As gas prices rise, remote workers investigate solar.
In Nigeria, the fourth-largest economy in Africa, working remotely has grown more difficult as employees deal with the mounting costs of inconsistent electricity and skyrocketing petrol prices.
In order to power their gadgets and stay productive, remote workers are being forced to look into alternative energy sources due to these rising costs.
Before the subsidy was removed, I used to pay roughly N20,000 a month on fuel for my generator, but now my expenses have more than doubled to N50,000. Therefore, I had to purchase solar,” Tola Bamidele, a Lagos-based freelance graphic designer, stated.
Since the government eliminated the fuel subsidy in July 2023, which resulted in a surge in the price of gasoline, one of Nigerians’ most urgent problems has been the rise in fuel prices.
From N165 per liter, petrol prices have skyrocketed to over N998 in Lagos and N1,030 in Abuja. Electricity rates have gone up in addition to fuel prices. Electricity rates increased by over 40 percent in 2023, from an average of N30.23 per kWh in 2022 to over N45.93 per kWh, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
For some Nigerians, it has since gone up to more than N200 per kWh in 2024. Even with these gains, the nation still experiences frequent power outages, which makes things more difficult for distant workers.
Many people work from home some days and at the office on other days, or they work remotely all the time. Approximately 18 percent of people worldwide worked remotely full-time in 2022, according to statistics.
Software developer Taiwo Aina stated.
“This year, fuel has been my largest expense. It nearly seems like I spend every penny I earn on gas, and it won’t be getting any better very soon. I would still spend a lot of productive time in lines even when I had my money. I therefore had to investigate solar.
Another remote worker who is annoyed by frequent power outages and expensive gas frequently looks for locations to charge her devices is Deranti Adeolu. “I’ve had to leave the house a lot to figure out where to charge my devices for work,” she remarked. Aina and her are thinking about moving to solar power.
Even with all of its benefits, many Nigerians still find it difficult to afford the initial outlay required for solar installations.
Double-digit inflation has reduced workers’ purchasing power, adding to this financial burden.
However, for Nigeria’s expanding remote workforce, the long-term savings and energy stability make it a profitable investment.
“The future of work is evolving as fuel subsidy is removed,” tweeted SunFi, a solar financing company, after the fuel subsidy was eliminated in 2023. Companies are adopting hybrid and remote work arrangements, but remote employees are also having trouble refueling their generators. We are aware that solar energy can be costly, yet it can have an impact.
Software developer Victor mentioned that in order to install solar panels in his apartment, he has been attempting to raise money.
“I’ve been trying to save money for a solar panel,” he added. Occasionally, it isn’t even motivating since a friend accumulated funds to purchase a solar panel, and his batteries were taken before dawn.
Graphic artist Ekene Uche, who lives in Lagos, first employed solar to help meet his energy needs. But now, his 3-kW solar system keeps him connected during frequent power outages by powering his home office and basic appliances. “My power bill is much lower, and I haven’t bought gas in months,” he said.
Data entry specialist Gabriel Adeleke, who now uses solar power, observed that solar panels cost between N50,000 and N150,0000, and solar inverters cost between N300,000 and N1,500,000. The size of the system determines how much it costs to establish a solar power system in Nigeria. A 5kW system can cost about N2,500,000. A 1kW system might cost about N500,000.
Some employees are using backup battery systems, usually lithium-ion, in addition to solar power to store extra electricity and supply power during blackouts. Ogun State-based freelance writer Stella Adeola emphasized how important batteries have become. Stella clarified, “I needed something dependable because of the frequent blackouts.” “I couldn’t risk missing deadlines because I ran out of fuel or my generator broke down.”
Costs will continue to be a barrier even as more remote workers are gradually switching to solar. Many businesses are providing financing programs to assist employees in making the changeover in order to address this problem.
We were frequently asked by customers if they could pay for the solar systems in installments. Customers demand solutions they can afford, which presents a dilemma for solar providers, according to Rotimi Thomas, SunFi’s CEO, in 2023.
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