The entire Nigerian space receives average solar radiation of about 7.0kWh/m2 (25.2MJ/m2 per-day) in the far north and about 3.5kWh/m2 per day (12.6MJ/m2 per day) in the coastal latitudes.
Solar radiation represents the largest energy flow entering the terrestrial ecosystem.
The entire Nigerian space receives average solar radiation of about 7.0kWh/m2 (25.2MJ/m2 per-day) in the far north and about 3.5kWh/m2 per day (12.6MJ/m2 per day) in the coastal latitudes.
Nigeria Size is 923,768 km² or 923,768,000,000 m²
Adding the average solar radiation
(3.5kWh+7kWh)/2/m² = 5.25kWh/m²
For every SqM Nigeria receives an average of 5.25kWh per day with 17% solar device conversion we will be talking of pulling 0.89kWh/m²/day
There are Silicon solar cell whose efficient is reputed to turn 26.3 per cent of the energy from the sun into renewable power.
923,768,000,000 m² Nigeria will receive average energy of 4859 TWh per day but with device conversion, the usable Electricity will be around 824 TWh/day or 206,000 TWh annually.
In many places in Nigeria, we have over 250days of sunlight with an average of 5-6 hours/day.
As at today, the highest energy we have ever had per day is 0.1 TWh and as at 2015, our total energy consumption was 24.57 TWh annually.
The Solar System in Nigeria will produce 8384 times of what we are currently generating from gas and hydro combined
The energy up in the sky covering the Nigerian space in just 5 days is more what the United States of America (3900 TWh), is consuming annually.
If we tap just 0.5% of the energy covering our space which is around 206,000 TWh annually. The cost of fuel is zero.
Do you know that the crude oil we sell every year can't match the solar energy we have untapped in Nigeria, the solar system in Nigeria has over 158 times more energy than crude oil we produce annually?
Details
There are 42 gallons (approximately 159 litres) in one barrel of oil. The energy contained in a barrel of oil is approximately 5.8 million British thermal units (MBtus) or 1,700 kWh of energy.
1 barrel of oil produces 1700kWh
2.1million barrel of oil will produce 3.57 TWh.
In a year Nigerian oil production is 766m barrels annually, this will produce 1303 TWh as against 206,000 TWh from the sun which is free.
When you consider the cost of Solar set up also consider the cost of other conventional set up where you procure fuel you will agree Solar is cheaper on the Long run.
Ettu Mohammed is an Electrical /Electronics Engr and a Solar enthusiast.