clean energy solutions to off-grid homes and businesses in northern Nigeria using a unique energy-as-a-service business model is expanding its customer base in the south of the country.

By offering energy-as-a-service, PAS Solar’s customers do not buy the kits but rather pay a fixed monthly fee for use of electricity generated. This allows the company to sell power at a lower cost than if it sold the kits, since payments are spread over a much longer duration. Further, customers are assured of power as the company assumes responsibility for permanent working of the system, including full life cycle service of the equipment and batteries.

PAS Solar offers its customers a selection of kits to meet different needs. These kits include solar panels ranging from 50W to 150W with a 17Ah battery, rechargeable torch and radio as standard. Other options available include an LED bulb set, clippers, shades, television, fan and USB chargers, among others. Without them, most low-income families and micro-businesses across the regions have to rely on expensive diesel generation, kerosene lamps and dry cell torches for home lighting and other electrical appliances – or simply go without electricity altogether.

To date, PAS Solar has established over 6,000 connections for households and micro-enterprises, providing first time clean electricity access to in excess of 29,000 people. The company currently employs 75 staff and over 100 agents and has eight distribution centres – or “hubs” – in the north of the country and two in the south, with plans to open more hubs in the future.

PAS Solar is participating in the National Electrification Program (NEP) administered by Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) funded by the World Bank. This programme serves to lower the cost of the connections to PAS Solar’s customers.

REPP has provided a loan of USD 2.2m and equity of USD 1.6m as it assists PAS Solar to solidify its position in the market.