As Nigeria enters its peak dry-season months, renewable-energy users have been urged to take extra safety precautions, as experts warn that extreme temperatures could trigger a spike in solar-related fire incidents across the country.
Solar analyst and renewable-energy advocate, Yakubu Yunusa, raised the alarm while speaking on seasonal climate conditions and the rising adoption of solar power nationwide.
According to him, although the dry season offers “the best sunlight intensity and longest daylight hours for solar power generation,” the same weather conditions pose significant danger to poorly installed or neglected systems.
“Poor installations, unverified components, and a widespread lack of maintenance culture have always been responsible for overheating and fire hazards,” he said.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, forecast hotter-than-average conditions, with temperatures expected to hit 36°C to 41°C in the North and 32°C to 37°C in the South — conditions Yunusa describes as “both a blessing and a threat.”
In recent years, video clips of rooftops and inverters engulfed in flames have circulated across social media, with investigations tracing many of the incidents to substandard parts, undersized cables, faulty charge controllers, and general lack of system maintenance.
“Solar systems don’t just catch fire. They fail because of neglect, unsafe components and poor supervision,” Yunusa said.
He noted that many Nigerians still confuse warranty with maintenance, believing installers are obligated to offer free routine servicing.
“A warranty covers defects — not cleaning panels or tightening loose terminals. Many users still don’t get this,” he added.
Yunusa, who said he has installed solar systems in over 300 homes and businesses, explained that his team often conducts safety visits “as advocacy,” not as a compulsory duty.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) had earlier raised concerns about substandard solar components in the market, warning that fake batteries, panels and hybrid inverters pose major fire and safety risks.
The expert echoed this concern, blaming rising fire cases on homeowners who ignore professional recommendations and instead opt for cheap components from unverified vendors.
“People want quality installation but reject quality materials. Cutting corners in renewable energy is dangerous,” he warned.
While calling for stricter regulatory enforcement, Yunusa urged solar users to schedule periodic system checks, invest in certified products, and engage trained installers.
“What powers your home today could become a fire hazard tomorrow if you don’t maintain it,” he cautioned.
He further advised homeowners to ensure installations include proper cable sizing, ventilation, breakers, surge protection devices, and battery-monitoring systems.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in renewable-energy installations amid worsening grid power supply. Analysts, however, worry that without safety compliance and consumer education, solar-powered homes may face an uptick in avoidable fire incidents this season.
Safety Tips for Solar Users This Dry Season
Use certified installers and components
Conduct routine servicing every 3–6 months
Ensure proper ventilation for inverters and batteries
Install protective devices (breakers, SPDs, MCCBs)
Avoid expired or swollen batteries
Never overload your solar system
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