A solar-hybrid mini-grid developed by renewable energy firm V-Solaris Limited has transformed electricity access in Dadin Kawa and other rural communities in Plateau State, enabling residents to run businesses, access healthcare and study at night.
Residents say the reliable power supply has sharply reduced their dependence on petrol generators, torches and kerosene lamps, improving both livelihoods and quality of life.
The King of Dadin Kawa Community, Nanzun Francis, recalled the long years of darkness before the installation. “We have been staying in darkness for a long time. Candles are even expensive in the market. Everybody now has television and fans. We have light now,” he said.
Students have also benefited. Nathan Bali, a student in Dadin Kowa, said: “Before we had a power supply, I was using a torch to read, and it was giving me problems. Now I read with ease, and I’m happy because there is light.”
Chief Bulus Vincent, King of Mile 4 Community, noted that children can now study in the evenings with adequate lighting.
Healthcare facilities have gained too. Doctor Langes Bitrus of Moekat Community said the mini-grid now powers “microscopes and other machines that need light for their operation,” adding that patients have welcomed the improvement.
Business owners report lower costs and fewer interruptions. Sati Mangut, Chairman of Daffo Community, described previous reliance on generators as “difficult and cumbersome.” Businessman Renan Ezra of Fajul said: “If the generator is faulty, we cannot work. If the fuel is finished, we can’t also work.” He added that the solar supply “has brought a lot of profit for us in many ways.”
Technical System Design Engineer Danjuma Kassam said V-Solaris installed a solar power plant with an estimated capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak. “With this particular invention now, this particular community will be ameliorated when it comes to the economy and the boosting of their livelihood,” he stated.
Kassam noted that reliable electricity could help farmers in Langtang South and other parts of Plateau overcome challenges with irrigation, produce preservation and processing of groundnuts, maize, rice and other crops. The company already has projects across Langtang South, Shendam and parts of Bokkos, with more sites under preparation.
“V-Solaris is up to the task when it comes to building mini-grids and electrifying rural communities,” he said.
V-Solaris has completed seven mini-grid projects under Nigeria’s Electrification Project, delivering 5,517 connections. Through an International Finance Corporation-backed initiative, the firm plans up to 97 additional mini-grid sites across nine states, with a combined capacity of about 15 megawatts and the potential to create roughly 142,343 new connections.
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