The debate among solar experts about the reliability of locally manufactured solar components has lingered on for years. But with LPV Technologies Lagos factory now producing and deploying top-tier panels with higher efficiency, that debate may finally come to a conclusive end.
Why “Made-in-Africa” Matters
Solar projects must perform optimally in local conditions for several years without significant performance drops to meet consumers’ expectations. Many imported panels are not built to align with these realities and hence offer little to no guarantees to solar providers. With local manufacturing, developers get access to top-tier solar panels that meet high global standards but are also engineered for maximum reliability within the local conditions.
As LPVT’s Head of Operations, Engr. Emmanuel Agboola puts it: “LPVT solar panels are engineered to last for more than 25 years.” Built using advanced technology, each panel undergoes rigorous multi-stage quality testing, including electroluminescence (EL), flash tests, and microcrack detection, before it leaves the factory.
Does Local = Low Quality?
The belief that locally made products are of lower quality has long driven Nigerians to rely heavily on imports, stifling key economic activities and hindering vital sectors. The heavy burden of imports on the economy has prompted Nigeria to shift towards boosting local production. LPVT’s locally manufactured solar panels not only tackle Nigeria’s energy deficit but also support the nation's growing ambition for self-reliance.
During his visit to the LPVT factory in Nigeria, the REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, debunked the myth about locally made solar panels. “I am saying this on record: The solar PV modules being produced by LPVT here in Lagos can compete internationally.” He also noted that LPVT panels surpass some imported alternatives in both quality and traceability due to embedded technologies and comprehensive quality testing.
Import Realities vs. Local Advantage
Imported solar panels often come with a host of hidden challenges including forex volatility, misleading technical specs, shipping risks, customs delays, and costly warranty claims, to name a few. LPVT eliminates these pain points by servicing partners, developers, and dealers locally and on-demand. This not only gives time-sensitive projects a critical edge but also removes the headaches tied to international procurement.
Yinka Adelodun, LPVT’s Executive Director, explained that the local factory helps developers and dealers avoid ordering panels months in advance, shipment delays by customs, and securing large storage spaces. “You can call us today and say, ‘I want five megawatts of solar panels,’ and we will produce them on demand,” Yinka added.
Built for Today, Backed by the Future
LPVT isn’t just delivering convenience and reliability, it’s powering a broader vision for Nigeria’s energy future. By combining engineering excellence with local manufacturing, LPVT drives job creation, economic empowerment, and long-term energy security. Recognizing this impact, the MD of the Rural Electrification Agency praised the LPVT for going beyond manufacturing to investing in implementation and talent development, lauding the factory’s contributions to the country’s energy transition and development objectives.