alstacs: I must commend you, Barc for the good work here. I was wondering why your cost seems to be on the high side but now I see a lot goes into your final bill.....installation, maintennce, waranty etc.
For now, I would say I love your website and this is the first time I would see technical facts presented in a very simple way.

Thank you for your kind words. Our objective was to first explain Solar Energy in it's most simple form, so people can see that it really is the future of energy in Nigeria. There appears to be a lot of misconceptions about Solar Energy, much of which has been caused by the terrible work of unscrupulous businessmen. Our objective is to first destroy the myth that Solar Energy doesn't work - the next is to then destroy the myth that it's expensive.

Given Nigeria's unique problems, Solar Energy is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper that ALL other forms of energy generation in the country, including PHCN. The cost price of PHCN is between N22-N24 a kWh, and, given the new tariffs announced, those people who fall into the R3 and above category are required to pay simply horrendous rates per kWh, in excess of N100 per kWh. This is on a par with diesel and petrol generator prices per kWh. The same is true for commercial and industrial users. This is so they can provide a subsidy to the poor.

Our Solar Power systems work out below N23 per kWh, so is over 75% cheaper than both generators and PHCN. And most importantly, it's costs are fixed for the next 25 years, whereas the cost of both alternatives above are set to continually rise year on year.

Please help us in reaching the target of 1 million responses. 2 free Amazon Kindle Fire HD's up for grabs as a thank you.

Regards

Uvie

Please help us in reaching the target of 1 million responses. 2 free Amazon Kindle Fire HD's up for grabs as a thank you.

Regards

Uvie

Hi All

We are attempting to break the world record for the highest number of respondents to a survey in history. We want to reach 1 million respondents to our Energy Cost Survey in Nigeria.

It will be the most comprehensive survey into the Nigerian Energy crisis ever conducted - the results will be featured in several national newspapers.

We would be grateful for your participation in this short (less than 1 minute survey). 2 lucky respondents will receive a FREE Amazon Kindle Fire HD as a reward for participation.

Thanking you in advance.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG357M8

Hi All

We are attempting to break the world record for the highest number of respondents to a survey in history. We want to reach 1 million respondents to our Energy Cost Survey in Nigeria.

It will be the most comprehensive survey into the Nigerian Energy crisis ever conducted - the results will be featured in several national newspapers.

We would be grateful for your participation in this short (less than 1 minute survey). 2 lucky respondents will receive a FREE Amazon Kindle Fire HD as a reward for participation.

Thanking you in advance.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HG357M8

adim2: Ok sir. don't blame the nigerian youth for such high in flow of application its the economy. Also please take time and revive your logistics as lots of applicant will be present on the said day of the interview.

I certainly don't blame them at all. In fact, quite the opposite - I'm very heartened by the ferocious appetite for work among the youth. It tells me that as we begin to provide power to the country, the economy will boom.

Regards

Uvie

adim2: I applied for live chat agent but i have not being contacted. Have you finished the recruitment process?

Hi

The recruitment process is ongoing. As you can imagine, we have received enormous levels of applications, which takes time to sort through. The best way to get regular updates is to follow us on Twitter and Facebook

@SolyntaEnergy
Facebook.com/SolnyntaEnergy

We will be in touch with all applicants over the next day or so.

Apologies for the delayed response.

Regards

Uvie

Hi

Solynta Energy is a UK registered Solar Power Distribution and Installation company, who are launching into the Nigerian market in April 2013. We currently recruiting for 100 Sales & Marketing Agents to cover the Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt areas.

All agents must possess the following characteristics:

1. Graduates
2. Excellent command of the spoken English Language (critical)
3. The ability to learn and understand relatively complex information, and explain it to customers in a simple and efficient way
4. Able to work independently with little supervision
5. Able to work to and exceed targets
6. A pleasant, bubbly demeanour
7. Well mannered, with a strong work ethic

In exchange, Solynta Energy will pay extremely generous commissions to its Agents, at the rate of N20,000 per kW of systems sold. A typical 3 bedroom apartment requires a 2kW system to become fully energy independent, and generate 24 hours a day of noiseless, pollution free electricity forever. This will pay a commission of N40,000. A good Sales Agent can expect to sell the equivalent of 6kWs of systems a week, and earn N480,000 per month. We offer additional performance bonus equivalent to 10% of the total commission earned to high performing Sales Agents. The top 5% of Agents after 6 months will be awarded "Super Agent" status - in addition to their own personal sales earnings, they will be able to recruit and manage their own teams of Sales & Marketing Agents. In return, they will receive a commission payment of N10,000 per kW sold by each of the Agents they recruit.

Full Training and Marketing support is provided to all our accredited Agents - all Marketing Brochures and Leaflets will be provided. Full access to the Solynta Energy CRM system is provided, and all Agents are expected to use this in order to track and manage all leads and sales. In addition to generating their own leads, Sales Agents will also be allocated warm leads that are generated by the central Solynta Energy Marketing team. These will be awarded on the basis of the best performing agents - the full commission rate is payable on these sales.

This is a very high profile and lucrative position within the Solynta Energy family, so our recruitment criteria is strict. In order to be considered for the position, please submit your CV to the following email address:

jobs@solynta.com.ng AND provide a short 1 paragraph answer to the following questions:

1. Please tell us what you know about Solar Power
2. Why do you believe Solar Power is the solution to the energy crisis currently faced by Nigeria
3. What do you see as the biggest challenge in selling our Solar Power systems to homes and businesses
4. How will you overcome these challenges
5. Tell us why you believe you are the ideal Sales Agent

All applicants must also follow us on Twitter and Facebook, where additional updates will be provided:

Twitter: @SolyntaEnergy
Facebook: SolyntaEnergy

For all Lagos based Agents, please also indicate your availability to attend an interview and 1 day training course during the 2 weeks commencing 22nd April 2013.
For all non Lagos based agents, please confirm your availability for a telephone or Skype Interview, and an online training session during the 2 weeks commencing 22nd April 2013.

Please submit your application by Wednesday 17th April - we are working on a very short deadline and need to get our first wave of Agents fully mobilised by the 1st week in May.

Please visit our website at www.solynta.com.ng to find out more about the company, and to assist you in answering some of the questions above.

The very best of luck

Regards

Uvie

Hi All

I'm currently recruiting for a Personal Assistant to work directly for me in an official capacity.

The role will involve the following:

Organising my Calendar
Reviewing and Organising my enormous email traffic
Minute Taking
Drafting emails from dication
Handling all my personal bookings and errands
Taking and delivering all my messages
Accompanying me on certain business meetings
Any other administrative tasks as required.

Applicants must possess the following skills and experience

Graduate
Previous Personal Assistant / Secretarial Experience is desirable
Good Typing Speed
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work to tight deadlines
A great work ethic

All interested applicants should send their CV's to:

jobs@solynta.com.ng

Regards

Uvie

service giver: I just have to tell you this! Online business is about the fastest ways to become rich, provided you know how to go about it.

Not true. And I should know, as I'm an internet entrepreneur, having set up and still running several successful online ventures. By far the easiest way to get rich is to sell commodities, which EVERYBODY needs. In Nigeria, the most in demand commodity is electricity, so you have the biggest possible demand for any product in the country.

adim2: I hav sent mine also

Thank you. I'll respond as soon as I can.

Regards

Uvie

Whoopie:

I don't want to disclose my identity here. I'll send you another mail and tag my user ID. Please when is the interview likely to be? Is there anything else one needs to be a part of your team? Thanks

That is very understandable. I'm working my way through all applications received. We have been overwhelmed by the number of CV's and applications received, so please bear with me whilst I work my way through these.

I'll be in touch with shortlisted candidates in the next few days or so. Interviews will follow thereafter.

Thank you for your continued patience.

Regards

Uvie

cashflowpc: Already sent my Cv.


Awaiting your reply...

Please bear with me. I'm receiving a large number of CV's and each needs to be reviewed in turn. I'll begin reaching out to applicants in the next day or so.

Regards

Uvie

Whoopie: @Bachholder, I sent you a copy of my CV just yesterday. Would like to know if you've seen it please. I applied for the position of Chat Agent. Thanks

Please confirm your name and I can tell you. I probably have, as I've received over 50 CV's today.

Kind Regards

Uvie

bibinwaka: is dis rcrtmnt 4 Lagos only. I wil like 2 walk wit u guys bt based here in anambra state (onitsha or awka). I hav a good markting coverage of both.
Pls reply.

We are recruiting across Nigeria, not just Lagos. We are looking for Sales Agents to penetrate right across Nigeria. We want to end the power problem once and for all.

If you are interested, please send a copy of your CV to

jobs@solynta.com.ng

Regards

Uvie

Segunod: I've gone through this thread from A to Z and am really interested in becoming part of ur tech/sales team. I'm an elect engineer.. Segunod2@gmail.com is my email address..

Please send me a copy of your CV. Send to

jobs@solynta.com.ng

Thank you

Uvie

lari03: Okay. How much does after sales service charge cost ?

Zero. There are no maintenance costs. The entire cost of a Solar Power system are upfront. Solar Panels have no moving parts and don't break down. They are fixed to your roof and continue to produce free energy for at least 25 years. That's the beauty of Solar Energy. It's the solution to Nigeria's power problem.

Within 10 years, the power problems experienced in Nigeria will be eliminated.

Solar Energy. Yes, it's official. Solar energy is now cheaper than grid electricity. Here are the numbers in clear detail

Cost Per kWh
NGN

Generator 95 (Range between N70-N120, based on the latest Fuel Prices)
PHCN 23
Solar Energy (Solynta Energy) 22.95

So how have I calculated the Solar Energy Cost per kWh? Here's how.

Cost of Standard 2kW System (8 * 250W Monocrystalline Solar Panels) NGN 1,400,000
Replacement cost of Inverter every 10 Years - 3.75KVA NGN 175,708
Replacement cost of Batteries every 5 Years - 4 * 200AH NGN 644,800

Total NGN 2,220,508

Net Present value of cashflows, discounted at 20% (Cost of Capital) NGN 1,508,973

Total Energy Produced by 2kW System over 20 Years 65,745 kWh's

Therefore, cost per kWh is ....... 1508973/65745 = 22.95

The Following assumptions were used in calculating total energy production over 20 years:

1. Average Peak Sunlight Hours - 5
2. DC to AC conversion rate - 0.9

So, total is calculated as: 2kW * 5 * 0.9 * 365.25 * 20 = 65,745

It's official. Solar Energy, at the prices Solynta Energy will sell it at, is the cheapest form of energy in Nigeria. It also represents an huge 75% cost reduction on the average cost of self generated electricity in Nigeria. This is BEFORE the impending removal of the remaining fuel subsidy still 'enjoyed' by Nigerians. This wil increase the cost per kWh from generators by 50% to N135.

Discuss

Regards

Uvie

It's official. Solar energy is the cheapest form of electricity in Nigeria today, even cheaper than PHCN. Here are the numbers in clear detail

Cost Per kWh
NGN

Generator 95 (Range between N70-N120, based on the latest Fuel Prices)
PHCN 23
Solar Energy (Solynta Energy) 22.95

So how have I calculated the Solar Energy Cost per kWh? Here's how.

Cost of Standard 2kW System (8 * 250W Monocrystalline Solar Panels) NGN 1,400,000
Replacement cost of Inverter every 10 Years - 3.75KVA NGN 175,708
Replacement cost of Batteries every 5 Years - 4 * 200AH NGN 644,800

Total NGN 2,220,508

Net Present value of cashflows, discounted at 20% (Cost of Capital) NGN 1,508,973

Total Energy Produced by 2kW System over 20 Years 65,745 kWh's

Therefore, cost per kWh is ....... 1508973/65745 = 22.95

The Following assumptions were used in calculating total energy production over 20 years:

1. Average Peak Sunlight Hours - 5
2. DC to AC conversion rate - 0.9

So, total is calculated as: 2kW * 5 * 0.9 * 365.25 * 20 = 65,745

It's official. Solar Energy, at the prices Solynta Energy will sell it at, is the cheapest form of energy in Nigeria. It also represents an huge 75% cost reduction on the average cost of self generated electricity in Nigeria. This is BEFORE the impending removal of the remaining fuel subsidy still 'enjoyed' by Nigerians. This wil increase the cost per kWh from generators by 50% to N135.

Please note that the price INCLUDES Installation.

Discuss

Regards

Uvie

Hi All

Solynta Energy is recruiting for the following positions right now in Lagos

1. Marketing Executives - must be very skilled at using Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Message boards (such as Nairaland) to drive traffic to our website.
- must have good Search Engine Optimisation Skills and experience (SEO), and Google Pay Per Click
- must be good at designing and executing online advertising campaigns, such as Google Adwords, Facebook Advertising, Naij.com advertising etc.
- able to co-ordinate offline marketing campaigns such as leafletting, Seminars, Newspaper advertising etc
- able to co-ordinate and execute targeted SMS marketing campaigns


2. Live Chat Agents - required to answer potential customers queries on our website
- applicants must be able to understand Solar Power Systems, and explain them to website visitors in a clear and concise way. Product training will be provided
- Must have an excellent command of written English
- Must be able to type reasonably quickly
- Must be able to work to targets

All candidates must be graduates with at least a 2nd Class Lower distinction. Please submit your CV's to

Jobs@solynta.com.ng

and follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolyntaEnergy
Twitter: @solyntaEnergy

Regards

Uvie

1forall: Hi Uvie,

I read through this topic from the start but skipped some portions as it grew (it's grown quite long) and so I don't know if this has been mentioned already. However what I'd like to add is a comment about the general Nigerian skepticism about renewable energy which I believe is largely due to the generator culture we've cultivated over the years.

If a device is not making noise, emitting fumes or needing fuel it's a bit difficult for a typical Nigerian to conceive it as capable of producing energy reliably after decades of dependence on generators. When you think that a certain capacity (0.95KVa) has been nicknamed I-better-pass-my-neighbour, and think too that some children born in the late 90s & early 2000s have NEVER known life without generators it may help to understand how deep the problem of its conception lies, and how generators have become a culture.

Hopefully that gives some sort of perspective on one of the different ways to approach selling solar energy.

Also because of how I've skipped through a little bit I'm not entirely sure about your plans or business model in terms of Solynta's relationship with existing solar energy providers so I have a few questions:

1. Seeing that you are relatively new to the Nigerian market, do you have any plans to develop relationships with existing organizations in the same line of business who may be a bit more familiar with the terrain?

2. Do you see any benefit in doing so?

Hi, and thanks for your contribution. You ask some really interesting questions. I'll try to respond

Firstly, your analysis of the difficulty in conceiving of a silent energy system when you are so used to the status quo is so, so true. A good friend of mine is a Doctor, and when he was much younger, he travelled across Southern Africa as part of a humanitarian excercise, operating on people who had lived their whole lives unable to see. The cure was so simple, and there would be utter amazement at how easily they were cured. And yes, I've been made well aware of the "I better pass my neighbour" generators.

In terms of relationships with existing Solar Energy Providers, I plan to use them as a distribution channel for our products. They will be able to carry the Solynta brand products and sell into their customers. The more sellers of Solar Power systems that work, the better. Given our enormous purchasing power, they can leverage off this by getting high quality products directly from source, and sell in at their own prices. The only restriction is that we will ONLY stock Solynta brand products. Brand building is what this is all about (there are much much bigger plans in the pipeline for the Solynta Brand, and this is just the tip of the iceberg - I won't say more than that at the moment).

As stated, I see great benefit in doing this because, as I'm sure you have seen from this message thread, there is a lot of scepticism about Solar in Nigeria, for obvious reasons. What is required is the re-education of the people on the subject, and the best way to do this is for them to see lots of examples of fully functioning Solar systems all around them. This will have the effect of significantly increasing the "low lying fruit" customer pool for Solynta. That is, the number of customers who come directly to us to buy without us having to go to market to them. Currently, Generator retailers don't have to convince their customers whether their product work or not. That's already been established. Instead, their focus is on out-competing their rivals for the business. Solynta doesn't have to worry about that for now, because Solar take up is very much in its infancy still. Therefore, rapid penetration and revenue growth is very likely once the concept of Solar has been fully proved in the eyes of the consumer. Existing small scale providers on the ground can assist greatly in achieving this.

With this approach, I believe we would have significantly reduced the power problem within 10 years. Refer to the rapid penetration of mobile telephony into Nigeria as a blueprint of what will happen with Solar Energy. 15 years ago, if anybody had come on these boards (if they existed) and said that today, most Nigerians would have access to a phone of their own, they would have received the same response as I have. But its all good, I know none of it is said with malice, but is people merely expressing their genuine opinions, formed through past experiences. It's up to Solynta to change their Solar reference point from the negative to the positive.

The fuller plans of our execution strategy and how existing Solar Power Providers fit into that will become clearer after we formally launch in May. The best way to get information would be to follow us on Twitter.

Hope that helps

Regards

Uvie

I have reflected greatly on the feedback and comments gratefully received on this message thread. I realise that the experience of Solar Energy in Nigeria to date has been a negative one, owing to the atrocious business practices of nigerian businesses.

So, I have decided that it will take something drastic to shift that negative perspective and give us the chance to prove every word that we say.

I hereby issue the following challenge to everybody:

If you purchase our products from us, we will ask you to put down a 20% deposit. I will then personally guarantee you that, If, after 3 months of using our systems, you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of it, or feel you have been missold in any way, shape or form, I will allow you to keep the system without paying another penny.

In other words, you will not pay a dime in monthly repayments for the first 3 months. If, after that period, you are not satisfied, you get to keep it for free. The qualifying conditions are as follows:

We will verify all claims that the product is not working. This is very simple to establish, as the power output readings of the system is clear for all to see. Please just be fair and honest with us, as we are to you.

This you have as a copper bottomed guarantee from the founder and CEO of Solynta Energy.

All I ask in return is that WHEN you see that we are truly have the answer to solving Nigeria's power problem, you come back onto these boards and advocate for us. I can't say fairer than that.

I welcome all your comments. If you are interested in taking up this business challenge, please contact me personally at

uvie.ugono@solynta.com.ng

I look forward to your feedback

Regards

Uvie

ADint: Renewable Energy is the future for power generation and this includes Solar, Wind, Biodiesel etc, but it is not yet here and not yet now, especially for us at the moment.

For an oil producing country like Nigeria with abundant gas reserves, the best short to medium and even arguably initial long term energy solution lies in gas fired power plants. The initial upfront cost associated with solar is still quite prohibitive relative to our best option which is gas. In the meantime though, we can start to invest in R& D for solar and other renewable energy sources. Its not rocket science that in another 5 years or so the cost of solar systems for example would have halved again from what they are today and also be more efficient making today's solar systems obsolete. So why the rush? When we have a much more viable, reliable and cost effective alternative at the moment.

OP the cheapest solar system you have on offer is about N850k for 1kw... that is a very expensive proposition, also mind you that this is NOT adequate for a standard middle class family in Nigeria with appliances like iron, microwave, electric kettle, AC, pumping machine etc. A 1kw power system that would only provide power for bulbs, fan, tv at over 800k does not really cut it. Moreover they would still need to rely on a secondary power source either from PHCN or generators to power their other appliances. At the moment solar power is more of a novelty.

Another worthwhile consideration, lets assume that we have 1 million households in Nigeria who can afford to go for the basic solar system at 850k each, that is N850 billion (about 5.5 billion dollars). $5.5 billion today would give us an additional approx 5,000 MW of gas fired grid electric power compared to 1,000 MW that the combined solar system would generate. At this stage of our development we are better off with 5,000 MW of grid electricty than 1,000 MW of minute distributed solar power for the same initial cost outlay, even though we would have ongoing cost with the grid power, the increased productivity and multiplier effect these extra 4,000 MW would generate for the economy would more that outweigh many many fold whatever cost savings we would get from a 1,000 MW solar system over 25 years. Yes it may take 12-24 months to put in place but still a better option in my opinion.

Also you have a price/cost comparism on your website, but you are not comparing like with like. You are comparing the cost of a 2 kw solar system with a 5kva generator over 5 years, a valid comparism would have been comparing your 4kw solar system with a 5kva generator.

An excellent post. One of the best yet in my humble opinion. Let me address your final point first. The Inverter is sized to handle the maximum load of the household, not the total amount of electricity generated, these are two totally different things.

I've noticed that there appears to be a lot of confusion between Energy Production and Energy Load (not surprising really as this is quite a confusing thing to understand). When designing a Solar Power System, there are 2 seperate things you need to take into account.

1. The average amount of Energy consumed by the household. On average, a 3 bedroom Nigerian household would consume anywhere between 6 and 10 kWh's (or units of electricity) each day. Therefore, the PV Solar array fitted to the roof must be sufficient to provide at least that amount of energy each day. In the South of Nigeria for example, the average Peak Sunlight hours received is about 4.5 - that means that a 2kW panel array (8 * 250W panels) will produce an average of 9kWh's of electricity each day.

2. The usage of electricity for a family will not be consistently spread across 24 hours - there will be peaks and troughs. For instance, during the daytime when nobody is home and also through the night, electricity usage will be minimal, with mainly just the fridge freezer on. In the evening when everyone returns home, electricity usage is likely to spike, with most of the appliances being used simultaneously. This simultaneous spike in usage is known as your Electricity Load, and in order to be able to handle it, your Inverter (or currently, generator) must be powerful enough to handle it. Typically, an average household with a 5kva generator uses no more than 8 kWh's of energy each day. Remember, your generator does not run at full load for the entire time it's on. You probably only hit full load very infrequently. The majority of the time, a generator will only be operating at 3/4 load on average. This basically means that the average family that currently own, say a 5kva generator will probably need a 5kva inverter to go with their 2kW Panel Array.

So the calculations on our site are accurate.

To your other points so eloquently made, I'll respond as follows:

The future of Nigeria's energy supply lies in a mixture of energy sources, as is the case in every single developed country in the world. No one source of energy can fulfil the entire quota required, for reasons of cost, practicality, safety etc. As an example, the UK currently produces just over 9% of its total power from renewable energy, of which Solar is a key component. The UK Government estimates that by 2020, 22,000MW of energy will be produced by Solar Energy by way of house rooftop installations. And that's in the Uk which receives an average of 1.5 peak sunlight hours a day on average. Put another way, the same number of rooftop panels projected in Nigeria would produce at least 3 times as much energy (66,000MW) in the South, and far higher in the north. To put some context behind that, the current total PHCN production capacity is just below 5,000MW, versus a demand of 60,000MW. The reasons for daily blackouts are obvious.

The 1kW package we sell is a starter package, and is clearly described as such, and would provide about 50% of a households daily electricity needs. A further point to note, Solar installations benefit significantly from economies of scale, so the larger the installation size, the lower the cost per kW. So, using the 1kW system as your base point is not really correct. That system is priced at $5 a Watt fully installed, whilst our larger solutions are priced much closer to $4 a Watt Fully installed. By the way, if you were to exclude the cost of the batteries, which are not needed in Western installations, and compared on a like for like basis, we are actually pricing our systems at significantly below $3 a kW Fully installed. That makes us by far the cheapest in the world. In no other country have they even gotten below $3.40 a Watt Installed. I have explained in previous posts exactly how and why we are able to do this and still make very healthy margins. This is a great source of pride for me.

Your description of the costs of building a power station versus Solar Installation are completely wrong. You are not comparing like with like. in order to do that, you would need to also calculate the cost of electricity supply to the average home over the next 25 years, based on the average expected Naira cost per kWh, then discounted to the present day. And bear in mind that there is a perpetual upward pressure on the raw material costs, namely gas, meaning that the current grid cost per kWh of N23 is likely to have at least doubled in 10 years (it will rise by close to 50% when the remaining fuel subsidy is removed later this year. By year 25, expect it to be in the region of N75 to N90 per kWh. Solar Power however, has ZERO additional input costs once installed, so its the perfect hedge against future energy cost rises. You will find that it's CONSIDERABLY cheaper than grid electricity over the long run. It is for this reason that Western governments of all political persuasions are falling over themselves to expand into Renewables.

The big bone of contention at the start of this thread was my calculations which showed that Solar Power, at the prices WE are selling at, is already cheaper than grid electricity, never mind diesel. I was vigorously challenged on my numbers, but I maintain that my calculations, whilst not necessarily being 100% accurate, do not have a margin of error of more than 15 - 20%. I estimate that it works out at a cost of N15.5 per kWh. Even if you inflated that number by 25%, it is still cheaper than grid electricity.

Your key point is therefore incorrect - at TODAY's prices, not only is Solar cheaper now, but over the short, medium and long term, it will be SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than any other source of energy production.

Finally, your point about waiting until prices dropped further until buying is flawed. Firstly, we are now at a point where prices for the Solar panels themselves are fast approaching the bottom of the cost curve - a recent report I read predicts that the cost per watt will fall from $0.61 that it now is, to $0.44 in 5 years time. Bear in mind that it was over $2.00 just 3 years ago, and you begin to see that the depreciation in price is following the same trend as a car. In car parlance, it's fast approaching its scrap value and won't fall too much lower.

As a follow on to that point, the reason you won't necessarily see much if any reduction in the total installed cost of solar panels even when the panel prices fall to $0.44 a Watt is this:

The total cost of a Solar Installation is less than 50% comprised of the cost of the hardware. Close on 60% of the cost is made up of 'Soft Costs' such as Sales, Marketing, Installation etc. Essentially, the reason why I'm able to sell my systems at relatively low prices is because our soft costs currently in Nigeria are pretty low - there is practically no competition, so it's really easy to reach our target customer and sell. Once we prove categorically that Solar is the way forward for Nigeria and begin generating significant profits, there will no doubt be new entrants into the market, which will force up soft costs, meaning overall costs won't be able to fall to compensate for additional competition, as you would expect.

We have deliberately adopted a "Penetrative Pricing Model" precisely to allow as many people as possible to buy, cementing the Solynta brand in the process.

One final point to add - your point about waiting a few years before buying is entirely counter intuitive. Think about it. At the moment, the average home receives little more than an average of 4 hours a day of grid electricity. In order to receive 24 hour electricity, you would have to run your generator for the balancing 20 hours. Given the cost of diesel per kWh is N70, that means that, on a 24 hour basis, your average cost of electricity is N62.25 per kWh. Compared to N15.5kWh's for Solar. And further, implicit in that statement is that 24 hour grid electricity will be here within 3 to 4 years. It most certainly will not. It is doubtful whether, given the current demand / supply deficit (remember this does not even account for the 50% of the population without ANY electricity), and the projected more than doubling of the population over the next 30 years (70% of the population is under 30), Nigeria will see total 24 hour grid electricity in either of our lifetimes - i'm 35 years young. And even if it did, the cost of it would probably be 3 to 4 times the cost of Solar Energy as explained above.

It really is a real 'no brainer'. The UK government just wishes we had the level of sunshine Nigeria gets. If it did, close to 50% of our 77,000MW production capacity would already be provided by the Sun.

tlderek:

kindly send me your company's contact details. I am really interested

www dot solynta dot com dot ng

Regards

Uvie

Please see my first blog post. Comments will be appreciated.

http://solynta.com.ng/the-solution-to-nigerias-chronic-energy-problem/

Tek%kyboy:
d site design is user friendly,good interface i want to register for the referer services but there is no page for that? WHEN DO U WANT TO END UR RECRUITEMENT EXERCISE.

We are still recruiting for Sales Agents. Please send your CV to

jobs@solynta.com.ng

We are finalising our referral tracking API, and this will be added to the site in the coming days. You will then be able to refer as many people as you can.

Full updates will be provided via our Twitter feed, so please follow us - @solyntaenergy

Regards

Uvie

gbrown:
bros, solar panels offer a cheap source of electricity, but you really need to understand how it works
underlisted are rules you adhere to if you want ur panels to last long
*periodic cleaning of panels dusty panels will not function very well
*never place ur dry cell batteries under panels,excess heat can destroy batteries
*solar panels dont work with stuff like pressing iron, electric kettles, it,s gonna destroy ur panels
*solar panels only work when there is plenty of sunshine
*solar panels only work during daytime, panels can work with deep cycled batteries

Hi - thanks for your input. I'd like to respond as follows:

1. Agreed. They must be kept clear from shade (sorted on installation) or dust (requires a good wipe down every 3 to 4 months) to ensure they continue producing their maximum amount of electricity. These things will reduce the amount of energy they produce

2.Agreed. Battery care is very important. Abuse them and they won't last as long as they should. I had to replace my Macbook Pro battery last month after less than 18 months, because my battery management sucks. I've learned my lesson.

3. Incorrect. You are mistaking energy production (Solar Panels) with energy load (Inverters). The inverter must be sized correctly to accept your maximum electricity load. This has nothing at all to do with the panels. The energy required to power those appliances has already been stored in the batteries, so they simply provide the power. The higher the load, the quicker the batteries will drain down.

4. Incorrect. Solar panels work with daylight hours, period. There is barely any sun here in the UK and they work perfectly well, though obviously don't produce as much energy as they would in Nigeria.

5. Agreed. When daylight disappears, the panels no longer produce any energy. Your electricity needs get sourced from the batteries which were charged up during the day. Following morning, energy production begins again, and the batteries get replenished. And so on and so on.

Regards

Uvie

naijacutee: ]Hi,

Apologies about the ban on the Business section. It must have come from either myself, erroneously perceiving one of your recent post as an advert, or the spambot wrongfully classifying your post as spam. I can see that the ban has been lifted, and please feel free to let any if the mods know if an error occurs again. Other posters testify that you're actually an asset to the board, and it would be ridiculous of us to attempt to deprive people of posts they find useful.

Please just be open in your threads, and careful not to solicit members personal information for reasons kept hidden.

Regards,
NC

Your spam bots have once again erroneously banned me from posting - I have adhered to every single house rule you have. It seems that perhaps I'm not wanted on here. I find it rather frustrating when I'm generating interesting debate and discussion, and suddenly get cut midflow.

I'd be grateful if I was reinstated immediately.

Thanks

Uvie

All

I'm pleased to announce that our website is now live. I hope that it was well worth the wait.

I'd appreciate any and all comments you have.

www.solynta.com.ng

manny4life:

My question is simple.

I reviewed tbaba1234 calculation which took into consideration a "highly liberal" assumption which if I where the one, I wouldn't. His calculation was based on 1kw of electricity @ 8760 (24hrs per day x 365 days a year). This is given the constant of if power is generated at the figures above which is VERY IMPOSSIBLE. There's no power generation for 24hrs a day continuously for 365 days a year, at least not if it depended completely on the sun.

However, going by your own claims of 7hr of electricity per day x 365days a year will yield 2,555Kw annually. This figure hasn't taken into consideration of the 17% (max) capacity factor like you assumed, though his was assumed at 15% (0.15). At 0.15 capacity (0.15 x 2,555 = 383Kw of power directly converted. So how does this translate into 57,000Kw of power in its lifespan of 25years? I mean there are tons of questions needing answers, this is the part I want you to validate very well.

Your understanding of the energy production of Solar panels is totally flawed. Please read one of my earlier posts where I completely explain this point. You clearly have no idea what 17% panel efficiency means.