One of the biggest costs for tenants is their energy bill, particularly if the weather where they live necessitates frequent use of space heaters or air conditioners. Because tenants may be drawn in by the potential of paying less for electricity, energy efficiency initiatives offer a marketing advantage in the real estate sector. Additionally, it is more probable that developers who make investments in energy conservation will be seen favorably by home consumers. Depending on the needs and design of each building, an ideal set of energy-saving measures should be chosen so as to save more money. Before choosing any investments, developers should ideally have an energy audit. In addition to a cost and benefit analysis for each item, this offers a comprehensive list of energy efficiency measures.

Energy efficiency improvements that enhance room heating and air conditioning systems can produce the biggest savings because these systems often consume the most energy. The greatest energy savings typically result from initiatives that target heating and cooling systems. In many buildings, modifications to the lighting and water heating system are also reasonably priced. An energy audit is advised in order to make optimal investment decisions. Trial and error are not recommended since building managers could end up spending money on initiatives that have little to no effect on their building's energy consumption. Tenants are more willing to rent if a building offers lower power and gas costs than comparable properties. In the real estate industry, energy efficiency not only lowers electricity but also offers a marketing edge. Real estate developers can lower costs using energy audits.

An energy audit is a study of a company's energy costs and efficiency. Understanding an organization's energy consumption begins with an energy audit. It entails a thorough investigation and analysis of site-specific energy use, which includes an examination of equipment, processes, and user behavior patterns. This allows a business to find places where it can save money and lower its carbon footprint by ensuring efficiencies. An energy audit determines ways for a firm to reduce energy waste and increase energy efficiency. Reduced energy use can help a company's carbon footprint, providing it with a more ecologically responsible image in the industry and community.

An energy audit can reveal areas where you can save money, but putting your findings into action requires more than just technical projects. An energy audit conducted by a skilled professional is a useful tool for determining how your company uses electricity and identifying areas where energy waste and efficiency can be reduced. An energy audit should mostly serve to confirm your assumptions about where your company can save energy. "Ideally, an audit should answer questions about how a business ‘energy needs can be satisfied. "That need could simply be to cut expenses, but it could also be to boost sales, and improve product quality and reliability. It is critical to completely understand how an energy audit can help you uncover solutions to achieving deeper goals. In a retail setting, for example, higher-quality and more efficient lighting has a direct correlation with sales.

The most efficient method is to examine all energy-consuming offices and equipment; this is the only way to completely understand an organization's consumption patterns, how they may be linked and identify the most major energy users. Energy Africa Project (EPA) is well endowed with trained and skilled engineers who are versatile in an energy audit that can transform your business. We will highlight how the various sites and buildings should be prioritized to generate the maximum savings for businesses with many units that consume energy within the business premises. It is a relatively straightforward process with EPA because we are familiar with energy management and where businesses utilize energy, as it only requires walking around your site and finding areas of concern/interest. Knowing what an energy audit does, you can now look into whether your business could benefit from carrying out one. The major benefit is, of course, on the bottom line; you could be wasting money on energy that isn't needed to finish your product/service, resulting in a higher profit margin. You may never understand how much money you could save if you don't check into what you're utilizing. If real estate managers were focused on environmental issues and sustainability, they will profit from demonstrating how they can reduce the carbon footprint of the estate they develop, providing good relations that could put them ahead of the real estate competition. With the way things are moving in the world nowadays on sustainability, if you don't look into energy efficiency through energy audit as an estate developer, someone else will.

Real estate developers have recently begun to anticipate, particularly in the procurement of energy products, that a developer can demonstrate and prove that he has made steps to minimize the energy use and carbon footprint of the estate that he develops. The audit may be the initial step toward implementing a certified Energy Management System (ISO 50001) to embed energy awareness and document energy-related procedures in a management system for major energy users. Business operations will be more competitive as energy efficiency improves.

How Real Estate Developers Can Save Money with Energy Efficiency

Each step of the energy audit through energy audit is led by the EPA, but the real estate developers play important roles and should be actively involved throughout the process. You may also need to contact legal, financial, or branding experts, depending on the real estate. If shared energy costs or building comfort issues are a potential concern in multi-tenant buildings, it may make sense to incorporate prominent tenants or inhabitants in the process. Choosing an internal project manager to lead the project will help it succeed. The energy audit method is largely the same regardless of the audit level you choose or the number of facilities you want to audit. The first step is to select an energy auditor and develop a contract.

At EPA, we begin by studying your utility data, building or system diagrams, equipment inventories, and other facility information to do a preliminary energy consumption evaluation. To account for seasonal variations and patterns of energy usage, we will gather and examine at least two years of utility data throughout the energy use study.

We will use this information to compute the Energy Utilization Index (EUI) value (annual energy use/square footage) and energy end uses for your facility (energy used by each office system under your business premises).

Our team of experts will also look for changes in energy consumption over time and possible explanations. We then generate a preliminary report, which will include a summary of data, graphs, and other visualizations for easy interpretation. The results of this study can help choose the level of audit to do; we will also suggest recommendations in the audit report.

EPA-trained engineers will undertake a physical examination of the estate which you develop and its operations after the preliminary review. Our team of well-experienced engineers will visit with key operations and maintenance personnel during the site inspection to discover how the building runs and to discuss any current concerns or issues with the facility. We will also conduct a visual inspection and inventory of the building’s key elements

The opportunity to conserve energy and have a fair payback period on any expenses is a no-brainer for practically any business organization. The essential question can be figuring out how to do so, which is where an energy audit can help. Before you can decide if an energy audit is beneficial to your company, you must first grasp what it is. In its most basic form, an energy audit determines where a firm consumes energy, shows areas of waste, identifies poor/incorrect energy management practices, and offers ways to reduce usage and expenses as stated earlier.

Furthermore, energy audits do not have to be difficult, costly, or time-consuming. Instead, by just strolling around the facility, our team of experts conducts an effective energy audit of your company's energy usage. With some ideas on how to complete your own energy assessment, Energy Project Africa (EPA) can help you get your energy usage under control.

The energy savings potential will be clearly provided in no-cost, low-cost, and high-cost categories, and EPA will prioritize them in the report. Each of the discovered savings opportunities will have a payback and quantified carbon savings listed alongside it. The free choices are usually tied to behavioral modification, notably in the area of lighting, and can be implemented right away. Based on the energy audit findings and recommendations, an internal strategy should be developed and a decision taken on how to proceed with the recommendations. Upgrades to lighting, heating, and industrial processes can alter a company, but these opportunities are frequently neglected by executive teams who are more concerned with increasing revenue than decreasing costs." As a result, EPA shows the survey and reports findings to top management so that they may ask questions and thoroughly comprehend the findings and possibilities of the recommendations.

Unqualified auditors may also make recommendations that result in little energy savings, or even worse, increased energy use or equipment damage. While cost is an important consideration when hiring an energy auditor, it should not be the only one. Experience, certifications, and successful past project samples are all important factors to consider when hiring an energy auditor. EPA team of engineers and data analysts are well trained and experienced in the field of an energy audit to give your business the most effective and efficient energy which reduces the amount of money you spend on energy on daily basis.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

An energy audit is a study of an energy costs and efficiency. An energy audit, review, or assessment for a property is precisely what it sounds like. An audit will evaluate each and every energy use in your home and detail every aspect, just as any audit that is conducted on finances, projects, or businesses. Simply put, a home energy audit is a process that enables you to pinpoint energy leaks in your house and determine what actions you can take to increase energy efficiency. To guarantee optimum efficiency and savings, every homeowner should do a home energy audit every two to three years. Energy audits are the first step in figuring out a home's energy usage.

It requires a detailed research and analysis of energy use in homes, which involves looking at the tools, procedures, and usage habits of users. By assuring efficiency, this enables a homeowner to identify areas where they may save money. A house owner can minimise energy waste and improve energy efficiency by using an energy audit to identify opportunities. A homeowner can benefit from using less energy by giving their property a more environmentally friendly reputation in the neighbourhood.

You have the option of conducting a home energy audit yourself or hiring a professional to do it for you. You can identify opportunities to save energy and money no matter which path you choose when conducting a home energy audit. In addition, it evaluates any potential health and safety problems in your house. But a qualified professional's energy audit is a helpful tool for figuring out how your home consumes electricity and locating places where energy waste and efficiency might be decreased. Energy Project Africa (EPA) has access to highly qualified engineers with diverse energy audit skills that can change your household's energy consumption into a cost-effective one.

The main purpose of an energy audit should be to confirm your presumptions about where you can conserve energy in your house. "Ideally, an audit should provide information on how to meet a home's energy needs." The need could just be to reduce costs, but it could also be to increase the supply of energy. Additionally, you'll be modelling good behaviour for your family and giving yourself a greater understanding of how you consume energy on a daily basis and the kinds of steps you can take going forward to avoid doing so excessively. Understanding the full range of motivations for considering a home energy audit is crucial in order to counteract these claims.

Reasons to Perform a Home Energy Audit

The only way to fully comprehend a home's consumption patterns, how they may be connected, and identify the most significant energy users is to study all energy-consuming rooms and equipment. This is the most effective approach. We will emphasise how the building's many rooms should be prioritised to produce the most savings for homeowners who have a large number of energy-consuming rooms on the property. Due to our familiarity with energy management and where homes utilise energy, working with EPA is a pretty simple process that just involves a walkthrough of your property to identify potential problem areas. Knowing what an energy audit does, you can now look into whether your home could benefit from carrying out one. The major benefit is, of course, on the bottom line; you could be wasting money on energy that isn't needed. You may never understand how much money you could save if you don't check into what you're consuming.

Safe Money

Depending on the type of improvements you make to your home, the very first benefit of completing a home energy audit is that it will help you save money on your electricity costs. By completing the improvements suggested by your home energy audit, you may save anywhere from 5 to 30 percent on your electricity cost.

Identify Your Potential Energy-saving Opportunities

An energy auditor may identify the areas of your home where the most energy is being lost, and they can then recommend adjustments to make in order to save energy and cut your electricity costs. You can take action to address the issue once it is determined which areas of your home need energy improvements. An audit can indicate that you need to clean your air ducts, adjust the settings on your appliances, replace your kitchen equipment with energy-efficient versions, or switch the shower head on your bathroom sink to use less hot water. Installing a solar energy system, upgrading the insulation in your walls, or replacing outdated window weather stripping are all significant enhancements. You'll know where to start more clearly with the guidance provided by your energy auditor.

Understand Your Energy Usage

An evaluation of your home called an energy audit looks at how much energy is currently being used. You can learn where and how energy is used by conducting an energy audit. You may transform your home or way of life for the better by being aware of where and how your home utilises (or wastes) energy.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Your carbon footprint will naturally decrease when you consume less energy, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions. You can lessen your impact on the environment in a number of ways, including by repairing air leaks, installing proper insulation, utilizing as much natural light as possible, switching out inefficient equipment with energy-efficient ones, and using less electricity for heating.

Save Energy

A professional energy audit not only focuses on the energy business but also on short-term and long-term power bill savings. The two most frequent causes of air leakage are inadequate insulation and leaky windows. Your energy requirements can be significantly reduced by simply fixing these two issues. The most efficient approach to conserve money and energy is by doing these two things together, even though there may be additional items on the list. A reliable government rebate expert can also provide you with advice on energy efficiency.

Ensure Health and Safety

Your top focus should be the safety of your family. A business's safety and health are assessed during an energy audit. The audit team makes use of cutting-edge equipment and methods to look for electrical or other hazards, check that the wiring is installed correctly to prevent electrical fires, check for fuel leaks in the furnace, and perform combustion appliance zone testing on all combustion fuel-powered appliances. Additionally, business owners frequently discover air leakage around doors, inadequate insulation, or unwelcome moisture sources during an audit. Once moisture issues have been located, action may be done to maintain the optimal humidity level in the business, which will benefit everyone's health, especially those with allergies or asthma.

Increase Business’s Resale Value

One of the best business renovations you can make to raise property values if you ever want to sell the house or rent it out is to make it more energy efficient. Prospective buyers place a high value on energy-efficient businesses with upgrades like solar panels, a solar hot water system, additional insulation, and energy-efficient temperature management. Even if you don't intend to sell your house anytime soon, these improvements might eventually recoup their costs.

Boost Energy Efficiency in the Business

Since energy audits are intended to increase your business's energy efficiency, you can anticipate that they will assist you in creating a detailed improvement plan.

Insulation and air leaks - For instance, an energy audit can assist you in identifying air leaks that occur from cracks in your walls, ceiling, or flooring. A check of heat loss due to inadequate insulation may be part of your energy audit. Particularly in older businesses, the insulation may not be adequate.
Heating, cooling, and electronics - In addition to checking your heating and cooling systems, such as your hot water heater, thermostat, and air conditioner, an energy audit would also inspect these components. These items can consume more energy than usual when they're not operating well, and an energy audit will be able to inform you whether you need to clean them, replace their filters, or buy newer equipment. For instance, if you determine that using central heating is a waste of energy, you can switch to in-room heating so that you only pay for heating in the areas that you are using. Similarly, you can test your devices and appliances as part of your audit to determine how much electricity they are consuming.

Another advantage to mention is that it aids with energy strategies and ensures that your building premises is on track to fulfill impending and present laws. As the government works to meet its environmental goals, more limitations on energy consumption. An energy audit might assist you in focusing on areas where you can improve compliance.

EPA Energy Audits Process

Firstly, we conduct preliminary audits or building assessments to identify no-cost and low-cost energy-saving solutions. An evaluation of your energy costs and a brief site survey of your business premises are among the activities.

We also conduct engineering analysis and energy survey Audits to uncover no-cost and low-cost opportunities, as well as suggestions tailored to your budget and prospective energy savings. An in-depth investigation of energy expenses, energy usage, and physical attributes, as well as a more refined assessment of how energy is used in your property, are carried out.

We offer sound advice and financial analysis that detailed analysis of modification Audits. This includes a process where the EPA engages in monitoring, data collecting, and engineering analysis in addition to the tasks above. We will work with you to establish the level of audit you require based on your project goals and available budget. A Level I audit could give conclusions that make the expense of the audit justifiable for smaller facilities without a substantial budget. Due to the intricacies of a larger building that has never been inspected, a Level II or Level III audit would be more appropriate due to the complexities of systems and potential savings opportunities.

Each step of the energy audit is led by the EPA, but the business owners play important roles and should be actively involved throughout the process. At EPA, we begins by studying your utility data, building or system diagrams, and other facility information to do a preliminary energy consumption evaluation. To account for seasonal variations and patterns of energy usage, we will gather and examine at least two years of utility data throughout the energy use study. Monthly utility bill data is the most typical; however, utilities are increasingly making hourly or more frequent interval meter data available. This analysis should encompass all forms of energy (electricity, gas, oil, and water).

EPA will use this information to compute the Energy Utilization Index (EUI) value (annual energy use/square footage) and energy end uses for your facility. The EUI and base energy load allow us to compare this data to energy consumption in similar buildings and systems, illustrating the magnitude of possible energy savings and providing an early estimate of prospective savings.

Our team of experts will also looks for changes in energy consumption over time and possible explanations. We then generate a preliminary report, which will include a summary of data, graphs, and other visualizations for easy interpretation. The results of this study can help choose the level of audit to do; we will also suggest recommendations in the audit report.

Our trained engineers will undertake a physical examination of your facility and its operations after the preliminary review.

The site assessment should be actively participated in by the building staff (facility managers, operations and management staff, and essential contractors as needed). In the framework of the physical inspection of equipment and systems, EPA team will identify adjustments that building personnel can adopt immediately. Building staff can also provide their views on building conditions. These encounters encourage building workers to participate in the energy audit process and take ownership of facility maintenance and energy efficiency.

Any past audits and recent or planned building improvements should be disclosed to the EPA team prior to the site evaluation. You may also need to confirm ahead of time that the EPA has permission or security access to perform particular duties, such as photographing the rooms, or collecting data from control systems.

EPA’s team of data analysts will begin the energy and cost analysis after collecting the essential data for your building. The study takes into consideration baseline energy use, data acquired during the onsite evaluation, and the financial consequences of energy efficiency measure installations. To ensure that the study is fairly compared to other investment options and that cash flows match expectations, we will seek your collaboration for a strong understanding of your economic methodology and business criteria before beginning the research.

To prevent results that give too much or too little detail, we ensure that your project goals should drive the analysis methodology you use. For larger structures or buildings with complicated mechanical systems, typical analysis approaches include spreadsheet analysis based on engineering formulas that account for fluctuations in time of day and season and whole-building hourly energy consumption analysis. Level II and Level III audits use more complicated methodologies that allow for more precise assessments of possible energy savings.

Furthermore, energy audits do not have to be difficult, costly, or time-consuming. Instead, by just strolling around the facility, our team of experts conducts an effective energy audit of your company's energy usage. With some ideas on how to complete your own energy assessment, Energy Project Africa (EPA) can help you get your energy usage under control. An energy audit can transform your energy consumption at business into cost-efficient energy consumption.

The energy savings potential will be clearly provided in no cost, low cost, and high cost categories, and EPA will prioritize them in the report. Each of the discovered savings opportunities will have a payback and quantified carbon savings listed alongside it. The free choices are usually tied to behavioral modification, notably in the area of lighting, and can be implemented right away. Based on the energy audit findings and recommendations, an internal strategy should be developed and a decision taken on how to proceed with the recommendations. Upgrades to lighting, heating, and industrial processes can alter a company, but these opportunities are frequently neglected by executive teams who are more concerned with increasing revenue than decreasing costs." As a result, EPA shows the survey and reports findings to the business owners so that they may ask questions and thoroughly comprehend the findings and possibilities of the recommendations.

Audits undertaken by inexperienced personnel or audits sponsored by a vendor and targeted toward a certain technology or product, on the other hand, may emphasize simple individual energy conservation recommendations while overlooking other substantial opportunities. Unqualified auditors may also make recommendations that result in little energy savings, or even worse, increased energy use or equipment damage. While cost is an important consideration when hiring an energy auditor, it should not be the only one. Experience, certifications, and successful past project samples are all important factors to consider when hiring an energy auditor. EPA team of engineers and data analysts are well trained and experienced in the field of energy audit to give your business the most effective and efficient energy which reduces the amount of money you spend on energy on daily basis.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

High noise levels are produced by a variety of factory processes, machinery, and equipment, which might cause hearing issues. Noise levels on the site could harm hearing if you have to raise your voice to hold a regular conversation while standing approximately a meter apart, for at least for part of the day. There might also be an issue if there are unexpectedly loud noises at work, or if you discover your hearing is muffled or your ears are ringing at the end of the day. It is unacceptable to limit noise exposure alone using hearing protection. When additional protection is required after adopting noise reduction strategies, hearing protection should only be worn.

Factory noise reduction studies can be challenging since they require monitoring sound levels and the amount of time spent on each operation in addition to assessing worker exposure over time with dosimeters. The amount of worker exposure that would be reduced by mitigating the noise generated by each piece of machinery throughout the building must be determined, as well as that equipment's overall contribution to the direction as well as the reverberant field. In addition, sound level readings at each piece of machinery throughout the building must be analyzed. Because of this, applying architectural acoustics to factory-wide noise reduction is frequently more viable. Employee productivity in factory settings and offices can be positively impacted by better architectural acoustics.

Architectural acoustics is the engineering activity of achieving a good sound within a factory.  As a result, acoustical design is no longer a privilege reserved for expensive enterprises. It is a need that has broad ramifications for initiatives of all sizes and kinds. Understanding the distinction between acoustic treatment and soundproofing is another essential component. Blocking sound from entering or exiting a room is known as soundproofing. The goal of acoustic therapy is to raise the caliber of sound in a specific area. The materials reduce standing waves, reverberation, and other noises in the space. Simply said, sound affects everyone and has a significant impact on how they perceive a certain space, which is why acoustics are important. It can have a big impact on your employees’ ability to rest, think, act, learn, feel, or heal which will consequently increase productivity. By limiting the need for modifications or retrofits once construction is complete, taking into account a factory's acoustic requirements at the beginning of the planning process can help save time and money.

The transition of sound strategy from an afterthought to consideration will be aided by raising awareness and understanding of acoustics among industry experts, including architects and designers, engineers, building owners, as well as the general public. This is the reason why the Energy Project Africa (EPA) deemed it fits to create your awareness and highlight ways in which you can enhance architectural acoustics to create employees' efficiency in a factory settings office. EPA is well endowed with trained and skilled engineers who are versatile in architectural acoustics that can transform your noise pollution which disturbs and prevent your employees from performing their duty efficiently, into productive employees that will yield higher returns. We highlight how the various offices in the factory should be prioritized to reduce the effect of noise from the factory with many offices that feel the negative impact of the noise within the factory premises. It is a relatively straightforward process with EPA because we are familiar with architectural acoustics as it only requires walking around your factory and finding areas of concern/interest.

Although acoustic treatment can limit the amount of sound you hear, its primary objective is to reduce the pollution from the main factory where productive activities take place. Early on in the planning and design stages of a project, acoustic management should be taken into account. Which building materials should be used depending on the type of acoustics that is needed for the location. Acoustic insulation will be especially important when planning a project that needs a quieter, more sound-absorbing environment like skilled labor offices inside the factory. These offices have to be built closer to the factory because of the function and duties of the office holder. Examples of these are engineers’ offices, production managers’ offices, quality and quantity control officers’ stockkeepers’ offices, and many more. It is essential to have these offices very close to the factory, where major noise will be produced by pieces of machinery, for the free flow of production.

It might be alluring to overlook acoustics in an effort to cut costs. Although this can be true in the near term, the advantages, in the long run, are strong. Acoustic planning is also more affordable than you might think if done early in the construction phase. Prioritizing the crucial architectural components, such as acoustics, will help you make sure that employees who use the offices in the factory will have a positive experience. Start by considering the building's intended use. For instance, to guarantee that all employees receive the same material in the offices, background noises from the factory and sound distortion will be kept to a minimum.

Budget is another element that factories should take into account when planning for acoustics. Imagine a factory building a new call center. They anticipated and included ceiling tiles in the space in the original design. They later discovered, however, that the materials they had chosen had poor acoustics. Not good for a business whose staff members talk on the phone all day. All of the ceiling tiles must now be replaced with materials that are more suited to a call center's acoustics. The factory could have saved money by not having to pay for additional labor and materials if acoustics had been included in the architectural plans from the start.

Energy moves in the form of sound. It is produced when objects vibrate, causing the air surrounding them to vibrate and, in turn, produce audible noises that eventually reach the human ear. It's crucial to understand how to channel or quiet this energy movement in order to make a place serve the intended purpose when it comes to architectural acoustics. The fact that an office's characteristics have an impact on how sound vibrations permeate the office and impact those using it further complicates the situation. When planning for a factory setting, there are many problems to consider, and try to address, because there are so many factors that can affect how sound travels in an office. Enterprises are using open-concept layouts more frequently to promote teamwork and cohesion.

It's critical to not undervalue how noise from within the factory can affect the offices’ acoustics. The amount of noise and the caliber of the acoustics of a factory can also be impacted by things like automobile traffic, pedestrian activity, and other noises on the exterior of the factory. The sound profile of adjacent rooms must be taken into account when designing sound control insulation. As an illustration, visualize a conference room next to a break area. The conference room would need to have the highest level of seclusion, and further precautions would need to be taken to stop outside noise from entering the space.

How Factory Projects Can handle acoustic challenges

The following are ways factory projects can enhance architectural acoustics

Noise reduction in partition walls. Wall dividers divide rooms within a building. Adding mass and insulation is the most popular approach to improve noise control in wall partitions. The added mass and insulation each increase the sound waves' barrier to passage. Adding more gypsum board layers to the assembly is one way we increase mass. At EPA we fill the wall cavity with sound-absorbing insulation, such as fiberglass or mineral wool, in addition to increasing bulk. Both bulk and insulation are necessary to minimize noise transmission to the lowest possible level. Acoustic shorts can also be decreased by isolating the partition's component parts using robust channels and furring.

Acoustic insulation can be used to absorb reflected sounds. Unwanted noise reverberation happens when the noise waves carried by air collide with an acoustically reflective surface of another media, such as a wall, ceiling, or floor, and the sound is reflected back into the space. We will use acoustic insulation to absorb sound rather than reflect it back into the space. With our experts in acoustic, we will turn the portion of the noise that is absorbed into heat, while absorbing it with the insulation.

Boards for acoustic insulation. By using acoustic panels in the finished office, factory noise can be controlled in a simple and less invasive manner. The panels are made of fabric-covered fiberglass. To aid in sound management, the panels are then mounted on the walls and ceilings. In general, the decrease of reverberated noise is best when there are more square feet of absorptive material exposed in the office. An instance would be a factory with hard flooring. Even after the sound source has stopped, reverberation is still caused by hard surfaces. Echo occurs when there is excessive reverb. By spreading the sound, adding panels can help avoid reverberation. Depending on the source of the noise, a variety of building components may have an impact on sound quality or even act as the source.

Acoustical board reduces Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) noise. A common source of noise pollution is HVAC systems, although it can come from many different sources. The sound and ensuing vibration from mechanical equipment or duct transmission noise (insertion loss) might disturb working and living conditions in offices within your factory. Open plenums and ductwork serve as unwelcome "speaking tubes" from one space to another. One of the most efficient ways to reduce noise in buildings with exposed structure finished areas and in plenums is to design and install fiberglass black acoustical wall and ceiling liners and acoustical boards. It can be intricately designed so as not to distract from the architectural design and can be integrated under most circumstances without standing out. Additionally, it is among the most affordable. EPA will walk you through the most efficient fiberglass black acoustical wall and ceiling liners and acoustical boards to reduce noise in buildings with exposed structure finished areas and in plenums

Concave or convex insulation can be used to improve acoustics. The offices' form and associated insulation can have a significant impact on how sound travels. Convex structures spread sound in many directions, whereas concave shapes tend to concentrate sound in one area. These shapes might or might not be advantageous depending on the requirements of a specific place. EPA is quite conversant with the type of acoustic that will suit your factory offices to prevent unwanted noise that will disrupt discussions, meetings, and activities made when deciding matters that will enhance the company's productivity.

In conclusion, the sound quality in a building can be significantly enhanced by using acoustic insulation. The use of sound masking, isolation, and insulation techniques can reduce unwanted noise from the factory and provide a more pleasant atmosphere. Products from EPA insulation provide exceptional acoustical performance for both industrial and domestic uses.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Communities are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like the sun and wind to fulfil the rising need for energy by providing clean, dependable, and safe electricity. The good news is that many of the essential technologies needed to unleash the power of these renewable resources are already available. A growing proportion of solar energy is entering the mainstream because of the falling solar technology prices and new federal, state, and local policies together with an increase in competition among solar developers. Large-scale solar project builders and installers are known as solar developers. The typical domestic solar panel system has a power output of around 10 kilowatts (kW); in contrast, solar developers frequently work on projects with multiple megawatts (MW; 1 MW equals 1,000 kW) and hundreds or thousands of solar panels. Project installation of this magnitude is more difficult than installing solar panels on your house; in fact, many larger solar projects require years to create and operate. That's not simply due to the additional equipment and installation needs; solar developers also need to be experts in a few other fields in order to carry out a project successfully. Once construction is complete, a developer may or may not decide to purchase and run the solar farm in the community where it is installed.

The duties of a community solar developer can vary depending on who controls the project. Developers are often responsible for defining the project's scope, supervising its development, and connecting it to the grid. The property on which the project is built may be owned or leased by community solar developers. This is a crucial consideration for a landowner. You and the developer will be the parties to the lease agreement you sign for your property. The lease will transfer if the developer sells the project to a different business that will continue to be the farm's owner and operator. Make sure to find out a developer's long-term ownership goals before letting them lease your land. In order to "revolutionize energy with simple, strong solutions," Energy Project Africa (EPA) was established. The Environmental Protection EPA is involved in scoping the project location, involving the neighbourhood, supervising the project's construction (they work with contractors to execute the development), and connecting the project to the grid. They create storage projects in addition to community solar initiatives. The EPA typically rents land for its projects rather than maintaining project ownership. With a focus on dual-use projects like agrivoltaics, EPA creates community solar systems in African communities. In fact, roughly half of all projects created by EPA in Nigerian communities are dual-use. EPA has designed and constructed more than 150 MW of solar power.

Solar developers should be required to participate in a human rights training program that is designed to highlight the unique human rights risks associated with particular roles, functions, locations, and a company's operations or projects.

Developers should investigate equity models with local communities, such as joint ventures, equity allocation, transfer of ownership over time, and other benefit-sharing, as part of their commitment to respecting communities' rights, especially the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The corporation and the community may both profit from these strategies. For communities, they can provide benefits like a share of revenue streams, employment possibilities, technical knowledge transfer, skill building, and training while also strengthening their voice and participation and preserving connections to customary lands. Companies also gain from communities sharing their local expertise and methods, as well as from the chance to lower risk exposure by avoiding or minimizing negative effects on human rights.

A community-owned renewable energy project is built on people, and community support is essential to its success. Getting people on board with the project's concept can help you create a base of supporters in the neighbourhood who will eventually turn into your investment base. What? Identify and recruit active members, find partner organizations, determine the level of support, inform the public about renewable energy sources, and create a database of supporters. How? Website, newsletters, street stalls, articles in the neighbourhood paper, guest speakers, open forums, site visits to other local renewable energy initiatives, seminars for creative problem-solving, events, parties, drop-in information sessions, etc. the following are the ways solar developers can maintain a good practice with the host communities:

Early participation in community councils

Early involvement with important community groups can be very advantageous.

The parish councils in the majority of tiny, rural communities are active, and they are crucial for spreading messages. Other significant groups might also need to be involved in the process. Stakeholders who have received thorough briefings are better equipped to respond to queries from locals. The briefing procedure offers the chance to have early talks on potential community benefit packages as well as alert developers to any unexpected problems. Note any impact these stakeholders may have on the project's site selection, mitigation procedures, or design. This data can be used as very helpful supporting information in a planning application.

Project Email and Phone

Ensure that contacts can be made easily. This will make it more likely that any issues will be immediately resolved and addressed internally. Maintain a working record for monitoring issues and organizing responses to maximize learning opportunities and for reporting needs. The consultation report's inclusion of the conversations log and testimonies is beneficial.

Drop-In Activity

Public information drop-in events or displays are the most popular and thorough way to inform communities about proposed developments. These should offer a relaxed, non-threatening setting for exchanging ideas as well as a stage for an actual two-way conversation. Equally crucial is that developers use these events to listen as well as to transmit information. People who live nearby frequently have a wealth of local knowledge, which can be very helpful to assemble. The best thing to do before submitting a planning application is to have one or two informational events.

Select times that are most convenient for locals; it might be necessary to hold the same meeting twice to give everyone a chance to attend. Even when discussing technical topics, try to use an accessible setting and make sure the information is as simple to understand as feasible. Provide information in a variety of forms, such as large print, upon request. It is best to extend invites broadly, yet it can be difficult to attract enough attendees. Consult with them on who to invite if the planning authority and/or other important local stakeholders are open to it. Promote events well in advance, using media like local radio, social media, print media, bulletin boards, and letter drops, among others. Send a reminder invitation closer to the event if that would be useful.

Method

Conduct initial consultations with all impacted communities to determine the best way to engage and when to engage. Also discuss the procedures for recording each step and activity of engagement (using participation lists, photos, videos, audio recordings, and other tools with the community's express consent).

Consultation

Avoid exerting any pressure on the community, inform all community members about the project in detail, accurately, completely, and easily accessible ways (scope, timeline, impacts, benefits, grievance mechanisms, remedies), and ensure that they have access to independent sources of information, technical support, and advice, permit iterative discussions, revise proposals in response to community feedback, and respect their decisions, even when they say "no" to a project.

Negotiation

Facilitate community access to independent legal and technical assistance; negotiate project terms and conditions with the community (including appropriate remedies and clear plans to sufficiently rehabilitate the project site and properly restore tenure rights to Indigenous Peoples and other local communities at completion); and, if the community is amenable, develop a written agreement. The representatives of the community should be helped to achieve the technical expertise necessary to take part in governance decisions, provided rights in the event of a minority stake, and shielded from the dilution of their shares or representation to increase the likelihood of their success. Independent technical and legal aid may also be helpful to the community and its leaders in promoting their rights and interests. During the consultation, negotiation, and implementation of any such scheme, special emphasis should be paid to minimizing power disparities between the firm and the community.

Implementation

Obtain the assent of the community before agreeing to any agreements with the proper representative(s); obtain the necessary government approvals, and prepare for ongoing community discussions and negotiations. Implement the agreement(s) (including any agreed-upon remedies) and create participative systems for continuous communication, monitoring, and conflict resolution.

Adopt and put into effect a policy for human rights advocates.

Threats, intimidation, and violence against human rights defenders, especially local leaders and members, are at the centre of many charges of violations of human rights against wind and solar energy corporations. The understanding and consideration of this particular issue in business procedures and decision-making should be guaranteed by a human rights defender policy. This policy or statement should clearly indicate its attitude on respect for and non-retaliation against human rights defenders and their activities, as well as how it will be implemented. It may stand alone from a more comprehensive human rights policy (or be integrated within it). The strategy should be developed in collaboration with all relevant parties, including civil society organizations, other local communities, and human rights advocates who are Indigenous Peoples or who represent them.

EPA creates community solar systems in African communities. In fact, roughly half of all projects created by EPA in Nigerian communities are dual-use. EPA has designed and constructed more than 150 MW of solar power. EPA Community Solar Marketplace is designed to allow you to explore, compare, and sign up for projects near you. Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and maintaining solar rooftop upkeep, we give in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. Because of the need for regular and optimal solar system administration, African communities and businesses must rely on the EPA's solar energy Operation & Maintenance (O&M) competence. At EPA, we do high-quality O&M with our engineers, who have received extensive solar maintenance training and are well-trained to maintain solar systems and make necessary repairs. Thanks to years of field training, the EPA undertakes automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that solar power facilities are assessed in compliance with international standards. Our continual monitoring and inspections ensure timely action when your solar system isn't operating as it should. Our O&M staff are in charge of all aspects of solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant functions smoothly and that our clients have access to power at all times.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in the procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:

https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

padolife:
True. Those guys are scammers. The same thing happened to me. How I wish I saw this post earlier.

I bought 4 solar panels of 350w. They showed me pictures of original felicity 350w solar panels. What I received is entirely different.

I got fake panels of 180w- you can multiply the values yourself. See the typo and everything in the data sheet? They showed me a different original panel before shipping these knockoffs. I paid 77,000 for each panel

Wow this is a huge accusation.

Could you send the full picture of the panels you received cos I know 180watts and 350watts panels don’t look alike in anyway, be it size, height or appearance.

Curious cos I like to get clear facts before drawing conclusions, and also for future transactions.

NextDayPP:
You got in touch for a purchase and you mentioned this, how does it concern you so much as to help them here, unless it's you. It's not a company but a one person show, probably a woman
This is a recent Photoshop RUFUND proof they sent to me yesterday (06-07-2022). Can see the inconsistencies in the two, from the same bank with the same account number

I’m a graphics designer and this doesn’t look like photoshop to me tho…

Plus I’ve bought items worth millions over and over from them (could share details if you want).

I suggest you check well cos we’re all business people and wouldn’t like our image to be tarnished whatsoever.

It’s well

One of the five pillars of the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge is lowering energy use. Energy usage in hotels has grown to be a significant problem in a world where energy costs are unpredictable and businesses are concerned about the environment. It is essential to employ effective conservation techniques to maintain hotel sustainability in areas like heating, cooling, lighting, and water use. Most of the time, hotels require a reliable energy partner who can aid in expense management and navigation as well. Of course, you should only consider the Energy Project Africa (EPA) as a consultant. We provide assistance in identifying acceptable and practical energy and carbon reduction targets. We aid in the development of a workable sustainability strategy and direct it in the direction of "green" energy sources. Additionally, we examine energy bills to find energy rebates and other incentives. We assess potential compliance issues associated with new rules using our talented data analysts.

Whatever path you choose, we'll walk you through some practical measures hotel management may take right now. It may seem astounding how much electricity a hotel generally uses each month. For instance, packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) are responsible for roughly half of the energy used by a hotel over a given month. An estimated one-fourth of hotel energy costs are related to resistance heating. Your monthly energy bills can be significantly decreased with the right hotel energy-saving measures. By implementing simple energy-efficient measures, a hotel can reduce its overall energy costs by 20%.

Hotels may save their monthly energy bills by 10% by maintaining their heating boilers, controlling their air conditioning, and managing their ventilation systems. Hotels may considerably reduce their energy expenditures by using smart lighting systems. The Internet of Things (IoT) has made it possible for hotels to integrate smart technology, just like with all other structures. Install smart thermostats and sensors in your hotel to conserve energy and lower the building's heating and cooling usage. In this manner, settings in various areas across the building will change automatically based on the temperature in a particular unit or hallway. You may save even more money on lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning by using real-time sensors that can identify changes in occupancy on a room-by-room basis (HVAC). Set the floor-to-floor, building-wide heat settings on auto-control at all times to achieve optimal energy conservation throughout a hotel. Utilize thermostats and timer switches to keep energy usage in check, day and night. Check the configuration on a regular basis to make sure that sunshine or drafts aren't damaging the thermostats. Additionally, make sure that radiators and fireplaces are not affecting the thermostat settings. You can replace outdated electrical equipment, which has a huge impact on reducing energy use. Skylights might be included. Systems for remote illumination can be installed. You can change how your hot water systems are set up. These are all "high ticket items," which is the issue. Things that will cost you time and money to implement or install in your hotel even though they will save you money by lowering your energy consumption. However, there are a number of simpler things you can do right away to cut back on your energy use and lower your energy bills before you finally get around to these. These are as follows:

Observation and reporting

The most crucial strategy to save energy is without a doubt to track and report your energy usage. You can't really know where the biggest savings may be made unless you know where you actually spend energy. So establish a monitoring strategy and begin gathering some baseline data. You may start the momentum of good change by analyzing your monitoring data and sharing it with your personnel. It is much simpler to carry on and implement even more constructive improvements if you can clearly see the effects of your work. At EPA, we use the report to and this information to look for opportunities to save energy. Utility metering data is gathered from hotels by the EPA, which then analyzes it to find solutions that could save energy and lower operating costs.

For climate control, use smart technology.

A smart LED lighting system, which incorporates computerized sensors that determine the lighting requirements of each specific location, can help you save even more money on lighting bills than switching to LED lights. The sensors will recognize periods of low activity and turn off the lights in those parts of the building that aren't being used. The lights will turn on as soon as movement is detected to make the space safer to move through. The inconvenience of manually turning lights on and off all across a hotel's property is removed with smart lighting systems. Systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) use a lot of energy. Your visitors can use smart climate management to program their room thermostats based on when they will be using the space and when they won't. This indicates that while your hotel maximizes energy savings, guests will be at ease. Win-win situation.

Put in modern heat pumps

Heat pumps are a fantastic technique to reduce the energy use of your HVAC system. When necessary, air-source heat pumps move heat from the inside to the outside of your hotel, warming or cooling the rooms in accordance with the demands of your visitors. These systems are excellent for smaller, more confined places that don't require a comprehensive HVAC system's full capacity. In addition, air-source heat pumps can be profitable given the money you'll save on HVAC expenses. EPA is well endowed with trained and skilled engineers who are versatile in an energy audit that can save energy from being wasted. We will highlight how the various offices in the banking hall should be prioritized to generate the maximum savings for banks with many data that consume energy within the banking premises. It is a relatively straightforward process for us because we are familiar with energy management and where hotels utilize energy, as it only requires walking around your hotel's building and premises and finding areas of concern/interest.

Replace the bulbs

Using energy-efficient light bulbs is one of the simplest ways to lower energy use in your hotel. Building owners have recently reduced energy expenses by installing light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures, which use a lot less energy than fluorescent or even conventional incandescent bulbs. Despite having a greater initial cost, LED lights can live up to eight times longer than incandescent, making them a wise investment. In addition to producing less heat, LED lights are less taxing on your cooling system. As an alternative, if your hotel uses fluorescent bulbs, swap them out with compact fluorescents to save electricity. Energy-efficient light bulbs can drastically reduce costs while providing just as much light as conventional light bulbs, if not more. EPA team of engineers and data analysts are well trained and experienced in the field of an energy audit to give your bank the most effective and efficient energy which reduces the amount of resources you spend on energy on daily basis.

Automate the lighting system with daylight and occupancy sensors

Changing the bulbs is only the first step in optimizing your lighting because modern smart technology now makes it possible to fully automate the setup. Depending on your energy requirements connected to occupancy and usual patterns, it can adjust and vary in real time. Lighting that isn't required might waste a lot of electricity. No matter how frequently your facility is packed to capacity, if the lights are left on throughout your hotel, you risk having to pay hefty energy costs. Install daylight and occupancy sensors all over the building to prevent unnecessary lighting. By doing this, it will be possible to turn off some of the lights in the building's less-used areas for the majority of the day.

You could, for instance, construct a smart system to manage the lighting in a hallway that receives little natural light. You could leave every light on in the hallway during busy periods, but you could leave every other light on during quieter times. All you would need to do to make this adjustment would be to set it once, and it would take care of itself every day.

Install solar panels

One of the best sources of energy for modern technological technologies is the sun. When structures have solar panels installed on their roofs, they can optimize natural energy on clear days and even sell extra solar energy back into the power grid. The amount of energy used by your hotel may be significantly decreased if solar panels were mounted on the roof. Installing solar panels is one of the most typical approaches to address energy usage. Solar panels probably still have a lot to offer, even in regions where it frequently rains and clouds. Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, utility costs are decreased, the resilience of your property to power outages is increased, and in many locations, renewable electricity can even create income as utilities increasingly permit selling extra power back into the grid. Energy Project Africa will perform a study to gather the seasonal data required to actualize your off-grid dream. We are frequently involved in the procurement of components and delivery of lead-acid or lithium batteries for use by African communities and companies. This is accomplished with the collaboration of battery manufacturers from advanced countries. The procurement is actualised with work by European and American manufacturers, including Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka.



Cut back on standby power

Even when they are turned off or placed in standby mode, a number of appliances and equipment continue to draw electricity from the grid. Simply unplugging the gadget is the apparent fix, but that isn't always feasible for hotel operations. Instead, you can add outlets with automatic shutdown sockets. To stop the concealed use of standby power, automatic shutdown programs enable you to choose which of your outlets will be completely turned off. For instance, you may turn off kitchen appliances when they aren't in use. As an alternative, you can utilize sensors to decide when to turn the outlet's power back on.

Prevent problems from getting worse

Some issues with energy use can now be identified early thanks to new technology. Your maintenance staff can handle problems before they spiral out of control thanks to predictive monitoring sensors and software, which also lowers the cost of the maintenance process and lowers your energy consumption. Air conditioning can waste energy on days when the temperatures are moderate. To prevent unnecessary air conditioning use, keep the cooling off until the temperatures are above 74 F. Calibrate your thermometers to ensure they read the temperatures correctly and avoid incorrect settings. For instance, an HVAC system may require more energy to provide the desired level of heating and cooling when a component becomes worn. This component may be replaced before it malfunctions, which has the dual advantage of lowering maintenance and usage costs.

Do not overheat the water.

For a variety of uses, including kitchens, laundry rooms, and guest rooms, hotels need to heat water. The legionella bacteria are killed by water at 140°F (60°C), which is also more than warm enough to be comfortable. You have the option to lower the temperature of the water being heated and the accompanying energy consumption if the temperature is above 140°F (60°C). Making sure that pipes are adequately insulated to prevent heat loss and switching to spray water taps, which use less heat/energy, are two more opportunities related to water heating.

Engage your staff

Engaging your workforce will primarily focus on the sustainability of energy reduction. Your workers are locals, even if they won't necessarily profit from the cost savings from lowering your energy use (you can still provide incentives for them). They are aware of the regional sustainability challenges and, if applicable, the strains placed on local utilities during the busy summer months. By reducing your energy use, you may demonstrate to your team that you support making their community more sustainable, which will motivate them to support you and take responsibility for your energy-saving projects. Your employees may be your most valuable resource and staunchest ally. Include them in discussions about any improvements you wish to make because it's possible they know their section of the hotel better than you do. Encourage your workers to submit suggestions for how the hotel might consume less energy. There is a good probability that they will be aware of lights left on unnecessarily, appliances left on unnecessarily, and temperature differences around your hotel. If your personnel is trained in new energy-saving techniques, they will be even more effective when they are used. Make sure your staff is informed of any changes you make so you can prevent needless maintenance requests or persistent negative behavior. Additionally, there are methods to include your personnel, such as by rewarding those who follow sustainable practices or soliciting their ideas for additional ways to lower your hotel's energy usage. Staff members can actively participate as well through their own actions. In contrast to leaving entire workplaces on standby at the end of each working day, turning off appliances and computers at the power source is a terrific, simple place to start.

Inform your visitors.

Make your policies clear; guests are more accepting of sustainable efforts than ever before. To save electricity, you could, for instance, suggest to your visitors that they reuse towels. You can leverage your energy-saving techniques in your communications with visitors to inform them about your eco-friendly practices, as sustainability is a highly desired characteristic in hotels. Your guests can help you in your effort to use less energy. You'll probably find that if you frame it correctly, as an environmental issue, they are willing to assist.

Professional Service

A professional service can save you the time and effort it takes from having to gather all of this information yourself. Energy Africa Project (EPA) is well endowed with trained and skilled engineers who are versatile in energy audit that can transform your home energy. We highlight how the various rooms should be prioritized to generate the maximum savings for hotels with many units that consume energy within the premises. It is a relatively straightforward process with EPA because we are familiar with energy management and where homes utilize energy, as it only requires walking around your home and finding areas of concern/interest. We will go through different aspects of your energy usage and identify key outliers, just like you would do in your own audit. The benefits of engaging our service against using your own two hands include:

A significant saving of time spent doing other things.
A more professional look at where you could be saving energy and costs.
EPA will take into consideration a number of factors – the size of your guests, the appliances in each guest room and much more.

One of the goals of an energy audit is to assist you in developing a strategy for lowering your energy bills. We will be able to speed up this process if we have all of the relevant information. To complete a preliminary energy consumption estimate, EPA looks at your utility data, building or system schematics, equipment inventories, and other facility information. Throughout the energy use research, we will collect and analyse at least two years of utility data to account for seasonal variations and patterns of energy demand. Monthly utility bill data is the most typical; however, utilities are increasingly making hourly or more frequent interval meter data available. This analysis should encompass all forms of energy (electricity, gas, oil, and water).

EPA will use this information to compute the Energy Utilization Index (EUI) value (annual energy use/square footage) and energy end uses for your facility (energy used by each guest room system under your business premises). The EUI and base energy load allow us to compare this data to energy consumption in similar buildings and systems, illustrating the magnitude of possible energy savings and providing an early estimate of prospective savings.

Our team of experts will also look for changes in energy consumption over time and possible explanations. We then generate a preliminary report, which will include a summary of data, graphs, and other visualizations for easy interpretation. The results of this study can help choose the level of audit to do; we will also suggest recommendations in the audit report.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

The provision of power is the lynchpin that binds together the three components of sustainability—economic success, social advancement, and observing environmental restrictions. The majority of the world's population without access to modern electricity is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, with low-income and rural populations suffering the most. For instance, just 36% of rural populations in Sub-Saharan Africa have access to electricity, compared to 85% in developing Asia. Compared to a few years ago, technology has developed much more quickly in recent years. As a result of this development, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have adjusted energy equipment, and in some cases, completely altered the machines and technology that power it. OEMs are mostly based in wealthy countries with the financial resources to do so. OEMs are largely domiciled in developed countries which have the capacity to deal with issues of rapid changes in technology. In addition, the maintenance and at times, the required regular calibration become more problematic compared.

Industrial and commercial businesses are now using industrial PV systems and solar arrays to prevent power outages brought on by grid supply issues. In the paper, steel, chemical, textile, cement, dairy, and ceramic industries, solar power panels are swiftly moving from being an option to the standard. This has been made possible by the widespread use of open access grids across the nation's states. The majority of solar equipment purchases require recurring inspections to ensure maximum performance and security. The type of business solar installation, system configuration, and location affect the frequency and breadth of solar array monitoring and solar panel purchases.

Finding, acquiring, and purchasing goods and services from a third party is required to get an effective solar system. This is typically done through a tendering or competitive bidding method. Sometimes, mini-grid component tenders are issued by solar system developers before the system is built and turned on. As an alternative, they may offer a turnkey option, where the contractor would deliver a finished product. The latter is typically more expensive. Projects supported by the government and by foreign donors must often follow rules for open procurement, like the EU's PRAG regulations. Finding the ideal system for you requires first understanding what goes into a solar power system. The components of a grid-tied home solar power system include Solar Panels, batteries, Solar inverters, Net meters and Charge controllers.

Purchasing solar system materials should only be carried out under the guidance of qualified and experienced experts. It is critical that the expert has established legal rights to the solar system site before beginning installation. It's also critical that they do quality checks on delivered equipment and locally made products (such as foundations, channels, and bricks) before starting work, and that all personnel, including local support staff, receive safety training. For equipment installation, specialised installation tools and local language instruction manuals must be provided and used appropriately. For reporting purposes, installation protocols and photographs should be taken. All packaging and other waste materials must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner and must meet the environmental impact assessment's requirements.

EPA provides 24/7 customer support via our network operations centre. We provide in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients as a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing solar rooftop upkeep. The necessity for regular and optimal solar system management has made it necessary for African communities and enterprises to rely on the EPA's solar energy O&M expertise. We undertake highly standard O&M at EPA with our engineers, who have received thorough solar maintenance training and are well qualified to maintain solar systems and perform corrective measures as needed. EPA performs automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that solar power plants are appraised in accordance with international standards, thanks to years of field training. When your solar isn't performing as intended, our constant monitoring and inspections ensure prompt action. In general, our O&M teams handle all areas of solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant runs well and that our clients receive uninterrupted power.

Solar Panels - what to look for when buying Solar PV Panels

Solar or photovoltaic (PV) panels collect energy from the sun through their cells. The energy is collected and converted into Direct Current (DC) electricity by circuits within the cells. Poly-crystalline or mono-crystalline solar panels are the most prevalent types of panels available today. The key difference is the type of silicon solar cell used; mono-crystalline solar panels utilize solar cells formed from a single silicon crystal, whereas poly-crystalline solar panels use solar cells made from several silicon pieces melted together. Mono-crystalline panels are more expensive than poly-crystalline panels but offer higher efficiency and sleeker looks. The blueish color of poly-crystalline panels distinguishes them. Your decision is based on your personal tastes, space limits, and budget.

All solar panels are given a power rating that indicates how much energy they produce under regular test settings and can be used to compare panels. The majority of solar panels on the market have peak output ratings of 150 to 420 watts (Wp). A higher power rating indicates that the panels are more efficient in generating electricity. These are ideal-condition outputs, and you'll probably discover that the panels don't achieve these ratings under regular circumstances. Installing a solar energy system with as much power output as you can afford is a good rule of thumb (or that your roof can accommodate).

The efficiency of a solar panel refers to how well it converts solar energy into electricity. The most efficient commercially accessible solar panels now have a solar panel efficiency of less than 23%. If you have limited roof space and high energy expenditures, efficiency is very vital.

The ISO 9000 series of quality assurance standards for the manufacturing industry was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Manufacturers of solar panels can be certified ISO 9000 compliant to show that they satisfy the standards. Solar panel durability measures assess how well panels will stand up in real-world situations over time. The International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) 61215 dependability standard analyzes solar panels by undertaking stress tests that simulate decades of outside wear and tear. These tests are used to discover potential solar panel premature failure issues, and panels that pass them are more likely to last in the field.

Warranties from manufacturers are a valuable addition because they detail both technical standards and commercial operations. A strong warranty ensures that your service and support needs are covered in the unusual event that an issue arises after installation. Output warranties can last up to 25 years, implying that the panel will continue to produce at least 80% after that time. Material guarantees can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years, ensuring that the materials will not fail during that time.



Batteries and energy storage- What to Look For When Purchasing Solar System

Energy storage systems (batteries) have become an important component of sustainable renewable energy systems. The ability of renewable technologies, such as solar, to store energy during periods of low demand and release energy during periods of high demand, allows technology to be successfully integrated into energy infrastructure. To address this demand, battery technology has progressed to include big and small-scale battery solutions that may provide storage capacity for technologies ranging in size from multi-megawatt production assets to small-scale solar solutions. Batteries are important for completing the energy transition and expanding global access to sustainable energy, particularly for off-grid residents in African communities and business units. Until recently, practically all energy-access programs used lead-acid batteries because they are widely available, reliable, and inexpensive. In recent years, the advancement of Lithium battery technology, combined with lowering prices, has resulted in numerous projects considering the usage of Li-based battery technologies.


Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions for mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:

https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

The most important factor in a country's stability, prosperity, and eradication of poverty is its access to energy. Energy supply continuity is a crucial concern for all nations today. The long-term availability of energy from sources that are accessible, inexpensive, and ecologically friendly is vital for future economic growth. Energy is directly tied to security, climate change, and public health. Every area of any nation's economy depends on the energy in some way. Energy usage per person can be directly correlated to a nation's standard of living. Rapid population expansion, rise in global cultures' living standards and the inability of the policymakers to incorporate mini-grids to provide sustainable energy are to blame for the current energy issue.

A mini-grid is a self-contained power system or an integrated local generating and distribution system with an installed capacity of less than 1MW that can serve multiple end customers while remaining independent of the national grid. A mini-grid can provide reliable and affordable electricity in remote areas where population density is insufficient to justify connecting the community to the national grid, and it represents a viable and cost-effective solution for electrifying African communities through a decentralized energy system.

For tackling severe electrification shortages in Africa, mini-grids have been suggested as a key platform. Renewable energy mini-grid technologies increase the availability of electricity for underserved populations. Beyond pilot projects, African governments struggling with acute shortages are concentrating on creating effective small-grid ecosystems, especially for their off-grid citizens. Several countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana, have policies and procedures in place to increase the number of people who have access to electricity through tiny grids. Mini-grids are receiving more financial support from foundations, philanthropists, and organizations as the deadline for achieving universal access to energy by 2030 draws near.

Around 7 million households lack reliable grid connectivity, therefore mini-grids could offer a cost-effective solution for supplying energy to them. The nation's mini-grid development is reasonably advanced thanks to a functional regulatory environment and a comparatively high rural electricity demand. According to World Bank estimates, mini-grid investments might total more than $10 billion by 2030, but the national scale calls for steps to unlock loan financing, particularly in local currencies.

Most mini-grids have been planned in Africa. More than 4,000 mini-grids are now being planned, according to World Bank data. Around 2,000 of the 4,000 projected tiny grids in Africa are located in Senegal and Nigeria, the continent's two largest markets for small grids. However, mini-grids may be able to provide electricity to a sizeable portion of Congo's unconnected population, reaching approximately 8 million African households for a potential expenditure of $12.5 billion.

Solar mini-grids have the potential to be a key component of achieving widespread access to electricity if given the right level of governmental support. Africa has to be revived. Mini-grids are essential for ensuring long-term, widespread access to power throughout Africa. Mini-Grids (MGs) serve communities that are densely populated enough to take advantage of power supply economies of scale in comparison to individual house systems but too far from the grid to be economically connected in the short to medium term. The most economical option, mini-grids have the capacity to supply up to 290 million people in Africa by 2030. An estimated 111 million homes will be connected to tiny grids, and 150,000 small grids will be needed for universal power access in Africa.

Distribution systems for mini-grids are usually more advanced than distribution systems for regular grids. Mini-networks can include bidirectional power flows and a variety of energy sources, in contrast to standard grids. Additional controls and software are required due to the operational complexity at this level. In hybrid systems, each power source needs its own controller, and the mini-grid needs a centralized management system to mix the different power sources. You will find it simpler because The Energy Project Africa (EPA) will walk you through the entire process. In Lagos, Nigeria, EPA is a prominent renewable energy company with experience in solar mini-grid projects, the procurement of energy equipment, energy audits, and feasibility analyses for projects to electrify and light up businesses and communities. It also helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies.

EPA considers the end-user system, including meters, when building the distribution system. Tariff collection and the mini-grid project's business aspects are the two most important factors to consider while choosing metering systems. The EPA selects the payment scheme at one of several design-related stages. The technical systems are typically designed by EPA before the metering and payment systems. The EPA makes sure that the end-user system can handle loads and tariffs while also taking the local cultural setting and user preferences into account. With high-level red tape likely to cause large-scale solar power projects to be delayed, soliciting the EPA's assistance in establishing mini-grids for businesses and local communities is a practical answer.

Electricity may be supplied to 102 million and 25 million households, respectively, by grid extensions and solar home systems. These numbers are based on a least-cost technique, which chooses technologies that provide end consumers with access to electricity at the lowest possible price. In rural areas and distant islands where grid extension is impractical, decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and off-grid solar household systems, can be used to provide electricity to consumers faster and at a cheaper cost. In conclusion, mini-grids offer enormous potential for assisting the black continents in efficiently reaching Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) by 2030. The mini-grid sector has not yet reached a critical point where it can grow without financial assistance.

Nigeria's economy is steadily rebounding despite a downturn between 2016 and 2017. According to the World Bank's 2018 Doing Business report, Nigeria has significantly strengthened its economy and was named among the top 10 improvers for the first time in 2016–2017. Nigeria's ease of doing business has improved in the following areas: starting a business, dealing with building permits, registering real estate, obtaining financing, and paying taxes. Since 1999, Nigeria has had four peaceful handovers of power between democratically elected executive presidents. Democratic government has improved on the effort to provide sustainable energy for Nigerians.

Despite this improvement, fewer than 15% of the population in most Nigerian states has access to the main grid and only a small number of those who do receive energy from the grid. The Rural Electrification Fund released its first request for expressions of interest for off-grid projects in 2017 to deliver electricity to Nigeria's distant communities.

The Rural Electricity Fund was formed to increase on-grid and off-grid electrification in rural areas, including tiny grids, with financial and technical support from institutions including the World Bank and the Rocky Mountain Institute. The REF frequently provides capital grants and subsidies to close the viability gap in off-grid projects, enabling mini-grid developers to lower their tariffs and increase their customer base.

Customers and mini-grid developers stand to gain significantly from scaling the local market. If 10,000 sites with a 100 kW output were deployed by 2023, 14% of the population would have access to power. According to tariff forecasts, mini-grid developers might make $3 billion annually at that scale.

Obstacles to the Nigeria Sustainable Energy

The primary barriers to solving Nigeria's and other sub-Saharan Africa's energy issues are a power-producing infrastructure that is unable to satisfy demand and an inefficient tariff system that makes it challenging for companies involved in electricity distribution to turn a profit. The fact that more than 50% of Nigerians are not connected to the country's energy grid also creates a significant infrastructure deficit. Rural areas of the nation have much-reduced electricity costs. Governments and mini-grid developers are aware that investors are seeking a more favourable business climate to enable the quick deployment of mini-grid installations at scale in nations all over Africa.

Permitting issues, dangers from integrating mini-grid systems and national networks, and a lack of long-term, low-rate local currency finance were the main issues cited by developers. Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency plans to work with the private sector to build 10,000 mini-grids by 2023 to service 14% of the country's population. Governments and mini-grid developers are aware that investors are looking for a more favourable business environment to facilitate the rapid deployment of mini-grid installations at scale in countries throughout Africa. The main obstacles cited by developers included obtaining approvals, risks connected with the integration of mini-grid systems and national grids, and a lack of local currency funding at reasonable rates and long tenors. With private sector cooperation, Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency hopes to build 10,000 mini-grids by 2023 to service 14 per cent of the country's population. It also manages the Nigeria Electrification Project, a $550 million World Bank-African Development Bank joint credit facility that offers developers with performance-based funds to build mini-grids and solar household systems.

Way Forward

Mini-grids bridge the gap between high-cost grid extension projects and low-power alternatives like solar home systems. Importantly, the market is shifting from viable commercial models to government-funded ventures. According to the group, mini-grids could offer a more affordable option for supplying energy to almost 7 million households in Nigeria. The nation's mini-grid development is reasonably advanced thanks to a functional regulatory environment and a comparatively high rural electricity demand. The World Bank estimates that mini-grids will have an aggregate investment potential of over $10 billion by 2030; nevertheless, for the industry to expand nationally, efforts to unlock credit funds, particularly in local currencies, are necessary.

Need for regulations to protect mini-grid asset cash flows

Few governments in countries with a dire need for rural electrification have laws that specifically protect mini-grid owners. For instance, several countries lack legislation to safeguard lone mini-grids when the main grid arrives. Without such regulations, the state might take the assets of mini-grids for little to nothing, leaving the owners stuck. Mini-grid owners would be guaranteed that, in the ideal policy and regulatory context, they would have a range of options, including compensation and working alongside the primary grid, in the event of grid arrival.

Solving customers’ ability to pay

Second, rural mini-grid providers provide electricity to customers who are frequently low-income and have few resources. Because many of these customers make their living through agriculture, their demand for electricity may be limited and unpredictable. These clients' ability to pay their bills is impacted by weather conditions, seasonality, and agricultural yields. These erratic income streams put revenue collection at risk. Solar hybrid mini-grids run more profitably when the profile of the power demand matches the PV generation curve. In order to encourage them to use more electricity, mini-grid developers are increasingly aiming for locations with "productive-use" customers (i.e., commercial and industrial).

Overcoming small project sizes

Typically, rural mini-grids are between 10 and 100 kW in capacity. Greater transactions enable private financiers to spread out transaction-related costs over greater capital quantities (and, in many cases, earn larger fees). Because of this, many people are hesitant to invest the time and energy necessary to finish due diligence and provide finance for projects that might only need USD 1 million or less. A deal to fund a portfolio of mini-grids in Tanzania with a combined capacity of 1MW was finalized in 2019. A portfolio strategy would distribute risks while also increasing the attraction of funding to commercial project finance investors.

Financing and Profitability

Finally, because building a tiny grid is expensive, payback periods in African environments where people and businesses have limited financial resources are likely to be protracted. The challenge of profitability is correlated with the commercial finance of every small grid endeavour. Low-profit margins and lengthy payback projects rarely pique the interest of banks.

Approximately 7 million households in Nigeria might receive energy through mini-grids at a reasonable cost, according to the organization. The nation has made reasonable progress toward the construction of mini-grids, with a functional regulatory environment and a relatively high rural electricity demand. Mini-grids have an estimated investment potential of over $10 billion by 2030, according to the World Bank, but for the industry to spread statewide, attempts to release loan funds, particularly in local currencies, are needed. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, too, has potential, according to the workshop attendees. There is a huge unconnected population in the country that might be supplied by mini-grids, resulting in a possible investment of $12.5 billion that could reach around 8 million households. However, the panellists agreed that a lack of safety, government capability, and financial tools must be addressed in order to encourage further private-sector participation.

The Mini-Grid Sustainability Program's goal is to help investors scale up their investments in commercially viable MG projects by implementing a variety of interventions to strengthen the enabling environment. The Energy Project Africa (EPA) aims to eliminate or minimize regional market obstacles and build the ecosystem for the creation of a viable MGs industry in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to the goals of universal access to modern energy by 2030. With information on rules and regulations, we undertake country-specific mini-grid market opportunity analyses. We're also putting together a pan-African mini-grid database containing MG market data.

EPA offers developers consulting and helps desk services. Our help desk offers an MGs toolkit procurement with a full selection of knowledge goods and tutorials for MGs developers. We have grown to include pages for individual nations, backlinks to affiliate sites, and technical support for public sector policymakers. A best-practice manual for encouraging beneficial use close to MGs is being created by the MGS MDP. The mini-grid industry in Nigeria is expanding quickly, and a number of companies are showing interest since it provides very good returns on investment. Any investor, however, should always arm themselves with appropriate competent guidance from a variety of professionals. This is why we have stepped into assisting communities and businesses build up a mini-grid for reliable electricity. Obtaining professional guidance from us on the feasibility assessment is therefore critical in this situation because mini-grid operations are now governed by a regulatory framework.

When constructing the distribution system, we take into account the end-user system, including meters. The key variables in choosing metering technologies are tariff collection and the business aspects of the mini-grid project. The payment system is chosen by the EPA during one of several stages of the design process. EPA normally designs metering and payment systems before the technical systems. We ensure that the end-user system can accommodate loads and tariffs while also taking into account the cultural context and user preferences in the area. With large-scale solar power projects likely to be delayed by high-level red tape, enlisting the help of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish mini-grids for businesses and local communities is a realistic solution.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Solar Mini-Grids project, Energy audits and feasibility solution, helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Saving energy in your business entails making a decision to consume less energy. Can it really be that easy? You may be asking. Absolutely, it can! It's not only easy, but it has a lot of advantages. By using less energy, we can slow down the depletion of fossil fuels and contribute to environmental cleanup. In the process, we manage to save money for ourselves. Let's look more closely. Currently, fossil fuels including oil, coal, and natural gas are the main energy sources in African nations. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that are produced over the course of millions of years deep under the Earth's surface. They are being used so quickly that they will soon run out of energy. The energy savings potential will be clearly provided in no-cost, low-cost, and high-cost categories, and the Energy Project Africa (EPA) will prioritize them in a report for you. EPA is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of electrification and lighting of companies' and communities' energy projects.

Each of the discovered savings opportunities will have a payback and quantified carbon savings listed alongside it. The free choices are usually tied to behavioural modification, notably in the area of lighting, and can be implemented right away. Based on the energy audit findings and recommendations, an internal strategy would be developed and a decision taken on how to proceed with the recommendations. Upgrades to electrification, lighting, heating and industrial processes can alter your company's use of energy in an efficient way, but these opportunities are frequently neglected by executive teams who are more concerned with increasing revenue than decreasing costs." As a result, EPA shows the survey and reports findings to top management so that they may ask questions and thoroughly comprehend the findings and possibilities of the recommendations.

Saving energy is crucial for businesses in a number of ways. As a result, saving energy is crucial not just because it has immediate advantages but also because it helps your company better understand its demands and prepare for the future. The following are some advantages of saving energy in your company:

Reduce Costs: As energy use rises in your company, electricity costs rise as well. You are unnecessarily increasing your power and gas bills if you are cooling or lighting unused floors or areas in your building. With the help of energy management, you may drastically cut all utility bills, including those for lighting, heating, and cooling. A sizeable portion of operational costs can be reduced with effective energy management.

When asked what their biggest expense is, many small business owners would say energy expenses. Companies nationwide spend more on energy each year than on any other utility. Electricity is used to operate computers and machines in your business. What then should a business owner do? Don’t worry, the Energy Project Africa (EPA) got your back. Through our Energy audits and feasibility solution, we help stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. Start by selecting energy-saving techniques from our list below to lower your small business's energy expenditures.

Enhance Employee Wellbeing: Research has shown that when workers are in comfortable working settings, their productivity and general well-being go up. All workplaces will become more energy-efficient as a result of proper energy management for lighting and temperature control, which will boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

Increased Building Performance: A highly effective energy management system greatly increases building performance while also improving personnel performance. As a result of lessening wear and tear on your HVAC, lighting, and other auxiliary systems, you can also save money on equipment maintenance, repairs, and replacement. You will logically have more money in your budget for other business expenses like marketing, promotions, salaries, and product expenditures if you reduce energy waste and running costs.

Reduce Danger: As energy demand rises, the risk of energy price increases and supply shortages also rises. The organization's profitability can be impacted. On the other side, energy management can lower the risk by lowering demand.

Reduce Carbon Emissions: Energy management can both increase operational costs and cut back on the amount of environmentally harmful carbon emissions. It is subject to numerous taxes, therefore a decrease in carbon emissions can lower the cost and support sustainable development.

Global Concern: Fossil fuels and traditional energy sources are the most important energy sources. Consequently, managing energy is a worldwide issue. Due to the finite nature of conventional sources, it is essential to lessen both the harm to the environment and our reliance on fossil fuels. These resources are prone to depletion due to the regular generation and use of energy. As a result, there is a global need to save energy in order to protect resources and promote sustainable development.

Tips on saving energy in your business

Purchase an energy audit. An energy audit can assist in establishing your baseline energy use and provide a detailed roadmap for methods to reduce energy consumption at work. Energy Project Africa (EPA) provides an energy audit where, our specialist will visit your company and perform a thorough evaluation of the area to look for air leaks, insulation problems, or possibilities to install energy-efficient lighting.
Invest in energy-saving office supplies. Check to determine if the office devices you are considering purchasing or renting are energy-efficiency rated. An appliance with an energy-efficiency rating has been tested and found to be energy-efficient, which can help you save money and manage your small business energy bills, especially over the long term. At EPA, we are often involved directly in procuring components and delivering either lead-acid or lithium batteries for African communities and businesses' uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of battery manufacturers for African use. The procurement is actualised with work by European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka.
Diminish Peak Demand Reducing the hours of the day when energy use is highest is another tip to save electricity in your business. Peak demand periods are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. By staggering work hours and start times, operating heavy machinery and factory equipment in the late evening and early morning, and practising energy conservation all day, you can lower your demand during this time.
Your thermostats should be set. One of those office energy conservation suggestions that are especially pertinent for a 9–5 job is this one. After everyone has left for the evening, a workspace doesn't need to be heated or cooled. Even if your team works irregular hours, controlling the temperature during "off" hours with programmable or smart thermostats can have a significant impact.
When not in use, turn off the lights. Even while it might seem obvious, in a typical office, lights are left on in locations like break rooms, restrooms, and conference rooms even when they aren't in use. When necessary, sensor lights can help keep the lights on while turning them off when not.
Make use of energy-saving light bulbs. Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with energy-saving ones like CFL or LED. This is one of the simplest and quickest ways to save electricity at the office. You will consume a lot less electricity as a result of this.
Utilize the sun's natural illumination. If you're fortunate enough to work in a room with lots of natural light, take advantage of it! In areas with windows that can provide all the light you need on a sunny day, you might not even need to turn on the lights. Even while it might not appear like one of the strategies to save energy at work, passive solar heating actually does help. The less energy you use in kilowatt-hours, the less money you have to spend.
Turn on the fans. By turning on fans in offices, warehouses, showrooms, and kitchens, you may easily and quickly minimize your energy usage at work. Fans maintain airflow, allowing your energy-generating device to operate more effectively.
At the end of the day, turn off computers and other office equipment. Make it a practice for your team to shut down laptops before they depart if they are not being utilized during the times when they are not in use. A quick method to cut back is to turn off and unplug as many devices as you can at the end of the day. This covers toasters, coffee machines, and other similar appliances that use little energy.

To implement an effective energy management program in their building, many commercial buildings and enterprises have already contracted with an energy manager or automated solutions. Energy management gains shouldn't just go to other businesses. EPA will complete the work for you if you hire us today. For accuracy throughout a portfolio, an energy management program's level of sophistication must rise as it gets more forward-looking. These kinds of sophisticated energy management programs frequently use technology to support strategic decision-making that ties your energy management plan to your company's goals and finances. Some non-profit groups or service providers may provide audits for free or at a minimal cost. Audits undertaken by inexperienced personnel or audits sponsored by a vendor and targeted toward a certain technology or product, on the other hand, may emphasize simple individual energy conservation recommendations while overlooking other substantial opportunities. Unqualified auditors may also make recommendations that result in little energy savings, or even worse, increased energy use or equipment damage. While cost is an important consideration when hiring an energy auditor, it should not be the only one. Experience, certifications, and successful past project samples are all important factors to consider when hiring an energy auditor. EPA team of engineers and data analysts are well trained and experienced in the field of an energy audit to give your business the most effective and efficient energy which reduces the amount of money you spend on energy on daily basis.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Green energy is the energy obtained from non-finite or non-exhaustible natural resources on the planet, such as wind and sunlight (solar). Solar energy is produced by capturing sunlight's radiant energy and converting it to heat, electricity, or hot water. Solar cells are used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to convert direct sunlight into electricity. One of the advantages of solar energy is that it is virtually limitless. There is an infinite supply of solar energy with the capability to harvest it, which might make fossil fuels obsolete. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels also helps to enhance public health and the environment. Solar energy has the potential to eliminate energy expenditures in the long run while also lowering your energy bills in the short term. Many local, state and federal governments offer rebates or tax credits from which you can also benefit to encourage people to invest in solar energy.

Wind farms use turbines to catch the energy of the wind and convert it to electricity. Wind energy conversion systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Single-wind turbines are utilised to enhance pre-existing energy organisations, whereas commercial-grade wind-powered producing systems can power a variety of organisations. Utility-scale wind farms, which are purchased on a contract or wholesale basis, are another option. Wind energy is a clean energy source, meaning it does not contaminate the air in the same way that other sources of energy do. Wind energy does not emit carbon dioxide or any other toxic pollutants that can degrade the environment or harm human health, such as smog, acid rain, or other heat-trapping gases. Because wind turbines on farms need to be serviced and maintained to keep working, investing in wind energy technology can open up new possibilities for jobs and job training.

Solar and wind energy are examples of green energy that can be used as an alternative to traditional energy sources that rely on fossil fuels and are less detrimental to the environment. Planning for a green energy system for your home or company includes examining your current electricity usage, reviewing local rules and requirements, selecting whether you want to operate your system on or off the grid, and learning about the technology alternatives available for your location. Energy Project Africa (EPA) offers energy auditing services to ensure that you are not paying for energy that you are not using. Using the EPA's energy audit service will also help you to consume your energy in the most effective manner possible.

Perhaps you're thinking of investing in a green energy system to power your brand. Although researching, purchasing, and maintaining a system requires time and money, many people value the independence they obtain and the assurance that their activities are helping the environment. Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing green energy, we deliver in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. You can use a green energy system to meet some or all of your electrical needs.

Planning for a green energy system for your home or business entails analysing your current electricity use and considering energy efficiency measures to reduce it (a process we call an energy audit), deciding whether you want to operate your system on or off the grid, and understanding the technology options available for your location. Work with us to incorporate a green energy system into your whole-house or company design, a technique for developing an energy-efficient home, if you're designing a new home.

THE BENEFIT OF GOING GREEN FOR YOUR BRAND

To start, you'll need a fundamental understanding of how each technology works, as well as green energy resource availability, economics and pricing, system siting, system sizing, code requirements, installation and maintenance issues. The EPA will show you how to use each of these technologies separately, in combination, or in conjunction with a fossil fuel system. A hybrid system is created when these technologies are integrated or employed with a fossil fuel generator. Solar, wind, micro hydropower, and hybrid electric systems are all viable possibilities (solar and wind).

Solar electric systems -- For your brand, a solar electric or photovoltaic system can be a dependable and pollution-free source of electricity. Photovoltaic systems also provide a cost-effective power source in areas where sending electricity through traditional power lines is either too expensive or impractical. Purchasing an effective solar system entails the process of locating, obtaining, and buying goods and services from a third party, usually through a tendering or competitive bidding system. Before building and activating the system, solar system developers sometimes issue tenders for individual mini-grid components. Businesses are beginning to appreciate the alternative function of energy sources that solar power provides as natural gas and oil prices remain erratic. With an unpredictable economy and limited financial resources for both commercial and residential clients, the need to properly provide technical advice for labour, installation and supply of microgrids which ranges between 15 – 50 kilowatts for businesses, technical partner for feasibility and viability is more important than ever. This need has been highly recognized by the Energy Project Africa (EPA) and we are here to provide solutions for the solar electronic prescriptions for controlled substances in Africa. The service includes the provision of solar energy for the community, local government and state government projects, and solar project developers for medium and large-scale companies.
Wind electric systems – Wind energy is a clean and non-polluting resource that is both free and green. It can be erected on land that is simultaneously used for raising crops or grazing animals because it is environmentally friendly. There is no need for fuel to keep things running. Offshore wind, tiny wind electric systems, distributed wind, and utility-scale wind are all examples of wind power. Turbines positioned in bodies of water define the term "offshore." One of the most cost-effective home-based green energy systems is small wind electric systems. Small residential turbines have rotors that are 8 to 25 feet in diameter and stand over 30 feet tall. Utility-scale wind refers to electricity generated in wind farms and transported to the power grid for distribution to end users by utility companies. The turbines employed have a power output of more than 100 kW. The horizontal-axis or vertical-axis design could be used in wind turbines. The former has a larger following than the latter. Blades, a tower, a drivetrain, controls, electrical cables, group support, and connectivity equipment make up these components.
Micro hydro power systems -- Microhydropower systems can produce up to 100 kilowatts of electricity, while a 10-kilowatt system can typically power a big home, small resort, or farm. Micro hydro power is one of the most straightforward and reliable sources of green energy on your land. You might create a small hydropower system to generate electricity if you have water flowing through your land. Micro hydro power systems may provide up to 100 kilowatts of power. Micro hydro power systems include the majority of hydropower systems utilised by households and small company owners, including farmers and ranchers. A 50-kilowatt micro hydropower system, on the other hand, may typically power a big house, a small resort, or a hobby farm. A turbine, pump, or waterwheel is required in a micro hydropower system to convert the energy of flowing water into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity.
Hybrid system -- Hybrid systems are more likely to produce power when you need it because the peak operating times for wind and solar systems are at various times of the day and year. In the process of researching green energy solutions for your brand, you'll need to figure out how much electricity you use.

Only certified and experienced professionals should be consulted when purchasing green energy materials. Before beginning installation, it is vital that the expert has confirmed legal rights to the green energy location. Before beginning work, they must also conduct quality checks on delivered equipment and locally created items (such as foundations, channels, and bricks), as well as provide safety training to all people, including local support staff. Specialized installation tools and local language instruction manuals must be given and used appropriately for equipment installation.

EPA provides unique psychographics which has not been studied and provided for by other competitors in the industry. Our company observed that consumers need more than lightning from the solar systems and we have been able to carry out studies based on their psychological and cognitive attributes. It was observed that there was psychographics that arouse the interest of solar energy consumers in order to derive maximum satisfaction which has been lacking from other solar service providers.

The observed Psychographics include speed, competitive rate, expertise and geographical spread. The large magnitude of solar energy available makes it a highly appealing source of electricity. Our company has been able to achieve and procure solar grids that are so fast in absorbing heat from the sun to provide energy in residential, municipal and commercial areas. With our experts in technical aid, we also provide technical advice to businesses that venture into solar energy on professional methods of installation for easy and quick assimilation of energy from the sun. This service has earned us a Geographic Spread across African countries. We cover major cities, municipalities, communities and villages for agro-solar.

EPA has been able to offer benefits that include quick deployment to site and turnaround time, good rates, wide coverage and a skilled team.

Channels: The Company has been able to provide easy contacts for meeting the clients through our social media platform and contact is made upon request.

USP: “Get the most out of green energy”

With the aforementioned benefits, we have been able to beat our competitors that feel reluctant and found it difficult to offer the same benefits to clients.

Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing green energy, we deliver in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. African communities and businesses must rely on the EPA's green energy expertise due to the need for regular and optimal green energy management. Our engineers, who have received extensive green energy maintenance training and are well trained to maintain green energy and implement corrective actions as needed, perform a highly standard operation and maintenance at EPA. We perform automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that green energy plants are appraised in accordance with international standards, thanks to years of field training. When your green energy system isn't performing as intended, our constant monitoring and inspections ensure prompt action. In general, our green energy teams handle all areas of hybrid, wind and solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant runs well and that our clients receive uninterrupted power.

A detailed assessment of your electricity demands can assist you in determining the size (and thus cost) of the system you will require, how your energy needs fluctuate throughout the day and year, and what steps you may take to reduce your electricity consumption. The wattage and average daily use of electrical items plugged into your central power sources, such as refrigerators, lights, televisions, and power tools, are recorded during a load study. Some loads, such as your refrigerator, consume electricity continuously, while others, such as power tools, consume electricity only occasionally. Selectable loads are electrical loads that use electricity on a regular basis. You may be able to install a smaller green energy system if you are willing to use your chosen loads only when you have excess power available. To determine your total electricity consumption:

Multiply each appliance's wattage by the number of hours it is used each day (be sure to take seasonal variations into account). Because some appliances do not display their watts, you may need to determine it by multiplying the amperes by the volts. Power consumption information is usually accessible on a sticker, metal plate, or cord attached to the item.
For all chosen loads, record the time(s) of the day the load executes.

Consider energy-saving measures in your home or company before purchasing a green energy system. This will lower your electricity use and allow you to purchase a system that is both efficient and long-lasting.

For information about determining the overall energy efficiency of your home or small business, EPA provides 24/7 customer support via our network operations centre. We provide in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients as a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing green energy.

As a consumer, you have various options for making a difference in the environment by choosing a greener energy solution. You have the option of installing solar panels and wind turbines in your brand(s). Solar panels and wind turbines not only save you money on electricity, but they also help you improve your quality of life by providing a safer, more environmentally friendly energy source that doesn’t rely on polluting fuels. Your power companies may also provide you with options for a greener lifestyle. The energy project Africa (EPA) allows consumers to choose green energy sources that assist you to lessen their carbon footprint through energy offsets.

Energy Project Africa is a leading green energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the green energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:

https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

After a significant decline in the 1990s, hydropower development has increased during the previous two decades. The population of Africa is quickly expanding, although only one-third of its citizens have access to modern energy. Given that just 8% of Africa's enormous hydro resources have been explored, this presents an investment opportunity for all types of power technology, particularly hydro. Africa's greatest potential hydropower source is the Nile, which is the longest river in the world. The Nile passes through a variety of environments over its nearly 7,000 km journey from its source in the African Great Lakes to its delta in Egypt, including mountains, tropical forests, desert, savannahs, and wetlands, many of which are rich in species. Its drainage basin is shared by 11 nations and covers nearly a tenth of the continent of Africa. People who lived close to the river have depended on it for thousands of years. Rainfall patterns have guided the development of agriculture, and people have constructed minor dams to use the river's water for irrigation of crops. Governments have recently begun exploiting the river to generate electricity.

But despite its length, the Nile only transports a little amount of water because it frequently passes through dry regions with little in the way of rainfall or groundwater seepage. The biodiversity of the river is also threatened by climate change, which is changing the seasonal cycles of the Nile, increasing the likelihood of droughts, and increasing the evaporation from its lakes. Environmental considerations like these must be taken into account when planning a sizable hydroelectric dam on a significant river like the Nile, notwithstanding the possibility that doing so could delay construction or increase initial costs. The proposed design should incorporate the results of research into how a region's water cycle interacts with biodiversity and local people's daily life.

Internationally compliant environmental assessments can alleviate some of the conflicts related to dam construction, such as those involving changes in water flow. For the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a sizable hydropower facility being constructed on the Blue Nile, one of the river's two main tributaries, assessments have been made. However, detractors claim that the analyses are inadequately detailed and fall short of global standards.

Given that the continent's population is expected to exceed four billion people by the end of the century, rapid population expansion is expected to put further strain on energy services. Electricity is hard to come by and distributed unevenly. Electricity is nearly universal in countries with strong economies like Egypt, yet it is still scarce in nations like Chad, Liberia, and South Sudan, where just 1.5% of the population has access to it. Step outside of the continent's cities, though, and the situation is just as gloomy: only 27.8% of rural villages are electrified. African governments are increasingly resorting to hydropower sources to promote development and enhance people's lives and livelihoods in the face of widespread energy poverty.

Benefit

Utilizing water's kinetic energy to produce electricity is the basis of hydropower. A conventional hydroelectric plant consists of a plant that generates electricity, a reservoir where water is stored, and a dam that regulates water flow (smaller projects rely on pumps or river flow to generate water movement). A generator is spun when a dam opens, releasing water that pushes a turbine's blades as it passes through an intake. The quantity of water and its pace of movement both affect how much electricity is produced. The importance of hydropower in expanding access to electricity is being recognised by African governments, who are including it in broad energy plans. By offering important power, storage, and flexibility services, hydropower and pumped storage continue to be instrumental in our fight against climate change. Here are just a few advantages hydropower can offer as the US moves toward 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

One source of renewable energy is hydroelectricity.

Without limiting the amount of water, hydroelectricity harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate power. Thus, all hydroelectric projects, regardless of size—small or huge, run-of-river or accumulated storage—fit the definition of renewable energy. While large hydropower facilities like the Kariba and Cahora Bassa Dams on the Zambezi River have benefited the economy, they have also harmed freshwater ecosystems, which has impacted fisheries. "In the case of the Zambezi River, the economic losses of reduced prawn fisheries have been estimated at US$10 to 20 million per year, without compensation for the affected fishermen," says one expert. Even decades later, the severe effects in some situations are still not effectively addressed. In Africa, more than 500 million people lack access to modern energy services. It also means that there won't be any effective lighting and no refrigeration for food or medicine. Accumulation reservoir-equipped hydroelectric power plants provide unparalleled operational flexibility because they can react quickly to changes in the demand for electricity. Hydroelectric power plants are more effective and cost-effective in enabling the use of sporadic renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, due to their flexibility and storage capacity.

Energy security and price stability are supported by hydroelectricity.

Unlike petroleum or natural gas, river water is a domestic resource that is not impacted by changes in the market. Additionally, it helps to maximise the usage of thermal power plants due to its cost-benefit ratio, efficiency, flexibility, and reliability as well as the fact that it is the only significant renewable source of electricity. Large hydropower projects have the potential to play a significant role in Africa's sustainable economic growth. They are a fantastic complement to thermal plants that have shorter useful lives since they can produce more power more reliably than solar and wind while also offering benefits like flood control, irrigation, and a continuous water supply. Hydropower facilities can also function as "peakers," storing water in their reservoirs and providing energy during times of high demand or when intermittent sources like solar and wind are not working. However, they are difficult tasks with a variety of limitations and difficulties.

Drinking water is stored in part thanks to hydroelectricity.

Rainwater is gathered in reservoirs at hydroelectric power plants and used for agriculture or human consumption. By storing water, they guard against the depletion of the water tables and lessen our susceptibility to floods and droughts. To achieve increased efficacy, infrastructure and political problems must be fixed, as well as insufficient institutional competence and weak institutional cooperation. The study also highlights the importance of including climate risks in hydropower and infrastructure development, taking into account the location of dams and how anticipated rainfall patterns can affect the power supply. Smaller hydropower projects are seen by many public and private parties as Africa's future. These smaller projects don't require the construction of massive dams because they can be powered by a river's current.

The stability and dependability of electrical systems are improved by hydroelectricity.

To satisfy peak demands, maintain system voltage levels, and promptly resume supply after a blackout, electrical systems depend on quick and flexible generation sources. More quickly than any other energy source, hydroelectric facilities may pump energy into the electricity grid. Hydroelectric systems are particularly well suited for dealing with changes in consumption and providing ancillary services to the electricity system, maintaining the balance between the supply and demand for electricity. This is because they have the ability to quickly and predictably increase production from zero to maximum levels. By doing this, the negative effects of resettlement on the environment and society are lessened. Small hydro plants spread out geographically can also provide some protection from drought situations. Smaller projects also have the advantage of being less capital-intensive, which makes it much simpler to secure funds for their construction. The 445 KW run-of-the-river Rubagabaga Hydropower Plant in north Rwanda is an illustration of a small-scale operation that is successful. This is the first hydroelectric plant in East Africa that was built with very minimal mechanical assistance. It uses a containerized turbine and generator. This ground-breaking enterprise, a public-private partnership, has so far enabled more locally initiated industries and produced over a thousand employment.

Clean and affordable energy for today and tomorrow is provided by hydroelectricity.

Hydroelectric improvements are long-term investments that can help different generations because they typically last 50 to 100 years. They have very cheap operating and maintenance expenses and are easily modified to integrate more modern technologies. Even more modest initiatives referred to as tiny hydro projects, harness hydropower and connect to mini-grids. Mini hydro projects can therefore be built in isolated, rural regions that are not serviced by the grid and have the potential to be an important tool for development through promoting business ventures. It is challenging to maintain and monitor grids in these rural locations due to a shortage of technical resources (including specialists and spare components). Therefore, it is crucial that training, maintenance, and knowledge transfer to local community members are included while building mini-hydro projects.

A key tool for sustainable development is hydroelectricity.

The best example of sustainable development is seen in hydroelectric firms that are created and run in a way that is financially feasible, environmentally responsible, and socially responsible. That translates to "progress that meets people's needs today without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on the Environment and Development, 1987). Nevertheless, hydropower presents an essential way for Africa to give its citizens access to clean energy despite its difficulties. Less than 90% of the hydropower potential of the continent has not yet been used. However, public and commercial partners are collaborating across Africa to change this and increase awareness of the contribution that hydropower can make to sustainable development. The sustainability of our planet, in the long run, depends heavily on energy, or Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7. Due to its demonstrated scientific and technological ease and comparatively low cost per MW investment, hydropower in particular commands the lion's share, especially in developing countries.

HYDROPOWER IN AFRICA'S FUTURE

Africa has enormous hydropower potential outside of the Nile. The Congo, Niger, Orange, and Senegal rivers are just a few of the significant waterways that have not yet been used to generate energy. Despite a spike in 2009 when several plants started producing, the development of hydropower plants has slowed down since 2010. Nevertheless, additional facilities are planned for Africa's major rivers, notably the Congo. Together, they would be able to produce over 27 gigawatts of power if they were all constructed. By 2030, six plants with a combined peak power output of more than one gigawatt should be operational. In addition to GERD, three of them will occur in Ethiopia, two in Angola, and one in Mozambique. Even though Africa is in dire need of electricity, its 54 nations are rising to the enormous challenge and working together on a regional level to enhance generating capacity, with hydropower projects taking centre stage in their plans. To support energy production projects from the earliest planning phases all the way through to construction and operation, governments are increasingly turning to investors in the private sector. Africa's largest private infrastructure investment fund manager, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), is one of many players supplying governments in Africa with private sector capital as well as financial, technical, legal, and structuring expertise to help close the energy infrastructure gap.

Large dams, in the opinion of many energy experts including EPA, are essential to resolving Africa's energy supply crisis. But they also bring a complicated collection of environmental and societal problems. International hydropower associations and development banks are striving to create sustainability criteria, which will serve as guidelines for evaluating the continent's water resources and energy requirements, and may influence future hydropower plans for Africa. It is envisaged that with these criteria in place, Africa will be able to increase its energy output while simultaneously guaranteeing the integrity of its water resources and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. The future of Africa's people, energy, and water could hinge on what happens in the following few decades.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in an energy audit and feasibility solutions, mini-grid and solar farms, and strategy advisory. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

An energy audit is a study of energy costs and efficiency. An energy audit, review, or assessment for a property is precisely what it sounds like. An audit will evaluate each and every energy use in your home and detail every aspect, just as any audit that is conducted on finances, projects, or businesses. Simply put, a home energy audit is a process that enables you to pinpoint energy leaks in your house and determine what actions you can take to increase energy efficiency. To guarantee optimum efficiency and savings, every homeowner should do a home energy audit every two to three years. Energy audits are the first step in figuring out a home's energy usage.

It requires detailed research and analysis of energy use in homes, which involves looking at the tools, procedures, and usage habits of users. By assuring efficiency, this enables a homeowner to identify areas where they may save money. A house owner can minimise energy waste and improve energy efficiency by using an energy audit to identify opportunities. A homeowner can benefit from using less energy by giving their property a more environmentally friendly reputation in the neighbourhood.

You have the option of conducting a home energy audit yourself or hiring a professional to do it for you. You can identify opportunities to save energy and money no matter which path you choose when conducting a home energy audit. In addition, it evaluates any potential health and safety problems in your house. But a qualified professional's energy audit is a helpful tool for figuring out how your home consumes electricity and locating places where energy waste and efficiency might be decreased. Energy Project Africa (EPA) has access to highly qualified engineers with diverse energy audit skills that can change your household's energy consumption into a cost-effective one.

The main purpose of an energy audit should be to confirm your presumptions about where you can conserve energy in your house. "Ideally, an audit should provide information on how to meet a home's energy needs." The need could just be to reduce costs, but it could also be to increase the supply of energy. Additionally, you'll be modelling good behaviour for your family and giving yourself a greater understanding of how you consume energy on a daily basis and the kinds of steps you can take going forward to avoid doing so excessively. Understanding the full range of motivations for considering a home energy audit is crucial in order to counteract these claims.

Reasons to Perform a Home Energy Audit

The only way to fully comprehend a home's consumption patterns, how they may be connected, and identify the most significant energy users is to study all energy-consuming rooms and equipment. This is the most effective approach. We will emphasise how the building's many rooms should be prioritised to produce the most savings for homeowners who have a large number of energy-consuming rooms on the property. Due to our familiarity with energy management and where homes utilise energy, working with EPA is a pretty simple process that just involves a walkthrough of your property to identify potential problem areas. Knowing what an energy audit does, you can now look into whether your home could benefit from carrying out one. The major benefit is, of course, on the bottom line; you could be wasting money on energy that isn't needed. You may never understand how much money you could save if you don't check into what you're consuming.

Safe Money

Depending on the type of improvements you make to your home, the very first benefit of completing a home energy audit is that it will help you save money on your electricity costs. By completing the improvements suggested by your home energy audit, you may save anywhere from 5 to 30 per cent on your electricity cost.

Identify Your Potential Energy-saving Opportunities

An energy auditor may identify the areas of your home where the most energy is being lost, and they can then recommend adjustments to make in order to save energy and cut your electricity costs. You can take action to address the issue once it is determined which areas of your home need energy improvements. An audit can indicate that you need to clean your air ducts, adjust the settings on your appliances, replace your kitchen equipment with energy-efficient versions, or switch the shower head on your bathroom sink to use less hot water. Installing a solar energy system, upgrading the insulation in your walls, or replacing outdated window weather stripping are all significant enhancements. You'll know where to start more clearly with the guidance provided by your energy auditor.

Understand Your Energy Usage

An evaluation of your home called an energy audit looks at how much energy is currently being used. You can learn where and how energy is used by conducting an energy audit. You may transform your home or way of life for the better by being aware of where and how your home utilises (or wastes) energy.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Your carbon footprint will naturally decrease when you consume less energy, which can lower greenhouse gas emissions. You can lessen your impact on the environment in a number of ways, including by repairing air leaks, installing proper insulation, utilising as much natural light as possible, switching out inefficient equipment with energy-efficient ones, and using less electricity for heating.

Save Energy

A professional energy audit not only focuses on energy efficiency but also on short-term and long-term power bill savings. The two most frequent causes of air leakage are inadequate insulation and leaky windows. Your energy requirements can be significantly reduced by simply fixing these two issues. The most efficient approach to conserving money and energy is by doing these two things together, even though there may be additional items on the list. A reliable government rebate expert can also provide you with advice on energy efficiency.

Ensure Health and Safety

Your top focus should be the safety of your family. A home's safety and health are assessed during an energy audit. The audit team makes use of cutting-edge equipment and methods to look for electrical or other hazards, check that the wiring is installed correctly to prevent electrical fires, check for fuel leaks in the furnace, and perform combustion appliance zone testing on all combustion fuel-powered appliances. Additionally, homeowners frequently discover air leakage around doors, inadequate insulation, or unwelcome moisture sources during an audit. Once moisture issues have been located, action may be done to maintain the optimal humidity level in the home, which will benefit everyone's health, especially those with allergies or asthma.

Increase Home’s Resale Value

One of the best home renovations you can make to raise property values if you ever want to sell the house or rent it out is to make it more energy efficient. Prospective buyers place a high value on energy-efficient homes with upgrades like solar panels, a solar hot water system, additional insulation, and energy-efficient temperature management. Even if you don't intend to sell your house anytime soon, these improvements might eventually recoup their costs.

Boost Energy Efficiency in the Home

Since energy audits are intended to increase your home's energy efficiency, you can anticipate that they will assist you in creating a detailed improvement plan.

Insulation and air leaks - For instance, an energy audit can assist you in identifying air leaks that occur from cracks in your walls, ceiling, or flooring. A check of heat loss due to inadequate insulation may be part of your energy audit. Particularly in older homes, the insulation may not be adequate.
Heating, cooling, and electronics - In addition to checking your heating and cooling systems, such as your hot water heater, thermostat, and air conditioner, an energy audit would also inspect these components. These items can consume more energy than usual when they're not operating well, and an energy audit will be able to inform you whether you need to clean them, replace their filters, or buy newer equipment. For instance, if you determine that using central heating is a waste of energy, you can switch to in-room heating so that you only pay for heating in the areas that you are using. Similarly, you can test your devices and appliances as part of your audit to determine how much electricity they are consuming.

Another advantage to mention is that it aids with energy strategies and ensures that your building premises is on track to fulfill impending and present laws. As the government works to meet its environmental goals, more limitations on energy consumption. An energy audit might assist you in focusing on areas where you can improve compliance.

EPA Energy Audits Process

Firstly, we conduct preliminary audits or building assessments to identify no-cost and low-cost energy-saving solutions. An evaluation of your energy costs and a brief site survey of your home premises are among the activities.

We also conduct an engineering analysis and energy survey Audits to uncover no-cost and low-cost opportunities, as well as suggestions tailored to your budget and prospective energy savings. An in-depth investigation of energy expenses, energy usage, and physical attributes, as well as a more refined assessment of how energy is used in your property, are carried out.

We offer sound advice and financial analysis that detailed analysis of modification Audits. This includes a process where the EPA engages in monitoring, data collecting, and engineering analysis in addition to the tasks above. We will work with you to establish the level of audit you require based on your project goals and available budget. A Level I audit could give conclusions that make the expense of the audit justifiable for smaller facilities without a substantial budget. Due to the intricacies of a larger building that has never been inspected, a Level II or Level III audit would be more appropriate due to the complexities of systems and potential savings opportunities.

Each step of the energy audit is led by the EPA, but the homeowners play important roles and should be actively involved throughout the process. At EPA, we begin by studying your utility data, building or system diagrams, and other facility information to do a preliminary energy consumption evaluation. To account for seasonal variations and patterns of energy usage, we will gather and examine at least two years of utility data throughout the energy use study. Monthly utility bill data is the most typical; however, utilities are increasingly making hourly or more frequent interval meter data available. This analysis should encompass all forms of energy (electricity, gas, oil, and water).

EPA will use this information to compute the Energy Utilization Index (EUI) value (annual energy use/square footage) and energy end uses for your facility. The EUI and base energy load allow us to compare this data to energy consumption in similar buildings and systems, illustrating the magnitude of possible energy savings and providing an early estimate of prospective savings.

Our team of experts will also look for changes in energy consumption over time and possible explanations. We then generate a preliminary report, which will include a summary of data, graphs, and other visualizations for easy interpretation. The results of this study can help choose the level of audit to do; we will also suggest recommendations in the audit report.

Our trained engineers will undertake a physical examination of your facility and its operations after the preliminary review.

The site assessment should be actively participated in by the building staff (facility managers, operations and management staff, and essential contractors as needed). In the framework of the physical inspection of equipment and systems, the EPA team will identify adjustments that building personnel can adopt immediately. Building staff can also provide their views on building conditions. These encounters encourage building workers to participate in the energy audit process and take ownership of facility maintenance and energy efficiency.

Any past audits and recent or planned building improvements should be disclosed to the EPA team prior to the site evaluation. You may also need to confirm ahead of time that the EPA has permission or security access to perform particular duties, such as photographing the rooms or collecting data from control systems.

EPA’s team of data analysts will begin the energy and cost analysis after collecting the essential data for your building. The study takes into consideration baseline energy use, data acquired during the onsite evaluation, and the financial consequences of energy efficiency measure installations. To ensure that the study is fairly compared to other investment options and that cash flows match expectations, we will seek your collaboration for a strong understanding of your economic methodology and business criteria before beginning the research.

To prevent results that give too much or too little detail, we ensure that your project goals should drive the analysis methodology you use. For larger structures or buildings with complicated mechanical systems, typical analysis approaches include spreadsheet analysis based on engineering formulas that account for fluctuations in time of day and season and whole-building hourly energy consumption analysis. Level II and Level III audits use more complicated methodologies that allow for more precise assessments of possible energy savings.



Continue to read.


https://www.energy-projects.africa/reasons-to-consider-energy-audit-for-your-home/


E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solutions helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

The potential of wind energy is being seen. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reports that in 2020, a record 93 GW of new wind capacity was built globally. Over the next five years, 469 GW of additional wind generating capacity, according to GWEC, will be added globally. Despite this global expansion, Africa only contributes 1% of the world's installed wind capacity due to substantial obstacles, as Energy Project Africa (EPA) has discovered through investments in wind projects of new capacity in the African communities and businesses. These difficulties include the lack of knowledge of wind technology at the national level, macroeconomic and industry conditions that make it difficult to obtain financing for the development of wind initiatives, and connectivity logistics to connect wind power with transmission lines.

Africa's energy infrastructure is seriously lacking. About half of the population of the continent, 600 million people, does not have access to power. The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reaching universal access to energy by 2030 would be missed by the continent if considerably faster progress is not made. There are clear benefits to supplying Africa's electricity needs with renewable energy, such as wind energy. Along with the advantages for the environment, onshore and offshore wind are increasingly able to produce power at a cheaper cost than fossil fuels.

The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that about two-thirds of the new renewable energy capacity deployed in 2020 produced electricity at a lower cost than would have been possible from the least expensive fossil fuel option. Due to the enormous increase in costs, the cost benefits have since increased even more. It is obvious that realizing Africa's wind energy potential requires placing turbines where they will benefit local communities and not negatively affect the area's ecology. It's also the reason we are working to develop chances for benefit-sharing from wind projects. EPA is well endowed in wind energy to enable the Africa communities and businesses to share in the benefits of wind and solar projects. We look forward to expanding on more than a decade of worldwide investment in wind projects to address the continent's lack of wind energy and contribute significantly to its sustainable development. By combining a number of World Bank Group services into a single engagement with the goal of developing sustainable markets for scaling Wind, we intend to increase wind energy generation. As we engage in our energy activities to identify bankable, sustainable projects, Africa's wind potential presents a tremendous challenge for communities and private businesses in Africa.

Challenges

Ability to compete with conventional source of energy: Wind power must still compete with conventional generation sources on a cost basis.  Even though the cost of wind power has decreased dramatically in the past several decades, wind projects must be able to compete economically with the lowest-cost source of electricity, and some locations may not be windy enough to be cost competitive.

Wind Based Land Location: Good land-based wind sites are frequently found in rural areas, away from urban areas where the need for electricity exists. To get the electricity from the wind farm to the city, transmission lines need to be erected. However, the costs of boosting wind energy might be greatly decreased by constructing only a handful of the transmission lines that have already been proposed.

Potential of the Wind Energy to Supply the adequate energy: The development of wind resources may not be the most financially successful use of the property. Alternative uses for the land that might be more valuable than energy generation must compete with land that is appropriate for the installation of wind turbines. Aesthetic and noise pollution could be brought on by turbines. Although wind power plants have less of an environmental impact than conventional power plants, there are concerns about the noise they make and the visual effects they have on the surrounding area.

Local animals may be impacted by wind farms. Birds have perished after colliding with rotating turbine blades. Through the advancement of technology or by strategically placing wind turbines, the majority of these issues have been fixed or significantly decreased. Research is ongoing to find and enhance ways to lessen the impact of wind turbines on these species, including bats, who have also been killed by turbine blades. Like all energy sources, wind projects have the potential to change the environment on which they are built, which may change the habitat's suitability.

African communities and companies must rely on the EPA's expertise in wind energy services since the continent needs consistent and ideal wind energy to support development. Our experts at EPA provide high-quality wind energy services and have undergone comprehensive training in maintaining wind turbines. They are qualified to maintain wind systems and do any required repairs. The EPA conducts automatic and effective system assessments to make sure that wind power plants are evaluated in accordance with international standards thanks to years of field training. Our continual monitoring and inspections ensure timely action when your wind system isn't operating as it should. Our staff are in charge of all aspects of wind power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant functions smoothly and that our clients have access to power at all times.

For the private sector, Africa's wind potential presents both an opportunity and a challenge. EPA, in partnership with international partners, is constantly prepared to construct a bankable, long-term wind project to secure the viability of African enterprises and communities. We are eager to build on our more than ten-year commitment in global wind projects to assist Africa in addressing its lack of wind energy and support the long-term growth of the region. In order to develop sustainable markets for Scaling Wind Power in emerging countries, with an emphasis on Africa, we seek to scale up wind energy by combining a number of World Bank Group services into a single engagement.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar/wind farms. Supply by EPA provides solar/wind products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:

https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

Renewable energy is the energy obtained from non-finite or non-exhaustible natural resources on the planet, such as wind and sunlight (solar). Solar energy is produced by capturing sunlight's radiant energy and converting it to heat, electricity, or hot water. Solar cells are used in photovoltaic (PV) systems to convert direct sunlight into electricity. One of the advantages of solar energy is that it is virtually limitless. There is an infinite supply of solar energy with the capability to harvest it, which might make fossil fuels obsolete. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels also helps to enhance public health and the environment. Solar energy has the potential to eliminate energy expenditures in the long run while also lowering your energy bills in the short term. Many local, state and federal governments offer rebates or tax credits to encourage people to invest in solar energy.

Wind farms use turbines to catch the energy of the wind and convert it to electricity. Wind energy conversion systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Single-wind turbines are utilised to enhance pre-existing energy organisations, whereas commercial-grade wind-powered producing systems can power a variety of organisations. Utility-scale wind farms, which are purchased on a contract or wholesale basis, are another option. Wind energy is a clean energy source, meaning it does not contaminate the air in the same way that other sources of energy do. Wind energy does not emit carbon dioxide or any other toxic pollutants that can degrade the environment or harm human health, such as smog, acid rain, or other heat-trapping gases. Because wind turbines on farms need to be serviced and maintained to keep working, investing in wind energy technology can open up new possibilities for jobs and job training.

Solar and wind energy are examples of renewable energy that can be used as an alternative to traditional energy sources that rely on fossil fuels and are less detrimental to the environment. Planning for a renewable energy system for your home or company includes examining your current electricity usage, reviewing local rules and requirements, selecting whether you want to operate your system on or off the grid, and learning about the technology alternatives available for your location. Energy Project Africa (EPA) offers energy auditing services to ensure that you are not paying for energy that you are not using. Using the EPA's energy audit service will also help you to consume your energy in the most effective manner possible.

Perhaps you're thinking of investing in a renewable energy system to power your home or company. Although researching, purchasing, and maintaining a system requires time and money, many people value the independence they obtain and the assurance that their activities are helping the environment. Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing renewable energy, we deliver in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. You can use a renewable energy system to meet some or all of your electrical needs.

Planning for a renewable energy system for your home or business entails analysing your current electricity use and considering energy efficiency measures to reduce it (a process we call an energy audit), deciding whether you want to operate your system on or off the grid, and understanding the technology options available for your location. Work with us to incorporate renewable energy system into your whole-house or company design, a technique for developing an energy-efficient home, if you're designing a new home.
How to know which form of Renewable energy is best for you
To start, you'll need a fundamental understanding of how each technology works, as well as renewable energy resource availability, economics and pricing, system siting, system sizing, codes requirements, installation and maintenance issues. The EPA will show you how to use each of these technologies sEPArately, in combination, or in conjunction with a fossil fuel system. A hybrid system is created when these technologies are integrated or employed with a fossil fuel generator. Solar, wind, microhydropower, and hybrid electric systems are all viable possibilities (solar and wind).
• Solar electric systems -- For your house, business, or office, a solar electric or photovoltaic system can be a dependable and pollution-free source of electricity. Photovoltaic systems also provide a cost-effective power source in areas where sending electricity through traditional power lines is either too expensive or impractical. Purchasing effective solar system entails the process of locating, obtaining, and buying goods and services from a third party, usually through a tendering or competitive bidding system. Before building and activating the system, solar system developers sometimes issue tenders for individual mini-grid components.
• Wind electric systems – Wind energy is a clean and non-polluting resource that is both free and renewable. It can be erected on land that is simultaneously used for raising crops or grazing animals because it is environmentally friendly. There is no need for fuel to keep things running. Offshore wind, tiny wind electric systems, distributed wind, and utility-scale wind are all examples of wind power. Turbines positioned in bodies of water define the term "offshore." One of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems is small wind electric systems. Small residential turbines have rotors that are 8 to 25 feet in diameter and stand over 30 feet tall. Utility-scale wind refers to electricity generated in wind farms and transported to the power grid for distribution to end users by utility companies. The turbines employed have a power output of more than 100 kW. The horizontal-axis or vertical-axis design could be used in wind turbines. The former has a larger following than the latter. Blades, a tower, a drivetrain, controls, electrical cables, group support, and connectivity equipment make up these components.
• Microhydropower systems -- Microhydropower systems can produce up to 100 kilowatts of electricity, while a 10-kilowatt system can typically power a big home, small resort, or farm. Microhydropower is one of the most straightforward and reliable sources of renewable energy on your land. You might create a small hydropower system to generate electricity if you have water flowing through your land. Microhydropower systems may provide up to 100 kilowatts of power. Microhydropower systems include the majority of hydropower systems utilised by households and small company owners, including farmers and ranchers. A 50-kilowatt microhydropower system, on the other hand, may typically power a big house, a small resort, or a hobby farm. A turbine, pump, or waterwheel is required in a microhydropower system to convert the energy of flowing water into rotational energy, which is then transformed into electricity.
• Hybrid system -- Hybrid systems are more likely to produce power when you need it because the peak operating times for wind and solar systems are at various times of the day and year. In the process of researching renewable energy solutions for your house or small business, you'll need to figure out how much electricity you use.

Only certified and experienced professionals should be consulted when purchasing renewable energy materials. Before beginning installation, it is vital that the expert has confirmed legal rights to the renewable energy location. Before beginning work, they must also conduct quality checks on delivered equipment and locally created items (such as foundations, channels, and bricks), as well as provide safety training to all people, including local support staff. Specialized installation tools and local language instruction manuals must be given and used appropriately for equipment installation.
Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing renewable energy, we deliver in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. African communities and businesses must rely on the EPA's renewable energy expertise due to the need for regular and optimal renewable energy management. Our engineers, who have received extensive renewable energy maintenance training and are well trained to maintain renewable energy and implement corrective actions as needed, perform highly standard operation and maintenance at EPA. EPA performs automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that renewable energy plants are appraised in accordance with international standards, thanks to years of field training. When your renewable energy system isn't performing as intended, our constant monitoring and inspections ensure prompt action. In general, our renewable energy teams handle all areas of hybrid, wind and solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant runs well and that our clients receive uninterrupted power.

A detailed assessment of your electricity demands can assist you in determining the size (and thus cost) of the system you will require, how your energy needs fluctuate throughout the day and year, and what steps you may take to reduce your electricity consumption. The wattage and average daily use of electrical items plugged into your central power source, such as refrigerators, lights, televisions, and power tools, are recorded during a load study. Some loads, such as your refrigerator, consume electricity continuously, while others, such as power tools, consume electricity only occasionally. Selectable loads are electrical loads that use electricity on a regular basis. You may be able to install a smaller renewable energy system if you are willing to use your chosen loads only when you have excess power available. To determine your total electricity consumption:
• Multiply each appliance's wattage by the amount of hours it is used each day (be sure to take seasonal variations into account). Because some appliances do not display their watts, you may need to determine it by multiplying the amperes by the volts. Power consumption information is usually accessible on a sticker, metal plate, or cord attached to the item.
• For all chosen loads, record the time(s) of day the load executes.
Consider energy saving measures in your home or company before purchasing a renewable energy system. This will lower your electricity use and allow you to purchase a system that is both efficient and long-lasting.
For information about determining the overall energy efficiency of your home or small business, EPA provides 24/7 customer support via our network operations centre. We provide in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients as a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing the renewable energy.

As a consumer, you have various options for making a difference in the environment by choosing a greener energy solution. You have the option of installing solar panels in your home if you are a homeowner. Solar panels not only save you money on electricity, but they also help you improve your quality of life by providing a safer, more environmentally friendly energy source that doesn't rely on polluting fuels. Your power companies may also provide you with options for a greener lifestyle. The energy project Africa (EPA) allows consumers to choose renewable energy sources that assist you lessen your carbon footprint through energy offsets.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:
https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

One of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies is wind power. Globally, usage is increasing, partly due to lower costs. Onshore and offshore installed wind-generation capacity has increased over time, and wind electricity production has risen dramatically year after year. Wind speeds are significant in many places of the world, but the ideal spots for generating wind power are often remote. Offshore wind power has a lot of promise. The kinetic energy created by moving air is used to generate electricity in the wind. Wind turbines or wind energy conversion systems convert this into electrical energy. The blades of a turbine are initially impacted by the wind, which causes them to revolve and turn the turbine connected to them. By turning a shaft attached to a generator and so producing electrical energy through electromagnetic, kinetic energy is converted to rotational energy.

The size of the turbine and the length of its blades determine the quantity of power that can be harvested from wind. The output is proportional to the rotor's size and the wind speed's cube. Wind turbines have been around for over a century. Engineers began attempting to harness wind energy to make electricity after the advent of the electric generator in the 1830s. In 1887 and 1888, wind power was generated in the United Kingdom and the United States, but modern wind power is thought to have been invented in Denmark, where horizontal-axis wind turbines were erected in 1891 and a 22.8-meter wind turbine was put into service in 1897.
Africa faces the challenge of generating more power to meet current and future demand, with over half a billion people on the continent without access to electricity.








Lack of expertise with wind technology at the country level, macroeconomic and sector conditions that make it difficult to obtain financing to develop wind initiatives, and connectivity requirements to connect wind power to transmission lines are among the hurdles. We also understand that maximising Africa's wind potential necessitates placing turbines in strategic locations that benefit communities while minimising negative impacts on regional wildlife. This is why the Energy Project Africa (EPA) is hard at work guiding and providing wind energy services to African communities and companies. We want to work with local communities to find ways to share the benefits of wind energy projects. We have also been striving to make it easier for businesses and local communities to share the benefits of wind and solar projects. There is a chance for many African countries to do so in a clean and sustainable manner. Renewable energy resources abound in the continent, providing viable answers to the continent's current electricity challenges.
How Wind Can Be Utilized To Sustain African Development
Wind can be used to sustain African development by generating electricity, powering cargo ships, sporting, milling grain, pumping water, reducing carbon footprint, sailing, windsurfing and land surfing.
Generating electricity:- Africa faces the challenge of generating more power to meet current and future demand, with over half a billion people on the continent without access to electricity as stated earlier. The generation of electricity is one of the most common uses of wind energy which can lead over half a billion people on the continent of Africa from darkness to light. James Blyth, a Scottish scholar, created the world's first wind turbine in 1887 to power the lighting of his vacation home. A wind turbine captures the energy of the wind throughout this operation. When the wind starts to move the turbine's blades, a generator starts to run, producing power. Since the first electricity-generating turbine was invented, wind power has grown in popularity and efficiency. Today, we have the capability to construct massive wind farms. Depending on their scale, onshore and offshore wind farms can power millions of homes.








Powering Cargo Ships:- Transportation is another application of wind energy. Wind energy has been used for sailing by civilizations for thousands of years. Sailing is thought to have been in some form since 5000 BC, according to researchers. With our vast experience in wind energy utilization, we have seen both little and huge ships capable of sailing under the power of the wind in recent years. It may surprise you to learn that some modern shipping businesses are re-embracing wind energy. Large kites have been mounted on vessels such as fishing trawlers and even cargo ships. Under the correct circumstances, these can assist reduce fuel use on lengthy journeys by up to 30%. This is an apparent benefit for businesses that spend a lot of money on fuel and want to lessen their carbon footprint.








Sporting:- Sports and activities that rely on the power of the wind are a more fun use of wind energy. Windsurfing, which involves using a mast and a sail tied to a surfboard on which a person stands while manipulating the sail, is one of the sports that make use of the wind's energy. Another example is sailing, a more conventional wind energy usage that may be applied to sports where people or teams compete against one another. This is similar to sailing, but it is done on land using a small vehicle with wheels and a sail. A kite surfer is someone who stands on a surfboard while hanging on to a kite. They then ride the waves as well as the air, soaring to great heights in the process.








Milling grain:- Wind energy has long been employed in the food industry. Windmills were frequently employed for milling grain prior to the industrial revolution so that it could be used to make food such as bread. The arrival of electricity and motors in more recent periods has rendered such buildings obsolete. As a result, industries are now able to produce products like flour more effectively.









Pumping water:- You might not realise it, but wind energy can also be used to pump water using a wind pump. Wind pumps resemble classic windmills in appearance, but instead of milling grain, they can pump water. Historically, these structures were utilised for land drainage. Due to the arrival of electric motors, wind pumps, like windmills used in food production, have virtually all been replaced.















Because of the need for regular and optimal wind energy to sustain African development, African communities and businesses must rely on the EPA's wind energy services competence. At EPA, we do high-quality wind energy services with our engineers, who have received extensive wind turbine maintenance training and are well trained to maintain wind systems and make necessary repairs. Thanks to years of field training, the EPA undertakes automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that wind power facilities are assessed in compliance with international standards. Our continual monitoring and inspections ensure timely action when your wind system isn't operating as it should. Our staff are in charge of all aspects of wind power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant functions smoothly and that our clients have access to power at all times.
Africa's wind potential is both an opportunity and a problem for the private sector, however, EPA in collaboration with international partners are ever ready to develop bankable, long-term wind projects to ensure the sustainability of African businesses and communities. We are excited to expand on our more than a decade of worldwide wind project investment to help Africa address its wind power shortfall and contribute to the continent's long-term development. We want to scale up wind energy by combining a number of World Bank Group services into a single engagement aimed at establishing viable markets for Scaling Wind Power in emerging nations, with a focus on Africa.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions for mini-grid and solar/wind farms. Supply by EPA provides solar/wind products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:
https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

A mini-grid is a self-contained power system or an integrated local generating and distribution system with an installed capacity of less than 1MW that can serve multiple end customers while remaining independent of the national grid. A mini-grid can provide reliable and affordable electricity in remote areas where population density is insufficient to justify connecting the community to the national grid, and it represents a viable and cost-effective solution for electrifying African communities through a decentralized energy system.
With the correct governmental backing, solar mini-grids are poised to play a vital role in achieving universal electricity access. Africa must be resurrected. Mini-grids are a critical component in achieving universal, long-term power access in Africa. Mini-Grids (MGs) address the needs of communities that are too far away from the grid to be economically linked in the near to medium term, yet densely inhabited enough to benefit from power supply economies of scale compared to individual home systems. Mini-grids are the most cost-effective alternative, with the potential to supply up to 290 million people in Africa by 2030. In order to achieve universal power access in Africa, 150,000 small grids would be required, and an estimated 111 million households will be connected to mini-grids by 2030 in Sub-Saharan African countries.

Grid extensions and solar home systems may provide electricity to 102 million and 25 million households, respectively. These figures are based on a least-cost methodology, which selects technologies that give electricity access at the lowest possible cost to end-users. Decentralized energy solutions such as mini-grids and off-grid solar home systems can be used to supply electricity to consumers faster and at a lower cost in rural areas and remote islands where grid extension is prohibitive. In short, mini-grids have great potential for helping the black continents achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) by 2030 in a cost-effective manner. However, the mini-grid market is yet to achieve a tipping point at which it can expand without subsidized support. This is not unconnected to the following key challenges that the mini-grid sector must overcome to achieve greater scale.

Need for regulations to protect mini-grid asset cash flows
Few governments in nations where rural electrification is desperately needed have legislation that explicitly safeguards mini-grid owners. Many nations, for example, lack legislation to protect isolated mini-grids when the main grid comes. Without such rules, the state may expropriate mini-grid assets for little or no money, leaving them stranded. In an ideal policy and regulatory environment, mini-grid owners would be assured that, in the event of grid arrival, they would have a variety of options, including compensation and functioning alongside the main grid (e.g., Nigeria).
Solving customers’ ability to pay
Second, rural mini-grid operators offer electricity to clients who are often low-income and have limited financial resources. Because many of these customers rely on agriculture for a living, power demand from them might be restricted and unpredictable. Weather factors, seasonality, and agricultural yields all have an impact on these customers' capacity to pay their bills. Revenue collection is jeopardized by such unpredictable income streams. When the power demand profile matches the PV generation curve, solar hybrid mini-grids operate better economically. Mini-grid developers are increasingly looking for sites with 'productive-use' customers (i.e. commercial and industrial), and they're coming up with new financial models to encourage them to use more electricity.
Overcoming small project sizes
Rural mini-grids typically range in size from 10 to 100 kW. Larger transactions allow private financiers to amortize transaction-related costs over larger amounts of capital (and, in many cases, earn larger fees). As a result, many people are reluctant to put in the time and effort required to complete due diligence and give funding for projects that may only require USD 1 million or less. In Tanzania, a transaction was completed in 2019 to finance a portfolio of mini-grids with a combined capacity of 1MW. A portfolio approach would make financing more appealing to commercial project finance investors while also distributing risks.
Financing and Profitability
Finally, because constructing a small grid is costly, payback periods are likely to be lengthy in African situations where people and companies have little financial resources. Commercial finance of every small grid venture is related to the difficulty of profitability. Banks are rarely interested in projects with low-profit margins and long payback times.


In order to expand significantly with private money, the mini-grid sector must address all of these challenges. Governments, financial institutions, and developers are among the key stakeholder groups with the potential to address those challenges in a concerted manner, which includes creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment for private investment, measuring demand and designing an appropriate technical response, the limited business acumen of potential mini-grid developers, theft, and risk mitigation including local currency depreciation, developing productive use clients and ensuring reliable revenue. "Mini-grids bridge the gap between expensive grid extension projects and low-power options like solar household systems," according to the researchers. Importantly, the market is transitioning from government-funded projects to viable commercial models.
Mini-grids could provide a cost-effective alternative for providing energy to around 7 million households in Nigeria, according to the organization. With a functional mini-grid regulatory environment and relatively high rural power demand, the country is reasonably progressing in its mini-grid development. According to the World Bank, mini-grids have a cumulative investment potential of over $10 billion by 2030, but to grow nationwide, initiatives to release loan funding, particularly in local currency, are required.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, too, has potential, according to the workshop attendees. There is a huge unconnected population in the country that might be supplied by mini-grids, resulting in a possible investment of $12.5 billion that could reach around 8 million households. However, the panelists agreed that a lack of safety, government capability, and financial tools must be addressed in order to encourage further private sector participation.

The Mini-Grid Sustainability Program's goal is to help investors scale up their investments in commercially viable MG projects by implementing a variety of interventions to strengthen the enabling environment. The Energy Project Africa (EPA) aims to eliminate or minimize regional market obstacles and build the ecosystem for the creation of a viable MGs industry in Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing significantly to the goals of universal access to modern energy by 2030. With information on rules and regulations, we undertake country-specific mini-grid market opportunity analyses. We're also putting together a pan-African mini-grid database containing MG market data.
EPA provides advisory/Help Desk services to developers. An MGs toolkit procurement with a complete range of knowledge products and tutorials for the MGs developers – is available through the EPA help desk. We have expanded to include country-specific pages, links to partner websites, and technical assistance to public sector policymakers. The MGS MDP is developing a best-practice guide for stimulating the productive use of MGs. In Nigeria, the mini-grid sector is rapidly growing, and a number of businesses are exhibiting interest since it offers fairly favorable returns on investment. Any investor, however, should always arm themselves with appropriate competent guidance from a variety of professionals. This is why we have stepped in to help communities and businesses build up a microgrid for reliable electricity. Obtaining professional guidance from the EPA on the feasibility assessment is therefore critical in this situation because mini-grid operations are now governed by a regulatory framework.
When constructing the distribution system, the EPA takes into account the end-user system, including meters. The key variables in choosing metering technologies are tariff collection and the business aspects of the mini-grid project. The payment system is chosen by the EPA during one of several stages of the design process. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) normally designs metering and payment systems before the technical systems. The EPA ensures that the end-user system can accommodate loads and tariffs while also taking into account the cultural context and user preferences in the area. With large-scale solar power projects likely to be delayed by high-level red tape, enlisting the help of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish mini-grids for businesses and local communities is a realistic solution.
E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution, helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

An energy audit is a study of a company's energy costs and efficiency. Understanding an organization's energy consumption begins with an energy audit. It entails a thorough investigation and analysis of site-specific energy use, which includes an examination of equipment, processes, and user behaviour patterns. This allows a business to find places where it can save money and lower its carbon footprint by ensuring efficiencies. An energy audit determines ways for a firm to reduce energy waste and increase energy efficiency. Reduced energy use can help a company's carbon footprint, providing it with a more ecologically responsible image in the industry and community.

An energy audit can reveal areas where you can save money, but putting your findings into action requires more than just technical projects. An energy audit conducted by a skilled professional is a useful tool for determining how your company uses electricity and identifying areas where energy waste and efficiency can be reduced. An energy audit should mostly serve to confirm your assumptions about where your company can save energy. "Ideally, an audit should answer questions about how a business’ energy need can be satisfied. "That need could simply be to cut expenses, but it could also be to boost sales, and improve product quality and reliability. It is critical to completely understand how an energy audit can help you uncover solutions to achieving deeper goals. In a retail setting, for example, higher-quality and more efficient lighting has a direct correlation with sales.

The most efficient method is to examine all energy-consuming offices and equipment; this is the only way to completely understand an organization's consumption patterns, how they may be linked and identify the major energy users. Energy Africa Project (EPA) is well endowed with trained and skilled engineers who are versatile in an energy audit that can transform your business. We will highlight how the various sites and buildings should be prioritized to generate the maximum savings for businesses with many units that consume energy within the business premises. It is a relatively straightforward process with EPA because we are familiar with energy management and where businesses utilize energy, as it only requires walking around your site and finding areas of concern/interest. Knowing what an energy audit does, you can now look into whether your business could benefit from carrying out one. The major benefit is, of course, on the bottom line; you could be wasting money on energy that isn't needed to finish your product/service, resulting in a higher profit margin. You may never understand how much money you could save if you don't check into what you're utilizing. If your company is focused on environmental issues and sustainability, it will profit from demonstrating how you can reduce your carbon footprint, providing good relation that could put you ahead of the competition. With the way things are moving in the world of sustainability, if you don't look into it, someone else will.

Why audit energy?

A business may undergo an energy audit for a variety of reasons. For example, they may have limited awareness of their energy savings prospects and financial attractiveness until an audit is provided to them. Some organizations may be motivated by cost savings, while others may be concerned with regulatory compliance. A company's corporate social responsibility and environmental plan are two more reasons to undertake an audit.

Suppliers, consumers, and investors have recently begun to anticipate, particularly in the procurement of goods and services, that a company can demonstrate and prove that it has made steps to minimize its energy use and carbon footprint. The audit may be the initial step toward implementing a certified Energy Management System (ISO 50001) to embed energy awareness and document energy-related procedures in a management system for major energy users. Business operations will be more competitive as energy efficiency improves.

Another advantage to mention is that it aids with energy strategies and ensures that your company is on track to fulfil impending and present laws. As the government works to meet its environmental goals, more limitations on commercial energy consumption and reporting have been implemented. An energy audit might assist you in focusing on areas where you can improve compliance.

Levels of Energy Audits

Level I: This is the level where we conduct preliminary audits or site assessments to identify no-cost and low-cost energy-saving solutions as well as a broad perspective of future capital enhancements. An evaluation of your energy costs and a brief site survey of your business premises are among the activities.

Level II: This s the level where EPA conducts an engineering analysis and energy survey Audits to uncover no-cost and low-cost opportunities, as well as suggestions tailored to your budget and prospective capital-intensive energy savings prospects. An in-depth investigation of energy expenses, energy usage, and physical attributes, as well as a more refined assessment of how energy is used in your property, are included in Level II audits.

Level III: At this stage, we offer sound advice and financial analysis for substantial capital projects that detailed analysis of capital-intensive modification Audits (sometimes known as "investment grade" audits) Level III audits include a process where the EPA engages in monitoring, data collecting, and engineering analysis in addition to Level I and Level II tasks. We will work with you to establish the level of audit you require based on your project goals and available budget. A Level I audit could give conclusions that make the expense of the audit justifiable for smaller facilities without a substantial capital development plan or budget. Due to the intricacies of a larger site that has never been inspected, a Level II or Level III audit would be more appropriate due to the complexities of systems and potential savings opportunities. Level II and Level III audits are more expensive, but they're a smart choice if you've set energy efficiency targets but haven't implemented them yet, or if you're planning a large renovation or equipment replacement. These audits should include a preliminary feasibility assessment (typically provided free of charge by potential energy auditors) to scope out the energy-saving opportunities and ensure that the cost of the audit is justified by the savings.

The Energy Audit Process

Each step of the energy audit is led by the EPA, but the facility owner, key operations and maintenance employees, and controls contractor (if applicable) all play important roles and should be actively involved throughout the process. You may also need to contact legal, financial, or branding experts, depending on your facility or company line. If shared energy costs or building comfort issues are a potential concern in multi-tenant buildings, it may make sense to incorporate prominent tenants or inhabitants in the process. Choosing an internal project manager to lead the project will help it succeed. The energy audit method is largely the same regardless of the audit level you choose or the number of facilities you want to audit. The first step is to select an energy auditor and develop a contract. From there, phases of the energy audit include:

Project phase Project milestone(s) Project activities
Preliminary review of
energy use • Facility benchmarked against
similar buildings
• Base energy load identified  • Collect and analyze utility
data
• Calculate Energy Utilization Index (EUI) and compare
to similar facilities
• Assess energy efficiency
improvement potential
Site assessment • Site data collected
• Immediate energy savings
opportunities identified
• Exit meeting held to discuss
preliminary findings • Interview building staff
• Visually inspect building and
key systems
• Collect data 
Energy and cost
analysis • EEMs prioritized according to
project and financial goals
• Savings estimates generated • Evaluate utility and site data
• Analyze energy and cost
savings
• Develop list of recommended measures
Completion of audit
report • Exit meeting held to walk
through final report
• Action plan developed for
next steps • Summarize findings
• Present recommendations




A preliminary review of utility data

At EPA, we begin by studying your utility data, building or system diagrams, equipment inventories, and other facility information to do a preliminary energy consumption evaluation. To account for seasonal variations and patterns of energy usage, we will gather and examine at least two years of utility data throughout the energy use study. Monthly utility bill data is the most typical; however, utilities are increasingly making hourly or more frequent interval meter data available. This analysis should encompass all forms of energy (electricity, gas, oil, and water).

EPA will use this information to compute the Energy Utilization Index (EUI) value (annual energy use/square footage) and energy end uses for your facility (energy used by each office system under your business premises). The EUI and base energy load allow us to compare this data to energy consumption in similar buildings and systems, illustrating the magnitude of possible energy savings and providing an early estimate of prospective savings.

Our team of experts will also looks for changes in energy consumption over time and possible explanations. We then generate a preliminary report, which will include a summary of data, graphs, and other visualizations for easy interpretation. The results of this study can help choose the level of audit to do; we will also suggest recommendations in the audit report.

The Site Assessment

EPA trained engineers will undertake a physical examination of your facility and its operations after the preliminary review. Our team of well-experienced engineers will visit with key operations and maintenance personnel during the site inspection to discover how your building runs and to discuss any current concerns or issues with the facility. We will also conduct a visual inspection and inventory of the building’s key elements, which include:

Construction details of the building envelope (e.g. walls, roof, windows, doors and related insulation values)
An inventory of the heating and cooling systems (HVAC) capacities and rated efficiency
Manual, time clock or automated HVAC control methods
Interior and exterior lighting systems and related controls
Service hot water systems

Level I, Level II and Level III site assessments each include some degree of an investigation into operations and maintenance procedures, schedules, and typical building occupancy. The duration of the onsite assessment varies depending on the level of audit you choose, and time commitments required from you and/or your staff may increase as you move from Level I audits (which could take as little as four to eight hours) to Level II and Level III audits (Level III audits, in particular, may require us to conduct multiple site visits and meter equipment to capture usage data).

The site assessment should be actively participated in by the building staff (facility managers, operations and management staff, and essential contractors as needed). In the framework of the physical inspection of equipment and systems, EPA team will identify adjustments that building personnel can adopt immediately. Building staff can also provide their views on building conditions. These encounters encourage building workers to participate in the energy audit process and take ownership of facility maintenance and energy efficiency.

Any past audits and recent or planned building improvements should be disclosed to the EPA team prior to the site evaluation. You may also need to confirm ahead of time that the EPA has permission or security access to perform particular duties, such as photographing facility equipment, entering machine rooms, or collecting data from control systems.

You will be require to plan an exit meeting with us and some other key building personnel after the site assessment to review preliminary results, recommendations, and the viability of EEM implementation. This will help focus the process's next stage, data analysis.

Data Analysis

EPA team of data analysts will begin the energy and cost analysis after collecting the essential data for your building. The study takes into consideration baseline energy use, data acquired during the onsite evaluation, and the financial consequences of energy efficiency measure installations. To ensure that the study is fairly compared to other investment options and that cash flows match expectations, we will seek your collaboration for a strong understanding of your economic methodology and business criteria before beginning the research.

To prevent results that give too much or too little detail, we ensure that your project goals should drive the analysis methodology you use. For larger structures or buildings with complicated mechanical systems, typical analysis approaches include spreadsheet analysis based on engineering formulas that account for fluctuations in time of day and season, and whole-building hourly energy consumption analysis. Level II and Level III audits use more complicated methodologies that allow for more precise assessments of possible energy savings.

Could your Business be transformed through Energy Audit?

The opportunity to conserve energy and have a fair payback period on any expenses is a no-brainer for practically any business organization. The essential question can be figuring out how to do so, which is where an energy audit can help. Before you can decide if an energy audit is beneficial to your company, you must first grasp what it is. In its most basic form, an energy audit determines where a firm consumes energy, shows areas of waste, identifies poor/incorrect energy management practices, and offers ways to reduce usage and expenses as state earlier.

Furthermore, energy audits do not have to be difficult, costly, or time-consuming. Instead, by just strolling around the facility, our team of experts conduct an effective energy audit of your company's energy usage. With some ideas on how to complete your own energy assessment, Energy Project Africa (EPA) can help you get your energy usage under control. An energy audit can transform your business through the following tips:


Become More Eco-Friendly with Renewable Energy

As businesses increasingly look for ways to become sustainable and energy-efficient, one option is to switch to renewable energy. By harvesting energy from the sun, having solar panels installed may offer you the opportunity to reduce your business’s energy usage while helping to keep the planet healthy.


https://www.energy-projects.africa/how-energy-audit-can-transform-your-business/

Power supply is the golden thread that connects three facets of sustainability: economic prosperity, social progress, and living within environmental constraints. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of people without access to modern energy, with rural people in general and low-income people, in particular, suffering the most. In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, just 36% of rural residents have access to electricity, compared to 85% in developing Asia. Technology has advanced at a considerably faster rate in recent years than it did a few years ago. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have modified energy equipment, and in some cases, completely changed the machines and technology that drive them, as a result of this trend. OEMs are mostly based in wealthy countries with the financial resources to do so. OEMs are largely domiciled in developed countries which have the capacity to deal with issues of rapid changes in technology. In addition, the maintenance and at times, the required regular calibration become more problematic compared.

In today's situation, industrial and commercial organizations are turning to solar arrays and industrial PV systems to avoid power outages caused by grid supply concerns. Solar power panels are quickly becoming the norm rather than an option in the paper, steel, chemical, textile, cement, dairy, and ceramic industries. The presence of open access grids in most states across the country has aided this. For maximum performance and security, most solar equipment procurement necessitates periodic inspections. The frequency and extent of solar array monitoring and solar panel purchasing are determined by the type of commercial solar installation, system setup, and location.

Purchasing an effective solar system entails the process of locating, obtaining, and buying goods and services from a third party, usually through a tendering or competitive bidding system. Before building and activating the system, solar system developers sometimes issue tenders for individual mini-grid components. They could alternatively submit a bid for a turnkey solution, in which the contractor provides a fully operational project. In most cases, the latter is more expensive. Government-funded and international donor-funded projects must generally adhere to transparent procurement requirements, such as the EU's PRAG rules. Understanding the components of a solar power system is the first step to finding the right system for you. The components of a grid-tied home solar power system include Solar Panels, batteries, Solar inverters, a net meter, and Charge Controller.

Purchasing solar system materials should only be carried out under the guidance of qualified and experienced experts. It is critical that the expert has established legal rights to the solar system site before beginning installation. It's also critical that they do quality checks on delivered equipment and locally made products (such as foundations, channels, and bricks) before starting work, and that all personnel, including local support staff, receive safety training. For equipment installation, specialized installation tools and local language instruction manuals must be provided and used appropriately. For reporting purposes, installation protocols and photographs should be taken. All packaging and other waste materials must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner and must meet the environmental impact assessment's requirements.

EPA provides 24/7 customer support via our network operations center. We provide in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients as a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing solar rooftop upkeep. The necessity for regular and optimal solar system management has made it necessary for African communities and enterprises to rely on the EPA's solar energy O&M expertise. We undertake highly standard O&M at EPA with our engineers, who have received thorough solar maintenance training and are well qualified to maintain solar systems and perform corrective measures as needed. EPA performs automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that solar power plants are appraised in accordance with international standards, thanks to years of field training. When your solar isn't performing as intended, our constant monitoring and inspections ensure prompt action. In general, our O&M teams handle all areas of solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant runs well and that our clients receive uninterrupted power.

Solar Panels - what to look for when buying Solar PV Panels

Solar or photovoltaic (PV) panels collect energy from the sun through their cells. The energy is collected and converted into Direct Current (DC) electricity by circuits within the cells. Poly-crystalline or mono-crystalline solar panels are the most prevalent types of panels available today. The key difference is the type of silicon solar cell used; mono-crystalline solar panels utilize solar cells formed from a single silicon crystal, whereas poly-crystalline solar panels use solar cells made from several silicon pieces melted together. Mono-crystalline panels are more expensive than poly-crystalline panels but offer higher efficiency and sleeker looks. The blueish color of poly-crystalline panels distinguishes them. Your decision is based on your personal tastes, space limits, and budget.

All solar panels are given a power rating that indicates how much energy they produce under regular test settings and can be used to compare panels. The majority of solar panels on the market have peak output ratings of 150 to 420 watts (Wp). A higher power rating indicates that the panels are more efficient in generating electricity. These are ideal-condition outputs, and you'll probably discover that the panels don't achieve these ratings under regular circumstances. Installing a solar energy system with as much power output as you can afford is a good rule of thumb (or that your roof can accommodate).

The efficiency of a solar panel refers to how well it converts solar energy into electricity. The most efficient commercially accessible solar panels now have a solar panel efficiency of less than 23%. If you have limited roof space and high energy expenditures, efficiency is very vital.

The ISO 9000 series of quality assurance standards for the manufacturing industry was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Manufacturers of solar panels can be certified ISO 9000 compliant to show that they satisfy the standards. Solar panel durability measures assess how well panels will stand up in real-world situations over time. The International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) 61215 dependability standard analyzes solar panels by undertaking stress tests that simulate decades of outside wear and tear. These tests are used to discover potential solar panel premature failure issues, and panels that pass them are more likely to last in the field.

Warranties from manufacturers are a valuable addition because they detail both technical standards and commercial operations. A strong warranty ensures that your service and support needs are covered in the unusual event that an issue arises after installation. Output warranties can last up to 25 years, implying that the panel will continue to produce at least 80% after that time. Material guarantees can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years, ensuring that the materials will not fail during that time.



Batteries and energy storage- What to look For When Purchasing Solar System

Energy storage systems (batteries) have become an important component of sustainable renewable energy systems. The ability of renewable technologies, such as solar, to store energy during periods of low demand and release energy during periods of high demand, allows technology to be successfully integrated into energy infrastructure. To address this demand, battery technology has progressed to include big and small-scale battery solutions that may provide storage capacity for technologies ranging in size from multi-megawatt production assets to small-scale solar solutions. Batteries are important for completing the energy transition and expanding global access to sustainable energy, particularly for off-grid residents in African communities and business units. Until recently, practically all energy-access programs used lead-acid batteries because they are widely available, reliable, and inexpensive. In recent years, the advancement of Lithium battery technology, combined with lowering prices, has resulted in numerous projects considering the usage of Li-based battery technologies. Different types of batteries include Lead-acid and lithium batteries.

Lead-Acid Battery

 Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are used in a variety of applications, including automotive and stationary power storage. It's worth noting that starting batteries for automotive applications are designed to give short bursts of power rather than continuous power. As a result, automotive LABs are unsuitable for solar power applications. Battery lifetimes are sometimes as low as 1 or 2 years when such batteries are used for SHS (despite their limits). Despite this drawback, automobile LABs are frequently utilized in SHS purchased and installed by private users who are not affiliated with energy-access schemes. This is primarily due to widespread availability and lower purchase prices. Deep-cycle LABs are available for solar power applications and are extensively used in related projects. The cost of such batteries is typically roughly 20% more than that of automotive LABs due to the presence of more active material (lead). The typical battery life span is between 2 and 5 years.

Lithium Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are a great alternative to lead-acid batteries since they are more ecologically friendly and can store up to six times as much energy. Lithium batteries are also safer to use than lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion Batteries were created as a result of the discovery of lithium cobalt oxide. Intercalation of lithium ions between layers of graphene occurs when a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and a graphite anode are used together (in most situations). This occurs in the intervals between single hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, which are enclosed sites. When charging a lithium-ion battery, lithium ions pass from the positive electrode, or cathode, to the negative electrode, or graphite anode, via a solid/liquid electrolyte.

Overcharging, high temperatures, and physical stress on battery cells can produce thermal runaway, which can result in the battery being destroyed, a fire, or even an explosion. The deep discharge might potentially result in battery fires.

Despite the distinctions between lead-acid and lithium batteries, none are clearly preferable in terms of end-of-life management, as both battery types have characteristics that may cause negative environmental impacts and/or health and safety issues during use, recycling, and disposal.

The Energy Project Africa (EPA) is often involved directly in procuring components and delivering either lead-acid or lithium batteries for African communities and businesses' uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of battery manufacturers for Africa use. The procurement is actualized with work by European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka. Many African communities and businesses are hampered by insecure and unsustainable grid supplies, as well as excessive electricity prices. We are proud to be a Nigerian firm, and we aspire to construct a future in which the local energy storage sector becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive; we also hope to develop products that help both the communities and businesses in Africa.

Solar Inverter,

Inverters are the mechanisms that convert the direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels into the alternating current (AC) that homes require. There are three types of inverters: The least expensive inverters are string or centralized inverters, however they can be inefficient. This is because there is a risk of production loss if the roof is shaded. Micro inverters are more expensive, but they are linked to each solar panel, allowing for smooth functioning even when some panels are shaded. Installed in each panel, power optimizers optimize the DC output of each PV module before sending it to a string inverter for conversion to AC power. They cost less than micro inverters but significantly more than string inverters. You should estimate your power requirements before purchasing an inverter. You can’t power and run your entire home with an ordinary inverter. On the off chance if your energy prerequisite is more than 4000 VA, at that point an inverter alone can’t cater to your requests viably. Most likely a powerful inverter can run your fridge and AC, however to what extent? Here your battery won’t last over a couple of hours. Henceforth it’s ideal to go for high capacity solar panels.

Types of solar inverter

Different types of inverters are available on the market. Sine wave inverters, square wave inverters, and stepped sine wave inverters are among them. The sort of inverter that generates a sine wave for which an appliance is intended is known as a sine wave inverter. Most appliances can be safely operated on this current output. On the other hand, a square wave inverter is also known as a digital inverter. It produces square wave AC output, which is insufficient to power all types of home appliances, which are designed to work on a sine wave AC pattern alone. Some of the devices will also emit a humming sound. The devices can bear this but still, this square wave is not recommended to run your home appliances, based on reasons best known by EPA. The stepped sine wave inverter falls in between the above two types. This type of inverter is apparently a low-cost power solution for running computers and other types of electronic gadgets. Getting the right product becomes quite a bit of an exercise as there are loads of options for Solar inverters available in the market. Some people can even mislead you with aggressive marketing. So, before getting into buying, you need an expert to make the right choice for you. EPA has the purchasing skills interns of quality and efficiency of inverters that can suit your requirement. With our knowledge of how various inverters converts and supply power to appliances, be rest assured that you get nothing but the best.

Net meter

A net meter is a key component of solar systems that are connected to the grid if your utility offers net metering. Any solar electricity you produce that you don't consume (or store in your battery) is sent to the grid if your utility provider supports net metering and you have grid-connected solar, with or without a battery. To keep track of how much electricity your solar panels create and how much electricity you use from the utility, the EPA recommends and assists you in purchasing a quality net meter. The EPA will also educate you on why a net meter is required for the small grid but not for off-grid. The EPA has kept this information hidden so that our solar competitors do not take advantage of it. EPA as a solar system expert gives you the best quality net meter that will keep tracking your energy usage even if your energy is used wastefully without you knowing.


Solar performance monitoring

A solar monitoring system works through the solar system’s inverter. In most cases, manufacturers include unique monitoring software with their inverters. Solar monitoring devices that provide a more in-depth study of your system's health and performance are important but not adequate. The EPA suggests a monitoring system to evaluate the operation of your PV system, which will show you how much electricity is generated per hour, per day, or per year. The device can also detect potential changes in performance. Solar monitoring systems were created to help communities and businesses maximize the performance of their solar systems and, in turn, save money. Depending on yur requirement, EPA will provide you solar monitoring that can give you historical and real-time data on everything from how much electricity your panels are producing and how much you’re using from the grid, to the temperature of your panels, and how much impact shade has on their output. It can also alert you to problems with your system that you’d otherwise miss until you receive an unexpectedly high power bill.

 Charge Controller

A solar charge controller manages the power going into the battery bank from the solar array.  It prevents the deep cycle batteries from being overcharged during the day and prevents power from flowing backwards to the solar panels overnight, draining the batteries. Although some charge controllers include extra features such as lighting and load management, their primary function is to manage electricity. PWM and MPPT are two alternative technologies for solar charge controllers. They are significantly different in how they operate in a system. Although an MPPT charge controller is more expensive than a PWM charge controller, the extra cost is often justified. Charge controllers are exclusively used in solar power systems with batteries. A charge controller is not required for grid-tied systems without batteries. Between the solar panels and the battery, charge controllers are built to prevent the batteries from being overcharged and to ensure that the battery is charged at the correct voltage level. Batteries can catch fire if they are overcharged, thus a charge controller is necessary to keep your battery system safe and long-lasting.

Perhaps, little you may know that your solar equipment needs maintenance for efficient energy production and for you to derive maximum satisfaction for what you have spent your hard-earned currency to acquire. You deserve to enjoy your solar system to give you optimal satisfaction. EPA ensures that you derive maximum utility from each penny you spent on your solar system. This is the reason why you need to perform an energy audit of your solar system. Oh! You do not know what is meant by energy audit? Do not worry, you have EPA by your side and we are 24/7 available to attend to your need. An energy audit is a survey and analysis of energy flows in a building with the purpose of energy conservation. It could involve a technique or system that reduces the amount of energy input while maintaining the system's output. It is a way of using your solar system efficiently so that you do not waste the energy you paid for unnecessarily. At EPA we are excellently good at what we do, this is why we do not just obtain energy equipment from roadside seller or African situated markets. We are affiliated to the European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka that gives many years of warranty on solar equipment we procure. For this reason, our clients are rest assured that their energy OPM is of quality and high standard.


Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:

https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

Despite the fact that the British colonial administration in Ijora Lagos generated electricity in 1896, Nigeria has had chronic power outages since the 1960s. The inconsistent supply had extended across the country, making it unpredictable and inconvenient. The Electric Power Implementation Committee was established by the federal government in 2000 to provide advice on electric power reform; the committee's efforts resulted in the National Electric Power Implementation Policy. The NEPIP lays out the overall framework for Nigeria's strategy on long-term power distribution, with a focus on efficient distribution and use.

The National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) was introduced as a result of government and stakeholder engagement to promote the growth of renewable energy in Nigeria. The four-year Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) in Nigeria was completed in 2018 by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in conjunction with Power Africa. On a more progressive note, this project has delivered renewable energy to 261,938 Nigerian individuals via 16,600 connections in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Solar energy is a renewable resource that can be used in an environmentally beneficial manner. As a result, when the availability and environmental costs of other kinds of energy are evaluated, the competitiveness of solar energy in relation to these other forms becomes extremely clear, especially for low to moderate-cost applications. As a result, when the availability and environmental costs of other types of energy are evaluated, the competitiveness of solar energy in relation to these other forms of energy becomes quite clear, especially for low to medium power applications.

Benefit/Opportunities in the Government Policies for Renewable Energy

The Nigerian government initiated the Solar Power Naija Project in 2020 as part of its recovery from the covid-19 pandemic. The project aims to roll out 5 million solar-based connections to off-grid regions. The initiative is estimated to produce around 250,000 employment and will target 25 million residences. The project's cost is anticipated to be around US$620 million. What comes to mind is that this is a significant investment. Yes! It is, in fact. The Energy Project Africa (EPA), a thriving renewable energy company specialising in solar and microgrid, procurement and energy sourcing, energy audits and consultancy, thermal and acoustic projects for businesses and communities, has identified this opportunity and is ready to assist potential investors in profiting from it. Although our existing clients have been reaping this advantage from related projects which we have helped to identify.

Nigeria is located inside a high sunlight belt, and solar radiation is very evenly distributed throughout the country. Total solar radiation varies from around 12.6 MJ/m2 -day in coastal latitudes to about 25.2 MJ/m2 -day in the far north. EPA recognises that the intensity of solar radiation incidents on the earth's surface varies with location, season, day of the month, time of day, instantaneous cloud cover, and other environmental factors; however, we assure our existing and prospective clients that the incorporation of efficient storage devices in solar energy conversion systems will account for this intermittent nature of solar radiation availability. This is easy because we are involved directly in procuring solar components and delivering solar equipment from Pylontech, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka, solar equipment manufacturers that are European and American companies.

Solar radiation conversion technologies are either solar-thermal (solar heating, cooling, drying, and thermal power plants) or photovoltaic (solar energy conversion) (direct conversion to electricity). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a feasibility study on the use of solar thermal technologies in enterprises and African communities. Crop drying, residential heating, heating of process water for companies, hospitals, air conditioning, power generation, and other applications are all possible. We've also looked at photovoltaic (PV) power in low-to-medium-power applications and in distant places, including communication stations, rural radio, water pumping, freezers, and other applications that require 1-10 kW of power. A feasibility study was also conducted on solar power provision to remote settlements that were not linked to the national grid.



In an effort to mitigate the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic, the Central Bank of Nigeria has established a solar intervention fund, which provides low-interest loans (5% APR) to developers of renewable energy projects with credit facilities of up to 500 million naira. The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power also asked qualified bidders to tender for the installation of different off-grid solar systems and other energy infrastructure projects throughout the country in 2020. All of these are possibilities that have frequently surfaced in the renewable energy sector. The EPA has experts that are skilled in conducting solar farm surveys, off-grid and mini-grid solar system installations. Energy Project Africa will perform a study to gather the seasonal data required to actualize your off-grid dream. We engaged our team in data collection, analysis and interpretation on existing and prospective off-grid demand. This is necessary because if demand falls short of expectations, the mini-revenue grids may not be enough to cover the project's fixed costs, let alone pay for maintenance or replacement equipment. Based on our considerable energy audit experience and understanding, EPA can estimate current loads.

EPA encourages the use of renewable energy and is working on a plan to put it in place. We conceive Nigeria's renewable energy ambitions and attempt to address the critical aspects that will enable them to be realised. Nigeria's minimum electricity consumption is expected to exceed 315MW by 2030, according to the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP). The goal is for renewable energy to account for more than 20% of the total energy supply. In line with this, we anticipate future loads based on demographic and economic expansion using current data and we maintained a positive and friendly relationship with the document's regulatory bodies. This is another reason why you should allow us the opportunity to guide you through the process.

Renewable Energy Policy Guidelines (REPG), outline policy objectives for the production and use of renewable energy. The main difference between REPG and REMP is that REPG places a greater emphasis on renewable energy generation and delivery. The EPA fulfils its responsibility in accordance with the REPG policy by developing a strategy for a cost-effective Renewable Electricity Administration. We are pleased to be a Nigerian solar company, and we intend to build a future in which the local energy storage sector becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive, as well as develop solutions that benefit both African communities and businesses.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plans (NEEAP) (2015–2030) were approved by the National Council on Power after being endorsed by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ICREEE). We offer a strategic assessment of the situation in Nigeria, as well as plans for achieving the renewable energy targets. Effective energy, emission reduction, efficient lighting, monitoring, distribution, enforcement, and verification of standards of materials, residences, buildings, and businesses are all given special attention.

The Energy for All - Rural Electrification Program is a programme that aims to electrify all of the country's rural areas. This programme outlines the federal government's plan to use renewable energy to power 304 healthcare facilities and schools around the country (primarily solar). This programme was launched in August 2020 and will be carried out. Because the project will be carried out in partnership with solar companies in the country over a period of 12 months, investing in it will give a larger return. With a vast knowledge and experience of the Energy Project Africa (EPA) team, we conduct a feasibility study that will save your resources and at the same time save you from stress. We carried out a feasibility study that evaluates your off-grid project’s potential for success; as we take perceived objectivity as essential. EPA is well equipped with trained personnel to help you locate and define a geographical area.

Policy Recommendations

Although Nigeria's renewable energy sector is still in its infancy, there has been significant progress, particularly in the execution of renewable energy projects. Due to the large capital expenditures that these projects necessitate, raising funds in this area always appears to be a Herculean task. International, regional, or local investments, grants, and public-private partnerships, which may include the Nigerian state or federal government, are common sources of funding.

Renewable energy grants are similar to financial incentives granted by governments and international organisations for the completion of projects. Financial consequences such as a loan or loan guarantee, interest rate subsidy, revenue sharing, and so on are generally excluded from donations.

Concessional loans are financial advances granted at below-market rates with a moratorium term during which the loan recipient is not required to return the amount. The African Guarantee Fund's Green Energy Fund Programme (GEF-P), the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) intervention loan, and the Nigerian Bank of Industry's Six Billion Naira Solar Energy Fund are all examples of this.

Because we do not currently manufacture renewable energy equipment, there should be tax incentives to encourage the importing of this technology. Zero tariffs on solar panels should be one of the incentives. In general, a call for a complete tax exemption on renewables should be made in order to encourage growth and healthy competition in the renewable energy sector.

Conclusion

Following Nigeria's participation in the Paris Climate Agreement, there has been an increased focus on the feasibility and desirability of increasing power generation through renewable energy sources, in order to meet Nigeria's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) 2030 target for climate change mitigation. In this sense, Nigeria's renewable energy policy includes solar power generation and a reduction in the use of fossil fuel-burning generator sets. EPA is a major solar company that does feasibility studies and sells self-contained solar systems to communities and businesses, allowing for more access to sustainable energy. International funders such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank, as well as local visionaries such as the EPA, have all invested in renewable energy in Nigeria. It is intended that the investments would be reflected in enforcement and that renewable energy use will increase.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions for mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit: https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

Nearly half of Africans (46%) still live in households without electricity. To effectively combat poverty, enable new economic possibilities, and promote equality, efforts to attain universal access to affordable, dependable, and sustainable electricity by 2030 must be at the forefront of energy transition initiatives. The speed with which modern, renewable-based solutions can be adopted will be determined by a well-balanced mix of on-, mini-, and off-grid alternatives for unserved and underserved communities, as well as supply security, and overall economic feasibility, and cheap access. Traditional energy supply issues in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as concerns about climate change, sparked interest in renewable energy sources. The United Nations announced a new goal (Sustainable Development Goal SDG 7) in September 2015 to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030. This coordinated global effort demonstrates a renewed interest in the investment, production, and use of less expensive and ecologically benign energy sources. As a result of these efforts, the average global consumption of renewable energy has increased. Renewable energy's part of meeting rising global energy demand will increase by one-fifth by 2023, to 12.4 per cent. By 2030 and 2040, renewable energy sources will account for 34.7 per cent and 47.7 per cent of the global energy supply, respectively. That is, by the end of 2030, approximately 35% of the global energy supply will come from renewable sources. This evidence is perhaps a big sigh of relief to proponents of renewable energy use and critics of non-renewable energy use because of climate change concerns and its management challenges.

The energy transition, coordinated by comprehensive policies to encourage revolutionary decarbonisation, has the potential to create widespread socio-economic development. Long-term energy transition would be aligned with economic, environmental, and social goals if policymakers took a holistic approach to policymaking. Labour and social protection policies must be adjusted to the individual needs of each country and region in order to enable a just transition – including a fair share of the expenses associated with the energy transition. In order to fully realise the societal potential and ensure that no one is left behind, social equity issues, particularly gender elements, must be integrated into policy and programme design. Dedicated and coordinated efforts in this area are likely to aid overall sustainability both during and after reform attempts. “Africa is tired of being in the dark," said Adesina, president of the African Development Bank.”Now is the moment to take immediate action and change the narrative in order to light up and power Africa – to accelerate economic development, unlock entrepreneurial potential, and drive much-needed industrialization to create jobs." As of this writing, Cameroon is developing a legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy. It is a legal, financial, and institutional framework in Cameroon for the promotion, legal, and financial operation of renewable energy.

Cameroon is a country in western Africa located in the Gulf of Guinea. The country and its 24 million residents are organised into ten political areas, with English-speaking regions in the north and south and French-speaking regions in the middle. There are divisions and sub-divisions within each region. In the south, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Congo border the country; in the east, the Central African Republic and Chad border the country; and in the north, Nigeria borders the country.

Cameroon gets most of its energy from biomass, which is owing to its potential among Sub-Saharan African countries, i.e., Cameroon has the second-largest biomass potential in the area, with forest covering about three-quarters of the country (21 million hectares). Solar radiation is an unexplored renewable energy source in the country. More than half of the total land area has the potential for solar energy generation, as shown in Figure 1, particularly in the following regions of the country: Maroua, Garoua, Ngaoundere, Bamenda, Bertoua, and Yaounde. Nevertheless, the country's adoption of solar energy has impacted the lives of the people. This is manifested in the following ways:

Figure 1: Solar energy potentials of Cameroon. Adapted from Solaris

Impact on the growth of electricity generation

The rural solar power campaign, which has already gained traction in several local councils, is aimed at delivering fresh development-stimulating perspectives that will transform village communities' livelihoods. President Paul Biya of Cameroon has also placed his support behind the project.

"We will continue to build energy infrastructure in our country to suit the needs of our agriculture industry as well as the needs of our people." For rural electrification, in addition to hydroelectric dams, thermal power, and solar energy facilities are being built," Cameroon President Paul Biya remarked in his year-end speech to the nation on December 31, 2021.

Officials from Cameroon's Ministry of Mining, water, and energy said the initiative is part of a partnership between the government and Huawei, a Chinese telecoms corporation that also instals solar panels, to provide solar energy to more than 1000 village communities, mostly in rural areas. According to the administration, the first phase of the initiative, which targeted 166 villages, began in 2017. Solar power, much of its small-scale and typically installed by non-governmental organisations contributed only around 1% of Cameroon's energy needs prior to the initiative. According to officials from Yaounde's Ministry of Mining, water, and energy, the country's energy expansion plans, which initially centred mostly on fossil fuel facilities and hydropower expansion, now include renewable energy, particularly in rural areas. Below is the impact of solar energy on the people living in Cameroon.

Protecting Forests

Environment experts have praised a new campaign to increase the use of solar power in energy-strapped rural communities, which could assist Cameroon, which is home to part of Africa's Congo Basin forests, reduce deforestation rates. "With the arrival of solar energy, the chopping of trees for wood and the use of charcoal for cooking and heating will now be reduced in many villages," Augustine Njamnshi, the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy's coordinator in Cameroon, stated. According to him, Africa's progress has been stifled by a lack of energy, with an estimated 70% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa lacking dependable access to electricity. Businesses in Cameroon and other Central African Economic and Monetary Community countries are barely surviving, according to Augustine, because electricity is still expensive and intermittent. Local councils and businesses are also backing the plan, which will help shore up efforts to conserve the indigenous forest.

Disappearing Forests

The use of charcoal for energy and as a source of money for rural inhabitants has been blamed in part for Cameroon's dwindling forest. Climate change is exacerbated by community abuses of forest resources, such as the removal of trees for the manufacturing of charcoal as a source of revenue. Cameroon's woods are Africa's second-largest, covering about 23 million hectares. According to the government, they have a significant role to play in the country's economic development, as well as the battle against climate change and reaching global forest conservation goals. According to 2017 data from Global Forest Watch, a forest monitoring organisation, Cameroon lost over 900,000 hectares of trees between 2001 and 2016, a 2.8 per cent decline in the country's forests. Experts say the loss not only hurt ecosystems and drives climate change but hit the country’s economy as well. The economic and environmental impact of forest loss is really immeasurable, necessitating urgent measures to redress the problem.

Solar Brings Back Businesses in Mfou, Cameroon

Officials from local governments and rural residents in some of the villages that have already benefited from the project say their lives are improving. One of the villages already connected to solar panels is the Mfou rural council in the Centre area, which says it is pleased to have a cleaner and less expensive source of electricity. "It's a less expensive alternative to diesel generators and wood energy, which were previously used to power small enterprises," said Mfou Mayor Roger Belinga. Solar energy, according to JaromeAngwi, a beer vendor in town, costs a sixth of what diesel did to operate his refrigerator and beer parlour. In addition, officials hope access to electricity will help keep youths from deserting rural areas for jobs in Cameroon’s cities. “Some of those who left are already coming back since the solar panels were installed, Belinga said.

Solar Powered water pumps

Two water pumps are operational and are powered by the solar plant's electricity. A PV generator, an inverter, and a submersible motor pump transfer water to a high-level water tank make up the system. The water is gravity fed from the reservoir to the public water taps. The water is provided to all people at no cost. The off-grid PV system is self-contained and connects to a number of loads. The off-grid PV system can be a stand-alone energy system for a home or it can be backed up by another source, most commonly a grid link.

The off-grid technology is widely used in Cameroon's rural areas. The project was overseen by a Community Management Committee (CMC), which was chaired by the town's mayor and aided by the chairman of the Local Development Committee. There are around 75 households connected, excluding fake connections. The feasibility study gave each of the 75 houses a television, radio, and telephone, as well as three energy-saving lights.

The Need for Feasibility Analysis

Feasibility analysis of the off-grid possibility, which will determine the profitability of proposed projects in the local market, must first be carried out. The feasibility study typically covers the Proposed project sites, and projected demand (usually based on extrapolation of socio-economic data. Getting a developer who is conversant about detailing feasibility is very essential. With a vast knowledge and experience of the Energy Project Africa (EPA) team, we conduct a feasibility study that will save your resources and at the same time save you from stress. At EPA, we carried out a feasibility study that evaluates your off-grid project’s potential for success; as we take perceived objectivity is essential. EPA is well equipped with trained personnel to help you locate and define a geographical area. Energy Project Africa is ever ready to collect and analyze up to date data for you to be able to own an efficient and reliable off-grid. Energy Project Africa performs a site visit in the third step to double-check the preliminary data, establish contact with the relevant community and public bodies, and analyse the community's appetite for the off-grid. Energy Project Africa will perform a study to gather the seasonal data required to actualize your off-grid dream.  Energy Project Africa, which has a team of skilled data analysts, conducts complete research on existing and prospective off-grid demand in the region. This is necessary because if demand falls short of expectations, the mini-revenue grids may not be enough to cover the project's fixed costs, let alone pay for maintenance or replacement equipment. Based on our considerable energy audit experience and understanding, EPA can estimate current loads. Furthermore, we can anticipate future loads based on demographic and economic expansion using current data, which is more difficult for our competitors to do. EPA uses software called Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources to estimate and specify a system's projected loads, network architecture, consumption, and cost. A concession deal or a power purchase agreement may also be required for larger projects (PPA). The EPA maintained a positive and friendly relationship with the document's regulatory bodies. This is another reason why you should allow us the opportunity to guide you through the process.

Quality Solar Equipment Procurement

Procurement refers to the process of locating, getting, and purchasing goods and services from a third party, typically through a tendering or competitive bidding procedure. The Energy Project Africa is frequently involved in the procurement of components and delivery of lead-acid or lithium batteries for use by African communities and companies. This is accomplished with the collaboration of battery manufacturers from advanced countries. The procurement is actualised with work by European and American manufacturers, including Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka. Many African communities and businesses are hampered by insecure and unsustainable grid supplies, as well as excessive electricity prices. We are proud to be a Nigerian firm, and we aspire to construct a future in which the local energy storage sector becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive; we also hope to develop products that help both the communities and businesses in Africa.



Our network operations centre provides client service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and maintaining solar rooftop upkeep, we give in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients. Because of the need for regular and optimal solar system administration, African communities and businesses must rely on the EPA's solar energy O&M competence. At EPA, we do high-quality O&M with our engineers, who have received extensive solar maintenance training and are well trained to maintain solar systems and make necessary repairs. Thanks to years of field training, the EPA undertakes automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that solar power facilities are assessed in compliance with international standards. Our continual monitoring and inspections ensure timely action when your solar system isn't operating as it should. Our O&M staff are in charge of all aspects of solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant functions smoothly and that our clients have access to power at all times.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions for mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly contact to learn more.

1.1 What is a mini Grid?
A mini-grid is a network of small-scale electricity generators and possibly energy storage systems connected to a distribution network that offers power to a small, localised set of customers while staying independent of the national transmission grid. They can range in size from a few kilowatts to ten megawatts. Smaller mini-grids are referred to as micro-grids or nano-grids. Customers can be served in a variety of ways using mini-grids. Examples include private households, commercial businesses such as shops, ice machines, and mobile phone chargers, agricultural loads such as irrigation pumping and cold storage, productive loads such as grind mills and wood or metalworking shops, and semi-industrials such as telecom towers, processing plants, or farms.
Mini-grids can be built and operated by state utilities, commercial enterprises, communities, non-governmental organisations, or a combination of multiple stakeholders, such as public-private partnerships. Different public and private players may construct and operate generation and distribution assets. Mini-grids can be powered by diesel, renewable energy (solar PV, hydro, wind, biomass, and so on), or a combination of the two. A large portion of the power generated by green mini-grids comes from renewable sources.
To begin operating a mini-grid firm, the developer must examine the project's feasibility, choose a corporate structure, and hire local employees.
1.2 Assess Feasibility
Feasibility analysis of the mini-grid possibility, which will determine the profitability of proposed projects in the local market, must first be carried out. The feasibility study typically covers the Proposed project sites, projected demand (usually based on extrapolation of socio-economic data from the most recent national census, which must be confirmed through a detailed demand assessment for the final technical design; existing and potential rural electrification; local legal, policy, and regulatory, framework, permitting and compliance requirements. Locating and hiring the service of a developer who is conversant about detailing feasibility is very essential. With a vast knowledge and experience of the Energy Project Africa (EPA) team, we conduct a feasibility study that will save your resources and at the same time save you from stress. At EPA, we carried out a feasibility study that evaluates your mini-grid project’s potential for success; as we take perceived objectivity as essential. We take you through the four essential processes of the feasibility study, economic, legal, operational and scheduling. We estimate and give you how much time the project will take to complete. We observe and identify any constraints the proposed project may face and solve them prior to project commencement.
Defining the geographic scope of the project after a successful feasibility study is the next step for the prospective mini-grid owner.
Define the Geographic Scope of the Project
The next step in mini-grid design is to figure out the project's geographical scope as well as the total number of consumers it will serve. A mini-grid can power multiple towns, a single hamlet, or a collection of structures. When selecting a resource and power generation technology, the number and kind of consumers (communities and businesses) are crucial factors to consider. Geographical considerations such as terrain and the ease with which resources may be acquired will influence system design. Finally, rules and plans that may affect the mini-grid in the future must be considered. EPA is well equipped with trained personnel to help you locate and define a geographical area.
Collection of Data
Secondary data is typically used to find the most potential sites in the first round. Data from national rural electrification programmes, Geographical information service (GIS) data on un-electrified villages and renewable resources, and feedback from government officials and national distribution grid corporations might all be utilised. However, prospective mini-grid owners should be aware that this information may not be up to date or reflect current conditions. Don’t worry!! We got your back. With our team of researchers and data analysts, Energy Project Africa is ever ready to collect and analyze up to date data for you to be able to own an efficient and reliable mini-grid. Energy Project Africa performs a site visit in the third step to double-check the preliminary data, establish contact with the relevant community and public bodies, and analyse the community's appetite for the mini-grid.
Conducting a detailed renewable resource assessment
At this point, a comprehensive renewable resource evaluation for solar-based mini-grids is required. This is usually not necessary because irradiation data from GIS is easily available and usually accurate enough for device technical design. If no past renewable resource data exists, Energy Project Africa will perform a study to gather the seasonal data required to actualize your mini-grid dream. Energy Project Africa, which has a team of skilled data analysts, conducts complete research of existing and prospective mini-grid demand in the region. This is necessary because if demand falls short of expectations, the mini-revenue grids may not be enough to cover the project's fixed costs, let alone pay for maintenance or replacement equipment. Demand forecasting is especially important for mini-grid systems that are difficult to scale up or down to meet demand (such as hydro projects or non-hybridized plants without the benefit of cheap diesel engines). For these non-modular systems, demand-side management is critical to guarantee that electricity demand does not exceed supply, which could lead to community strife.
1.3 Assess Available Energy Resources
After determining the project's geographic scope, it is necessary to assess local energy resources, including quantity, availability, cost, sustainability, and potential competing applications. Mini-grids necessitate stable, cost-effective energy sources capable of meeting local power demands, and each resource has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, a mini-grid in a region with seasonal biomass supplies may provide on-demand power for a mill but not year-round electricity for a town. In drought-prone areas, hydropower may not be a reliable year-round resource. During the assessment process, it is necessary to work closely with local populations. Natural resource users in their communities can give important information about availability and potential conflicts. EPA chooses the energy-producing technology after determining the most promising resources (or technologies). For each energy resource, EPA can choose from a variety of technologies.

1.4 Size the System
The size of a mini-grid determines its maximum power output. The power-producing system's installed capacity should be sufficient to meet load requirements. To size the system, planners must calculate load fluctuations in half-hour intervals and anticipate future load growth. Estimating and planning for current and future loads is essential, particularly in terms of financial viability. EPA can estimate current loads based on our extensive energy audit experience and knowledge. Moreover, with the present data, we forecast future loads based on demographic and economic expansion which is more difficult for our competitors to analyze. EPA makes use of Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources software to model and specifies a system's predicted loads, network architecture, consumption, and cost.
1.5 Select the System Configuration
Mini-grids are divided into three categories: alternating current (AC) coupled, direct current (DC) coupled, and hybrid (both AC and DC). Energy-generating methods, system sizing, and battery consumption are the most important factors to consider when deciding which configuration to use. Different energy-producing technologies favour different designs. AC is produced by hydropower, geothermal energy, diesel power, and biomass-based power, hence AC configurations are prevalent. Solar PV systems produce DC, whereas wind turbines can produce AC or DC. As a result, system designers must select between different configurations. The cost expected usage, and plans to eventually integrate into a larger (typically AC) network are all important factors to consider.
Any arrangement involves compromises in terms of costs, maintenance requirements, efficiency, safety, and end-use adaptability. AC systems, for example, make it easier to transport electricity over long distances, but they are also more complex and costly. Despite the fact that DC systems require less equipment to condition and transform power, DC technology is only deployed in a few consumer devices. Additionally, switching from AC to DC results in energy losses (and therefore in money). Shorter lengths, lower voltages, and systems generating less power are common uses for DC setups (W rather than kW). Longer distances, greater distribution voltages, and systems generating more power are more often utilised AC arrangements, which transmit power more effectively (MW). Small grids of a few kilowatts, on the other hand, can use AC.
In addition to a current type, you must choose between a single-phase or three-phase system. Single-phase systems can't handle as many load types as three-phase systems can. Single-phase systems are frequently used to power lighting and resistive loads. Three-phase systems can handle a larger range of loads, including large motors, than single-phase systems. To connect to the national grid, mini-grid systems frequently require three-phase systems. In terms of inverters and wiring, single-phase systems are less expensive, but they do necessitate more expensive transmission cables. Three-phase inverters and switches, on the other hand, are more expensive.
1.6 Design the Distribution System
The system layout and pick system attributes must first be created before designing the distribution system. The next step is to model system performance using the preliminary layout and system attributes. Once the distribution system's model has been built, developers can evaluate different conductor sizes based on the load distributed over the system. Project developers can test differences inline routing, single-phase versus three-phase service, and loads after finishing the basic case model. Design crews identify the distribution system's structural (rather than electrical) design aspects after planners have established system layout and quality. The design team compiles a materials list based on benchmarks for the type and number of pole-top structures required for the line length and then calculates the distribution line's overall length. Crews complete a final survey of distribution system alignments to establish pole placements, buildings, and other requirements.
Mini-grid distribution systems are often more advanced than traditional grid distribution systems. Unlike typical grids, mini-grids can support bidirectional power flows as well as a variety of energy sources. Additional controls and software are required at this degree of operational complexity.
When designing a distribution system, keep in mind the end-user system, which includes metres. Tariff collection and the commercial aspects of the mini-grid project are the most important factors to consider when selecting metering systems. Developers may choose the payment option throughout one of the various stages of the design process. Depending on the required restrictions, some developers may construct metering and payment systems before the technical systems. The end-user system should handle loads and prices while taking into account the local cultural environment and user preferences.
1.7 Policy and regulatory issues
Policy and regulatory issues often hamper the growth of mini-grids, especially issues around tariffs, licensing and the arrival of the national grid. There are existing laws and regulations that are dedicated to private investment in mini-grids and in Africa.

Tariffs
The majority of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have identical national tariffs, which means that whether residential consumers are connected to the national grid or live in remote rural areas served by a mini-grid operator, they pay the same rate. State-owned mini-grids are cross-subsidized because mini-grid electricity is often more expensive than grid electricity.
Private mini-grids must make a return on their investment in order to be profitable, which implies cost-reflective pricing or government subsidies. Many governments do not allow cost-reflective rates, impeding the development of private mini-grids. With the exception of very small mini-grids, tariffs will almost definitely need to be approved by the local regulator.

Licences and permits
Another issue is obtaining licences and permits. Licensing may be required for electricity generation, distribution, and supply. In several nations, there are no clear rules for mini-grid licences. Obtaining a licence can be a lengthy, bureaucratic, and unclear procedure involving multiple government agencies in some circumstances. Most countries currently require a unique set of rights for each mini-grid, which might take a long time for developers. A wide range of documents may be required to get a licence approved, including:
● Certificates of incorporation;
● Land lease or ownership documents;
● Construction permits;
● Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs);
● Health and safety certificates;
● Water use rights (for hydro projects); and
● Rights of way
For larger projects, it may also be necessary to have a concession contract or a power purchase agreement (PPA). EPA maintained a good and cordial relationship with the regulatory agencies in charge of the document. This is another reason why you should give us a chance to go through the process for you
1.8 Technical design of mini-grid systems
The technical design of mini-grid systems is relatively straightforward compared to other steps in the mini-grid development process. There is technical software that enables the creation of systems to meet present and future needs. The key is to ensure that the design is carried out by experts with the requisite skills and experience in planning, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the technology in question. Power generating and distribution systems can deliver AC or DC electricity. In nano-grids that produce DC power, small PV-battery systems without inverters are typically employed, which reduces costs but limits the area of coverage for each nano-grid? In renewable AC power mini-grids, hydro, biomass, PV/PV-hybrid, and wind systems can all be used to generate electricity. Both AC and DC systems require suitable monitoring and control systems to collect data and manage the grid. The guiding principles for technical design are that the mini-grids should be safe; adequate; up-scalable and efficient.

Safety: To ensure that the systems are as safe as possible, they should be built in accordance with the respective country's electrical codes and standards. There are also standards for frequency and voltage levels.
Adequate: According to the business model, the systems are regarded as 'sufficient' provided they offer the pre-defined quality of service and quantity of electricity to clients
Scalable: The systems are up-scalable if they can meet demand increases at a lower life-cycle cost, and they are efficient if they provide electricity at the lowest possible cost.
Efficient: The scale of power-producing systems is determined by demand. Sizing must also take into account constraints such as renewable resources, finance, and environmental regulations. Limits on the use of water, biomass, or diesel, as well as noise and emission restrictions, are frequently outlined in the environmental social and impact assessment or resource usage rights.
The design team will need to go to the location to customise the distribution grid systems to the local needs. When designing a mini-grid system, customers, interior electrical installations, and metering must all be considered. Local rules and standards often apply to connections and indoor installations, and they must be incorporated into any design. It is important for mini-grid developers to take time to understand the needs and priorities of the communities in which their mini-grids are located and to make sure that the projects have broad local support.
1.9 The procurement, installation and commissioning of the mini-grid
The procurement, installation and commissioning of the mini-grid require a lot of planning, good logistics, and technical supervision.
Procurement
The process of locating, obtaining, and purchasing goods and services from a third party, usually through a tendering or competitive bidding system, is known as procurement. Before building and activating the system, developers may issue tenders for individual mini-grid components. They could alternatively submit a bid for a turnkey solution, in which the contractor provides a fully operational project. In most cases, the latter is more expensive. Government-funded and international donor-funded projects must generally adhere to transparent procurement requirements, such as the EU's PRAG rules.
The Energy Project Africa is often involved directly in procuring components and delivering either lead-acid or lithium batteries for African communities and businesses' uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of battery manufacturers for African use. The procurement is actualised with work by European and American manufacturers, including Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka. Many African communities and businesses are hampered by insecure and unsustainable grid supplies, as well as excessive electricity prices. We are proud to be a Nigerian firm, and we aspire to construct a future in which the local energy storage sector becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive; we also hope to develop products that help both the communities and businesses in Africa.


Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit:
https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/ to learn more.

A power supply is a golden thread that connects three facets of sustainability: economic prosperity, social progress, and living within environmental constraints. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest concentration of people without access to modern energy, with rural people in general and low-income people, in particular, suffering the most.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, just 36% of rural residents have access to electricity, compared to 85% in developing Asia. Technology has advanced at a considerably faster rate in recent years than it did a few years ago. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have modified energy equipment, and in some cases, completely changed the machines and technology that drive them, as a result of this trend. OEMs are mostly based in wealthy countries with the financial resources to do so. OEMs are largely domiciled in developed countries which have the capacity to deal with issues of rapid changes in technology. In addition, the maintenance and at times, the required regular calibration become more problematic compared. In spite of this, there is a need to procure durable and quality solar equipment in Africa to replenish our power source. The Energy Power Africa (EPA) recognised that in today's situation, industrial and commercial organizations are turning to solar arrays and industrial PV systems to avoid power outages caused by grid supply concerns.

EPA team engages in solar equipment operations, procurement and maintenance to solve your energy problem. We recognised the fact that solar power panels are quickly becoming the norm rather than an option in the paper, steel, chemical, textile, cement, dairy, and ceramic industries. Solar operations, procurement and maintenance are our first priority as it becomes essential to maximize the performance of the solar grid and secure its energy security. EPA acknowledges that most solar equipment operation, procurement, and maintenance (OPM) necessitate periodic inspections. This puts us on alert to respond to the community's and businesses' calls regarding their solar operations, procurement and maintenance. The frequency and extent of solar array monitoring and solar panel maintenance are determined by the type of commercial solar installation, system setup, and location. We ensure that your set of solar arrays is efficient and up to the task to deliver the best of what you require in solar energy.

OPM accounts for a small fraction of a solar plant's development and operation expenditures over its lifetime. Size, design, equipment/components/moving parts, location, corporate interests and orientations, adopted OPM techniques with varying levels of rigour, and contractual arrangements all contribute to the large range of data points (e.g., length, stipulated responsibilities, price structure). There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all strategy for creating an OPM except when facing some challenges which hinder the functionality of the solar system.




Challenges

In Africa, the greatest obstacles to equipment OPM are either administrative, such as a lack of regulations, guidelines, and financing, or technical, such as a lack of competence or preventative maintenance schedules. Engineering firms are tasked with developing the human resources needed to run engineering firms in all areas and disciplines, including designs, constructions, processing, manufacturing, and water and electricity supplies. In order to stay relevant in light of rapid changes in technology and industrial processes, a reputable organization that can acquire materials for electrification in line with the needs of African enterprises is required.

Managing Procurement

Materials and services are necessary for the operation and maintenance of a power plant, and their proper procurement contributes to safety and reliability. An effective management system provides essential defence in depth for energy power plant safety and the prevention of accidents. A strong management commitment to safety and a strong safety culture should be part of such a system. Figure 1 is a standard model demonstrating how a management system can help an organization achieve a healthy safety OPM. Ensure that solar plant materials are of high quality and dependable as part of the management system's efforts.

Processes involved in Operations, procurement and maintenance (OPM) Approaches

To avoid breakdowns production losses, EPA offers preventative maintenance (PM) which entails routine inspection and servicing of equipment at a frequency, set by equipment type, environmental circumstances, and warranty terms in an OPM services agreement. This strategy has been so effective that we embark on it for communities and businesses to maintain an uninterrupted power supply throughout the year. EPA makes use of the preventative OPM because of its anticipated potential to reduce the likelihood of unplanned PV system downtime for our clients. However, the expenditures of PM initiatives are low, and we structure it efficiently to ensure a sustainable power supply anytime, any day as being programmed

Another method used by EPA for efficient OPM is the corrective or reactive maintenance used to handle equipment repair or replacement indeed be. At EPA, nothing is a waste and we help you repair solar equipment if it can still function. EPA  with the minimum cost of maintenance helps you to save resources and fix the OPM problems, thereby avoiding unexpected downtime. This "break-fix" strategy, which has been our standard for decades, saves money upfront.

We also fix the OPM problem through condition-based maintenance (CBM). EPA uses this method to prioritize OPM tasks and resources based on real-time data. The greater efficiency, however, comes with a significant upfront cost due to the software and hardware needs for communication and monitoring. Furthermore, the relative newness of CBM might provide maintenance issues, which are exacerbated by monitoring equipment failure and/or inconsistent data connections.

Wiring/Electrical Inspection: We carry out inspection of wires, junction boxes, combiner boxes, AC/DC disconnects, service panels, and other components, as well as string testing to ensure an efficient OPM. The cost of this varies and depends on whether the inspection covers 10% or 100% of the plant, among other factors. Visual, thermal scanning, and current-voltage energy data analysis are all part of our inspection of the solar plant wiring and electrical connections. EPA energy experts and professionals often inspect modules visually for cracks and other problems. We also inspect wiring behind the panels, as well as the junction boxes, combiner boxes, AC/DC disconnects, service panels, and other items. EPA will handle your electrical wiring from scratch to the end and ensure protected wiring for preventive measures. Our company will fix your wiring insulation and provide an efficient power source and networking.

Inverter Replacement: EPA engages in inverter replacement to fulfil our OPM service. We engage in durable and quality inverters to supply constant electricity to the communities and businesses that we serve. We deal in different utility-scale inverter sizes and types. Central inverter equipment procured by EPA will need to be replaced after 10 to 12 years of lifespan. However, EPA acknowledges that with consistent maintenance, central inverters can operate for longer than predicted, resulting in over-budgeting.

Spares:  To ensure a high degree of plant uptime, We supply our clients with a variety of equipment spares and store them on-site or in a nearby warehouse. However, plant size, geographic location, contractual constraints, and management philosophy all influence the amount and kind of spares retained, as well as the accompanying expenses. Fuse, contacts, wire, inverter parts (circuit boards, filters, fans, etc.), disconnect switches, and modules are among the most important spares to have on hand.

 

Processes involved in the maintenance of solar power systems

Perhaps, little you may know that your solar equipment needs maintenance for efficient energy production and for you to derive maximum satisfaction for what you have spent your hard-earned currency to acquire. You deserve to enjoy your solar system to give you optimal satisfaction. EPA ensures that you derive utility from each penny you spent on your solar system. This is the reason why you need to perform an energy audit of your solar system. Oh! You do not know what is meant by energy audit? Do not worry, you have EPA by your side and we are 24/7 available to attend to your need. An energy audit is a survey and analysis of energy flows in a building with the purpose of energy conservation. It could involve a technique or system that reduces the amount of energy input while maintaining the system's output. It is a way of using your solar system efficiently so that you do not waste the energy you paid for unnecessarily. At EPA we are excellently good at what we do, this is why we do not just obtain energy equipment from roadside sellers or African situated markets. We are affiliated to the European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka which gives many years of warranty on solar equipment we procure. For this reason, our clients rest assured that their energy OPM is of quality and high standard. Moreover listed below are the popular packages that encompass processes in the maintenance of your solar panels and solar power plants:

Who performs solar panel OPM?

Solar PV systems’ maintenance processes are best carried out by qualified and professional installers who are conversant with PV components and their safety procedures. The Energy Project Africa (EPA) is often involved directly in OPM for African communities and businesses' uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of energy equipment manufacturers for African use. The procurement is actualized by EPA from our European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka which focus on developing quality and high standard energy equipment for the whole world. Many African communities and businesses are hampered by insecure and unsustainable supplies, as well as excessive electricity prices. We are proud to be a Nigerian firm, and we aspire to construct a future in which the energy OPM becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive; we develop products that help both the communities and businesses in Africa. EPA takes care of solar equipment OPM services that range from PV maintenance processes that include:

Carrying out visual inspections
Conducting verifications of the PV system operations
Taking corrective actions
Monitoring and verifying how effective the corrective actions are.




Services provided by EPA as solar panel maintenance companies As far as solar systems’ uptime management is concerned, the EPA involved in solar equipment operation, procurement and maintenance offer:

Data interpretation and collection of data in real-time
Monitoring of energy production on a consistent basis
Critical as well as non-critical repairs
Analysis of trends and KPIs in order to ensure continuous improvement
Selection of specific key performance indicators to minimize cost while delivering the best possible system performance in the face of varying conditions
Management of inventory, spare parts, etc.
The tracking of solar power generation logs and updating document service histories
Identification of safety issues.

EPA provides 24/7 customer support via our network operations centre. We provide in-depth business insights in the form of value-added services to our corporate customers and industry-based clients as a company that takes responsibility for monitoring operations and managing solar rooftop upkeep. The necessity for regular and optimal solar system management has made it necessary for African communities and enterprises to rely on the EPA's solar energy OPM expertise. We undertake highly standard OPM at EPA with our engineers, who have received thorough solar maintenance training and are well qualified to maintain solar systems and perform corrective measures as needed. EPA performs automatic as well as efficient system assessments to ensure that solar power plants are appraised in accordance with international standards, thanks to years of field training. When your solar isn't performing as intended, our constant monitoring and inspections ensure prompt action. In general, our OPM teams handle all areas of solar power plant maintenance, ensuring that the plant runs well and that our clients receive uninterrupted power.

 

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions for mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit https://www.energy-projects.africa/ourservices/corporate-sourcing-and-procurement/  to learn more.

A mini-grid is a self-contained power system or an integrated local generating and distribution system with an installed capacity of less than 1MW that can serve multiple end customers while remaining independent of the national grid. A mini-grid can provide reliable and affordable electricity in remote areas where population density is insufficient to justify connecting the community to the national grid, and it represents a viable and cost-effective solution for electrifying Nigerian communities through a decentralized energy system.
Global advocacy for the use of renewable energy sources is growing, and rightly so, as the negative effects of global warming and climate change continue to worsen. As a result, renewable energy mini-grids have become a critical component in combatting global warming and ensuring simple access to affordable, clean energy. Renewable energy deployed via a mini-grid would be able to benefit from the Regulation's predictable structure, as well as other renewable energy policy measures now in place. Nigeria has a ready and sustainable market for the generation and distribution of electricity via renewable mini-grids, reflecting the worldwide movement against greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, as well as the over 55 percent of Nigerians who are in need of access to clean energy. From a policy perspective, there are a number of policies made by the Government relating to renewables and incentives available therein.
Renewable energy (RE)-based mini-grids are gaining traction and attracting interest from both public and private investors. For communities all over Sub-Saharan Africa, mini-grids have the potential to be a game-changer. New technologies, creative finance methods, well-informed investors, and aggressive government goals are all combined to allow for rapid growth. Now is the moment for the region's energy leaders to reflect on their previous experiences and take action. The lack of reliable data, such as desegregated PV/hybrid mini-grid cost factors, limits the ability of private and public investors to analyze rural electrification solutions.
Access to electricity is critical for development, especially among low-income people in the African sub-Saharan. The equal distribution of power via a national grid is difficult to achieve due to limited financial resources and the dispersed and scant availability of infrastructure in rural parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the urgent need to transition away from traditional fossil fuel-based power production is highlighted by climate change problems. Furthermore, innovation in technological infrastructure, as well as energy production and consumption, may be advantageous to climate change mitigation. As a result, efforts to establish small and medium-sized renewable energy systems should be based on international technology transfer, that is, technology transfer from industrialized to poor countries.
Problems
The main causes of Nigeria and other sub-Saharan Africa’s energy problems are a power generation system that does not produce enough to meet demand and an ineffective tariff system that makes it difficult for power distribution businesses to earn a profit. In addition, more than half of Nigeria's population lacks connection to the national electricity grid, posing a substantial infrastructure gap. The electricity rate in rural sections of the country is significantly lower. Governments and mini-grid developers recognize that investors are looking for a better business environment that allows the rapid deployment of mini-grid installations at scale in countries across Africa. Top challenges identified by developers included obtaining permits, risks related to the integration of mini-grid systems and national grids, and the lack of local currency financing at affordable rates and long tenors. Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency seeks to develop 10,000 mini-grids by 2023 to serve 14 per cent of its population, with private sector participation. Investors are searching for a stronger business climate that enables the quick deployment of mini-grid installations at scale in nations across Africa, which governments and mini-grid developers understand. Obtaining permissions, hazards associated with the integration of mini-grid systems and national grids, and a lack of local currency funding at affordable rates and long tenors were among the top hurdles mentioned by developers. With private sector cooperation, Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency hopes to build 10,000 mini-grids by 2023 to service 14 per cent of the country's population. It also manages the Nigeria Electrification Project, a $550 million World Bank-African Development Bank joint credit facility that offers developers performance-based funds to build mini-grids and solar household systems.
Solutions
"Mini-grids bridge the gap between expensive grid extension projects and low-power options like solar household systems," according to the researchers. Importantly, the market is transitioning from government-funded projects to viable commercial models.
Mini-grids could provide a cost-effective alternative for providing energy to around 7 million households in Nigeria, according to the organisation. With a functional mini-grid regulatory environment and relatively high rural power demand, the country is reasonably progressing in its mini-grid development. According to the World Bank, mini-grids have a cumulative investment potential of over $10 billion by 2030, but to grow nationwide, initiatives to release loan funding, particularly in local currency, are required.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, too, has potential, according to the workshop attendees. There is a huge unconnected population in the country that might be supplied by mini-grids, resulting in a possible investment of $12.5 billion that could reach around 8 million households. However, the panellists agreed that a lack of safety, government capability, and financial tools must be addressed in order to encourage further private sector participation.
Opportunity
Despite an economic dip between 2016 and 2017, Nigeria's economy is steadily recovering. Nigeria has achieved significant progress in strengthening the economy, according to the World Bank's 2018 Doing Business report, and was listed among the top 10 improvers for the first time in 2016-2017.
Nigeria has improved in the following categories in terms of ease of doing business: beginning a firm, dealing with construction permits, registering property, acquiring financing, and paying taxes. Democratic administration has improved, and Nigeria has experienced three peaceful transitions of power between democratically elected executive presidents since 1999.
Despite the improving economic climate, fewer than 15% of the population in most Nigerian states has access to the main grid and only a small number of those who do receive energy from the grid. The Rural Electrification Fund released its first request for expressions of interest for off-grid projects in 2017 to deliver electricity to Nigeria's distant communities.
Through financial and technical aid from organizations such as the World Bank and the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Rural Electrification Fund was established to expand on-grid and off-grid electrification in rural regions, including small grids. The REF frequently bridges the viability gap in off-grid projects via capital grants and subsidies, allowing mini-grid developers to cut their tariffs and expand their customer base.
If the local market is scaled, there are significant benefits for both customers and mini-grid developers. By 2023, deploying 10,000 sites with a 100-kilowatt (kW) output would provide electricity to roughly 14% of the population. Tariff projections show that mini-grid developers may earn $3 billion per year at that scale.
RISK
The government's promise to extend the national grid to areas that are currently unserved or underserved by the grid may be viewed as a deterrent to investment in the electricity industry, as investors may believe that they will not be able to recoup their investment once the national grid reaches the community where the investors operate.
This risk may be mitigated by a provision of the Regulations that encourages collaboration between a Mini-Grid Developer and a Distribution Licensee by requiring a Mini-Grid Developer to obtain the consent of a Distribution Licensee if its proposed operations plans are within the Distributor Licensee's five-year expansion plan.
This risk may be further mitigated in the case of interconnected grids where community engagement and endorsement is mandated through a tripartite contract between the community, the Distribution Licensee, and the Mini-Grid Developer, ensuring that the Mini-Grid Developer can negotiate clear terms of engagement that benefit it.
When a Distributor Licensee extends its network operations to an isolated mini-grid run under a permit, it acts as a buffer should the national grid reach the community where the mini-grid investors are located.
What Needs To Be Done
The financial viability of mini-grid projects can be mitigated by grants or subsidies from donor organizations, allowing a developer to expand its customer base and scale-up, and there is a lot of room for scaling, installing 10,000 mini grids of 100 kW each can take ten years and only meet 30% of expected demand. Mini-grid operations in Africa are no longer a risky greenfield, since nations like Tanzania have demonstrated success, and such success models can be duplicated in Nigeria with sufficient investment.
Mini-grid distribution systems are frequently more sophisticated than normal grid distribution systems. Mini-grids, unlike traditional grids, can feature bidirectional power flows as well as various energy sources. This level of operational complexity necessitates additional controls and software. Each power source requires its own controller in hybrid systems, and the mini-grid must have an overarching management control to combine the various power sources. The EPA will make it easier for you by guiding you through the entire procedure.
When constructing the distribution system, the EPA takes into account the end-user system, including meters. The key variables in choosing metering technologies are tariff collection and the business aspects of the mini-grid project. The payment system is chosen by the EPA during one of several stages of the design process. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) normally designs metering and payment systems before the technical systems. The EPA ensures that the end-user system can accommodate loads and tariffs while also taking into account the cultural context and user preferences in the area. With large-scale solar power projects likely to be delayed by high-level red tape, enlisting the help of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish mini-grids for businesses and local communities is a realistic solution.

E.P.A. (Energy Projects Africa) through her Energy audits and feasibility solution, helps stakeholders make data-driven decisions in the clean energy space via real-time quantitative research and feasibility studies. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Energy storage systems (batteries) have become an important component of sustainable renewable energy systems. The ability of renewable technologies, such as solar, to store energy during periods of low demand and release energy during periods of high demand, allows technology to be successfully integrated into energy infrastructure. To address this demand, battery technology has progressed to include big and small-scale battery solutions that may provide storage capacity for technologies ranging in size from multi-megawatt production assets to small-scale solar solutions. Batteries are important for completing the energy transition and expanding global access to sustainable energy, particularly for off-grid residents in African communities and business units. The battery market in Africa is expected to rise sevenfold by 2030. It is critical to make sure that the tremendous potential offered by batteries do not come at the expense of Africa's most disadvantaged people. The large, “utility-scale” batteries can provide a range of services based on the type, and size, of the generation asset.











Batteries and energy storage are used in lower scale solar solutions, such as mini-grids under 1MW, to reduce reliance on diesel generators and to offer backup services in the event that the mini-grid does not receive full solar radiation. These battery applications are the most common in Nigeria's off-grid environment. Furthermore, a circular battery value chain will be essential for Africa's battery market to scale up sustainably. Africa is a major source of raw materials for the worldwide battery supply chain. Many mineral deposits essential to battery manufacture can be found in Africa. Katanga, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is home to the world's greatest cobalt deposits and produces more than two-thirds of the world's cobalt. Cobalt is a metal that is utilized in lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. Africa also mines a variety of additional battery raw materials, in addition to cobalt. Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo is fraught with social difficulties. For a huge number of people in the DCR, artisanal cobalt mining is a vital source of income. It is, however, frequently connected to a lack of adequate health and safety precautions, the exploitation of child labour, and opaque corporate practices. Within the DRC Copperbelt region, a number of initiatives have been formed to address those concerns, including the Global Battery Alliance's Cobalt Action Partnership and the Fund for the Prevention of Child Labour in Mining Communities - a Global Battery Alliance Collaboration.
Because of their versatility and rising cost competitiveness, batteries and energy storage are particularly appealing in Africa's stationary storage industries. Despite the fact that pumped hydropower is the most widely used energy storage technology in Sub-Saharan Africa today, batteries are expected to take a significant share of the future market due to declining costs and flexibility – including the range of storage services they provide and their ability to be tailored to consumer needs – batteries are expected to take a significant share of the future market due to declining costs and flexibility. Significant cost reductions – 90% since 2010 – have already aided in the growth of SHS sales, with batteries accounting for almost two-thirds of total system prices. Additional cost reductions, estimated to be 50% by 2030 compared to 2017, could assist reproduce this trend in larger applications. Off-grid solar power systems rely primarily on batteries to store electricity generated during the day for use during the night. Battery storage capacity requirements vary depending on the size of individual installations, ranging from 9 Wh for small PicoPV systems to more than 1 MWh for big mini-grids. Until recently, practically all energy-access programs used lead-acid batteries because they are widely available, reliable, and inexpensive. In recent years, the advancement of Lithium battery technology, combined with lowering prices, has resulted in numerous projects considering the usage of Li-based battery technologies. Different types of batteries include Lead-acid and lithium batteries.
Lead-Acid Battery
Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are used in a variety of applications, including automotive and stationary power storage. It's worth noting that starting batteries for automotive applications are designed to give short bursts of power rather than continuous power. As a result, automotive LABs are unsuitable for solar power applications. Battery life-times are sometimes as low as 1 or 2 years when such batteries are used for SHS (despite their limits). Despite this drawback, automobile LABs are frequently utilized in SHS purchased and installed by private users who are not affiliated with energy-access schemes. This is primarily due to widespread availability and lower purchase prices. Deep-cycle LABs are available for solar power applications and are extensively used in related projects. The cost of such batteries is typically roughly 20% more than that of automotive LABs due to the presence of more active material (lead). The typical battery life span is between 2 and 5 years.

Lead and lead oxide makes up about 65 per cent of the weight of lead-acid batteries, with 10–15 per cent sulfuric acid. When consumed or inhaled, lead is a very dangerous heavy metal that has a variety of negative consequences on many human organs. Lead poisoning can harm the brain and kidneys, as well as stunt the development of children's brains. Poisoning with lead can result in a variety of symptoms, including death. Sulfuric acid is also a source of concern because it can cause skin burns and eye damage when it comes into contact with humans. The improper disposal of sulfuric acid adds to environmental acidification.
The battery's toxic elements are normally well encased during usage, making emissions to the environment and direct contact with humans are. Furthermore, lead-acid batteries are quite safe to use due to the low risk of overheating and fire. Overcharging of valve-regulated LABs with non-functioning or obstructed valves poses a potential safety hazard. The electrolytic processes in the battery can build up pressure, which can lead to an explosion if the pressure is not released through valves.
LITHIUM BATTERIES
Lithium-ion batteries are a great alternative to lead-acid batteries since they are more ecologically friendly and can store up to six times as much energy. Lithium batteries are also safer to use than lead-acid batteries. Lithium-Ion Batteries were created as a result of the discovery of lithium cobalt oxide. Intercalation of lithium ions between layers of graphene occurs when a lithium cobalt oxide cathode and a graphite anode are used together (in most situations). This occurs in the intervals between single hexagonal rings of carbon atoms, which are enclosed sites. When charging a lithium-ion battery, lithium ions pass from the positive electrode, or cathode, to the negative electrode, or graphite anode, via a solid/liquid electrolyte. This process takes place while the battery is depleted. Lithium batteries come in a variety of forms, with the following being the most common in today's commercial value:
› LNMC (lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide)
› LCO (lithium-cobalt-oxide)
› LNCA (lithium-cobalt-aluminium-oxide)
› LMO (lithium-manganese-oxide)
› LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate)
› LTO (lithium-titanate)
Cobalt-based chemistries (LNMC, LCO, and LNCA) have better energy densities than other Li-batteries, but they are also more expensive. As a result, they're mostly used in mobile applications like smartphones and electric vehicles, where weight and energy density are important factors. LMO or LFP batteries are commonly used in stationary applications. Despite the fact that LTO batteries have distinct advantages in terms of fire safety, they are not widely produced and deployed due to their low energy densities and high cost. Both chemistries are usually more durable than lead-acid batteries in terms of battery life, with LFP having an advantage over LMO. LMO cells are nearly twice as expensive as LAB cells, while LFP cells are twice as expensive as LMO cells. It is important to note that Li-batteries prices fluctuate rapidly, with annual declines of roughly 20% on average over the last few years. If this trend continues, the cost of LMO batteries could reach the same level as LAB batteries by 2020.
Despite the absence of heavy metals in Li-ion batteries, there are a number of constituent parts that have the potential to harm human health and ecosystems. Despite the fact that the chemical makeup of Li-ion batteries varies substantially between types and sub-types, it is reasonable to presume that all types include compounds that could be dangerous. While the toxicity of LMO and LFP batteries is substantially lower than that of LABs, it must be known that LABs frequently end up in recycling facilities. LMO and LFP batteries, on the other hand, have minimal recycling value and are thus unattractive to both local and worldwide recycling markets. As a result, they're more prone to be discarded in an unregulated manner. Aside from its toxicity potential, Li-ion batteries are associated with significant safety issues when used under particular situations. The following is an excerpt from a section on linked risks. Overcharging, high temperatures and physical stress on battery cells can produce thermal runaway, which can result in the battery being destroyed, a fire, or even an explosion. The deep discharge might potentially result in battery fires.
Despite the distinctions between lead-acid and lithium batteries, none are clearly preferable in terms of end-of-life management, as both battery types have characteristics that may cause negative environmental impacts and/or health and safety issues during use, recycling, and disposal. The comparison of battery characteristics relevant for end-of-life management strategies Source is shown in the table below:
Table 1: comparison of battery characteristics relevant for end-of-life management strategies

LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Automotive LAB
Deep-cycle LAB
LMO
LFP
Purchasing price
very low
low
medium-high
high
Expected life-time
very low
low
high
High-VERY HIGH
Safety risk in use-phase
low
low
medium/high
medium/high
Toxicity potential
very high
very high
medium
medium
Recyclability
very high
very high
medium
medium
Profitability of recycling
high
high
very low
very low

The solar power industry in developing and emerging economies has proven to be extremely adaptable, as it has had to overcome a number of challenges related to the marketing of products and systems with high upfront costs (e.g. SHS) and is in direct competition with other partially subsidized energy options (e.g. kerosene). Typically, two business models are used:
1. Models in which the appliance is bought. This covers cash transactions or sales that have been "supported" by financing institutions or credit arrangements. This business model is most commonly used for smaller systems like solar lanterns and modest solar house systems, which are often the first steps on the energy ladder.
2. Models in which the appliance is leased or in which ownership is gradually transferred over time (lease-to-own). Customers receive assistance with upfront capital costs as well as maintenance and after-sales servicing over their repayment periods, which are typically three years or longer. When a payment is a past due, most systems have a feature that allows providers to remotely disable the system. These approaches have been used in institutional microfinance-based programs in Bangladesh and India, as well as in recent years in so-called "pay-as-you-go" (PAYG) models involving plug-and-play technologies provided by private enterprises and mobile money repayments.
In Eastern Africa, where mobile money payments are more commonly used, these newer PAYG models have seen significant growth. Customers have deeper and more solid ties with SHS thanks to leasing or a pay-as-you-go model, at least until ownership of the product is finally transferred to the client. In this context, PAYG models provide a way to better integrate take-back programs and operations, especially for customers who are upgrading to newer products at the conclusion of the payback period.
Furthermore, the corporations get access to damaged products and components, including batteries, that are funnelled to their warehouses throughout maintenance and warranty periods. This provides a fantastic chance to combine battery trash and e-waste pick-up service in more remote places. Aside from pay-as-you-go, the off-grid solar industry has created a wide range of sales and distribution channels, including retail shops and kiosks, local agents, non-governmental organizations, and collaborations with mobile phone companies. It is anticipated that such distribution partnerships account for up to 50% of sales, rather than traditional sales and distribution structures. These new distribution methods with greater customer interactions can help, at least in part, to overcome the challenges of building a waste battery and e-waste collection and recycling system in underdeveloped nations. This involves things like waste access, creating knowledge about the implications of poor waste management, developing hand-over incentives, and logistics for collecting waste in rural locations. The provision of batteries and equipment to rural areas poses logistical and financial obstacles for proper collection and recycling at the end of their useful lives. Batteries are vital for completing the energy transition and increasing global access to clean energy, particularly for off-grid residents in African countries. It's critical to make sure that the tremendous potential offered by batteries don't come at the expense of the world's most disadvantaged people. Access to information on first-life battery usage and end-of-life metrics could minimize the cost of repurposed batteries; therefore ambitious targets for battery acquisition must be set and obtained. The Energy Project Africa's (EPA) work has focused on facilitating the long-term scale-up of the battery value chain which can sustain the African communities and businesses' demand for off-grid energy.
The Energy Project Africa (EPA) is often involved directly in procuring components and delivering either lead-acid or lithium batteries for African communities and businesses' uses. This is accomplished with the affiliation of battery manufacturers for Africa use. The procurement is actualised with work by European and American manufacturers, Pylontech, which focuses on developing new lithium battery solutions, Schneider, Fullriver; Index-Exide; and Deka. Many African communities and businesses are hampered by insecure and unsustainable grid supplies, as well as excessive electricity prices. We are proud to be a Nigerian firm, and we aspire to construct a future in which the local energy storage sector becomes more cost-effective, innovative, and competitive; we also hope to develop products that help both the communities and businesses in Africa.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procurement of energy equipment, energy audit and feasibility solutions of mini-grid and solar farms. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Hello there again,
We trust this meets your business is doing well. One of the areas we have mostly received concerns from our new clients who are mostly just beginning their journey into switching to renewables is in the procurement of quality. It is usually this challenge that leads them to us in the first place. If you, like our new clients, have been wondering how to begin your transition to renewable energy, and also, if you will like to know how to get good, quality, clean energy products, then read on.

Before I continue, I would like to put it out there that Energy Projects Africa is your one-stop solution if you need a partner in helping your business procure the best energy products, tailored-specific to your business. We also run feasibility studies and analyses for your businesses to help you realize the best products that will enhance energy efficiency for your business while informing you about the best practices to facilitate a productive and less-cumbersome working environment.

Now, without further ado, what are the challenges in procuring quality energy products and how can you surmount them? Well, as I have mentioned above, the easiest way would be to partner with experts like us to help you deal with these challenges, while you focus on other intricate aspects of your business. However, perhaps, you’d like to have a knowledge of the process, or maybe you would even like to procure these energy materials yourself. If this is the case, you will still need the guidance of professionals like us. Not to worry, we got you.

It is true that every business and household needs energy to function, be more productive, and eventually be more profitable. The more economic energy is, the more businesses get to function, and the more the potential for profit increases.

It is due to this situation that experts have advised businesses and households to opt for renewable energy. Renewable energy not only ensures that business owners spend less than they will on conventional energy options, but they also get to optimize their energy use for more production. Given the situation of energy in Subsaharan Africa where 609 million people still do not have access to electricity, clean energy solutions make so much sense. Your businesses can thrive 50% more efficiently when clean energy is used as your main source of energy. Furthermore, it becomes more plausible and even productive when one considers clean energy options such as mini-grids as a source of energy for communities. Changing the narrative of the over 80% of Subsaharan Africans living in rural areas that do not have access to energy. Yet, the first step into this journey lies in getting quality, sturdy and reliable energy products.



CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN CLEAN ENERGY PROCUREMENT

GAINING APPROVAL FROM YOUR ORGANIZATION DECISION-MAKERS

The first challenge in procuring and securing quality clean energy materials or generating a clean energy procurement plan across your organization is in collecting the approval of every external and internal decision-maker in your company. The solution to this challenge would be to rationalize the benefits of your organization switching to renewable energy. Some of these benefits include:

Reducing the carbon emission level of your organization.
Although Africa is one of the lowest carbon-emitting areas in the world, contributing only 4% of CO2 emissions, every organization still has a responsibility to reduce the rate to as low as possible. What this means is that our environment will only be considered safe when there is little to no carbon emission.

In the 4th Chapter of Brooking’s Combating Climate Change, a report titled, Africa Can Play a Leading Role In The Fight Against Climate Change, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala writes:

“Research from the New Climate Economy shows that bold climate action could deliver at least $26 trillion in global economic benefits between now and 2030. It could also generate over 65 million new low-carbon jobs by 2030, a number equivalent to the combined workforces of the United Kingdom and Egypt today; avoid over 700,000 premature deaths from air pollution compared with business-as-usual, and generate an estimated $2.8 trillion in government revenues in 2030 through subsidy reform and carbon pricing alone.”


Your company, in the bid to adopt clean energy solutions, would be contributing to the global fight against climate change. This would not only give your business the credibility it needs, but it will make clients be endeared towards your businesses as people have a tendency to patronize businesses who show their concern for environmental and social issues. Also, getting in contact with investors will be easy in this situation, as more people feel comfortable investing in organizations they can trust.

Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuel and Diversify Energy Source.
As previously stated, energy is important to every business, and many business owners always pay attention to the source of their energy. In Africa, business owners rely on fossil fuels and mainstream sources. However, these sources not only harm the environment, but there are also grossly unreliable. It is for this reason that many parts of Africa do not have access to reliable energy, and the parts that do, pay a lot of money for it. Relying on renewable energy introduces your business to reliable and economic sources of energy. Depending on solar power or wind power easily exposes your businesses to long-lasting and durable power supply. So long as the sun stays in the sky or the wind hovers through, you will always have access to energy.

We can learn from the situation in Tanzania. Tanzania started a hybrid mini-grid project in 2008, making the country one of the earliest Sub-saharan countries to consider switching to renewable energy. By 2020, the country had 209 installed mini-grids that produced 2,371 MW of power, contributing to 15% of the country’s power options. Majority of the project were solar or solar hybrid minigrids.




Using Tanzania as a case-study, one easily realizes how adoption of clean energy, and the procurement of quality clean energy products can enhance productivity and also diversify energy solutions for your community and businesses.

MARKET COMPLEXITIES.
Many industries have unstable market structures, and if a business wishes to remain productive, then they are required to always put market changes into consideration when making decisions. While businesses within Africa have the option to choose their renewable energy generation providers, some other companies do not, depending on the policies in the political geographical regions they are located.

In situations where renewable energy is not available through the grid, as is in most parts of Africa, customers would have to provide their own clean energy source, either through rooftop solar system, a solar mini-grid, or a wind farm (The options are endless). Yet, customers might find it easier to rely on experts who have ample experiences in the procurement of these kind of facilities as these systems are quite too complex for individuals to site, permit and evaluate economically mainly because the regulation, costs and service charges of running these systems vary across states.

Also there is the need for ample feasibility to study to detect if you building is suitable enough for the kind of clean energy system you need, and if not, what kind of sustainable power generation will be suitable for your company. This is why Energy Project Africa has been considered as a reliable partner for many businesses across Africa in not only procuring their renewable energy needs, but also conducted useful feasibility analysis and ensuring our clients practice satisfactory energy efficient strategies.

As professionals, we put the market situation of our costumers into consideration when advising them the clean energy solutions that they should opt for. This is because we are well aware of the intricacies that comes to bear when dealing with markets in order to generate profit. Our goal is always to ensure that your energy needs are met and provide a platform that your business functions on an optimal level. Therefore, if you have problems with navigating your way through an unstable market and procuring your energy solutions at affordable prices, follow any or both of this two steps:

Ensure simplified, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-implement green energy contracts. This can be check-listed when you enlist the services of professionals in the field of clean energy. We can provide you with sturdy feasibility analysis so you do not have to worry about getting involved with ambiguous contracts.
Work with professionals who will always provide you with cost-effective options in clean energy procurement, so that you can always have strategies to choose from, irrespective of how unstable your market is. Energy Project Africa can help provide you with a wide range of renewable energy strategies that will make your clean energy procurement journey both easy and interesting.



Energy Projects Africa (EPA) is a forefront energy company located in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in procuring energy materials and feasibility studies. We also include the installation of solar mini and micro-grids, and other energy efficient solutions. Also, EPA provides energy products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for their daily project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the Nigerian and African Energy industry or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit www.energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Indeed, while access to energy in Sub-Saharan Africa is rising, with the region's population predicted to double from 1 billion in 2018 to over 2 billion in 2050, IMF experts predict that demand for electricity will rise by 3% yearly. Currently, the region's primary energy sources, coal, oil, and traditional biomass (wood, charcoal, and dry dung), are all linked to significant environmental and health consequences. Integrating and developing an energy mix that is mostly based on clean energy would support robust growth, low emissions, and environmentally friendly development all at the same time. Figure 1 shows that Africa's present energy mix is virtually completely made up of fossil fuels and biomass. Figure 1 has been updated to demonstrate that by 2050, Africa will be able to rely entirely on renewable energy without slowing down its progress.












Source: International Monetary Fund (2020)
Courtesy: Gregor and Mouhamadou
Africa's rapid economic growth poses a significant energy issue, which is compounded by growing expectations for more resilience and sustainability. One of the continent's most pressing development concerns is finding a long-term solution to fulfil rising energy demands. Africa has a wealth of renewable energy sources, including hydro, solar, wind, and others, and the time has come to guarantee that the proper energy mix is implemented. Decisions made today will have a long-term impact on the continent's energy economy. Renewable energy sources are becoming more popular in Africa, not just because of environmental concerns, but also because they are becoming more cost-effective. It is critical to continue to promote the development of contemporary clean energy in Africa.
Africa has made significant success in the development of its solar energy industry in recent years, with over 1.8W of new solar installations added to the continent, primarily due to five countries: Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, and Ghana. At the same time, Mr. Daniel-Alexander Schroth, the African Development Bank's (AfDB) Acting Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, oozes confidence that things are on the right track and that Africa's renewable energy is on the rise. Africa's renewable energy solutions have shown to be economically viable in recent years, thanks to substantial technological advancements. Between 2010 and 2019, the cost of power generated by utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PV) decreased by 82 per cent.
As a result, Africa's renewable energy mix has increasingly changed away from traditional hydropower and thermal facilities, in order to increase energy access and support long-term economic growth. For example, with the help of solar power farm stations, more than a third of Morocco's electricity is already renewable. According to a report by the International Energy Agency renewable energy will make up almost half of sub-Saharan Africa’s power generation growth by 2040. The report, which is the IEA's first significant analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa, looked at the region's potential to offer energy to the region's estimated 620 million people who currently do not have access to electricity. Since 2000, the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa has been quickly increasing, and over the following 26 years, the continent will begin to unlock its "huge renewable energy resources," with solar energy leading the way. Only 10% of sub-Saharan Africa's hydropower potential is currently being utilized, according to the research. Furthermore, much of Africa has "great solar" potential, while coastal areas have wind energy potential.
Solar photovoltaics will power two-thirds of mini-grid and off-grid systems in rural regions by 2040. As technological costs fall, renewable energy systems become more appealing than diesel generators, especially when financing is available to cover the greater upfront cost. There are several things that can be done to help Africa's energy sector flourish even further. A $450 billion investment in the region's power industry, more regional collaboration on energy audits, feasibility studies, and energy projects, and improved resource and energy-based revenue management are among them. If investors and African governments take all of these proposals seriously, the region's GDP might grow by 30% by 2040.
Most African countries would benefit greatly in the long run by investing in a sustainable energy audit and feasibility assessment, avoiding the looming economic challenges that wealthy countries are already confronting. While numerous projects are presently ongoing to expand and link existing grid networks, there are just too many issues to make this a viable choice for the vast majority of individuals and businesses in Africa. The only viable approach to address the electrification needs of communities and businesses is distributed generation using renewable energy technology. In Africa, there is a push for energy decentralization, with many countries considering solar power farms and small grids as options. However, to effectively actualize this, there is need for energy auditing and feasibility study.
Although solar power technology has the ability to give electricity to vast populations and has been utilized to generate power on a big scale in industrialized countries, its greatest promise in Africa may be to deliver power to communities and businesses to assist with day-to-day needs. The 8.5MW plant at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in the Rwamagana District of Rwanda's Eastern Province is the first utility-scale solar farm in Sub-Saharan Africa. It leased 20 hectares (49 acres) of property from a charity community in Rwanda to house and educate genocide survivors. The plant employs 28,360 photovoltaic panels and generates 6% of the country's total electricity.
The photovoltaic 250 kW Kigali Solaire station in Rwanda is one example of a modest grid-connected solar power plant in Africa. Several projects have been created under the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program, including the 96MW(DC) Jasper Solar Energy Project, the 75MW(DC) Lesedi PV Project, and the 75MW(DC) Letsatsi PV Project.
Solar energy is used to power health care facilities in Gambia and Sierra Leone, providing a consistent source of electricity for lighting, diagnostic tests, therapies, and water pumping. There are plans to create solar farms in the North African deserts to bring electricity to Europe. Renewable energy will be generated in the Sahara desert and distributed via a high-voltage infrastructure for export to Europe and local use in North Africa. Efforts are underway to offer up to 15% of continental Europe's electricity.
Nigeria's energy needs are growing, and the country's growing population is not fully accounted for in the energy development plan. The current urban-centred energy policy is regrettable, as rural and sub-rural energy demand and supply are not prioritized in the country's energy development strategy. People in rural regions rely on wood and traditional biomass for their energy needs, which results in significant deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution, contributing to global warming and environmental issues. The main goal has been to provide energy to cities and diverse industrialized areas, despite the fact that many businesses rely too much on fossil fuels to be productive, resulting in an energy imbalance in the country's socioeconomic and political landscapes. When the current and ever-increasing population is compared to the overall capacity of the available power stations, it becomes clear that Nigeria is unable to supply the people's energy needs. Numerous areas still lack access to electricity, and the environment is contaminated as a result of the widespread use of diesel and gasoline to power many enterprises.
Nigeria could benefit from focused initiatives that lower local air pollution while also assisting the country in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are a number of aspects that must be studied and addressed as the country transitions to a sustainable energy future. Energy audits, feasibility studies, complete exploitation and promotion of clean energy resources, energy efficiency techniques, and the implementation of energy conservation measures in diverse sectors such as communities, industrial, residential, and office buildings are just a few examples.
Energy auditing has significant societal benefits, such as lower energy expenses for low-income homes. Implementing the country's renewable energy target will incur significant costs from an economic standpoint, but these can be partially offset by selling carbon credits in accordance with the rules of the 'Clean Development Mechanism,' which were agreed upon ten years ago and will result in indirect health benefits. Nigeria is blessed with rich renewable energy resources, such as solar, and it is imperative that these resources be used in order to create a new energy future for the country. The government has a responsibility in this regard to make renewable energy accessible and cheap to all.
Renewable energy will play a critical part in satisfying Nigeria's future energy needs in businesses and communities. Renewable energy production and usage should be prioritized, especially in view of greater awareness of the negative environmental implications of fossil-fueled generating. The world's demand for renewable energy is steadily expanding. Renewable energy must be widely used in order for the energy sector to be sustainable.
The greatest strategy to enhance the engagement of Nigerian proponents of clean energy for a clean environment is to invest in clean energy infrastructure. Clean energy investment refers to money put into a system for supplying and using energy that has minimum negative environmental and social implications. Investment in clean energy systems is the most cost-effective and efficient way to achieve a cleaner environment and, as a result, successful participation in the global carbon market.
The Energy Project Africa focuses on energy auditing and feasibility studies to create opportunities for energy conservation in Nigeria's various sectors, including office buildings and residential areas, manufacturing industries, transportation, electricity generation and distribution, and electrification equipment and appliances that ensure energy efficiency (EPA). The EPA has also made possible the different places where energy savings might be accomplished. Within the EPA's potential to actualize clean energy, several guidelines and initiatives are accessible. If the recommendations and actions are carefully followed, significant energy savings will be achieved in the community and among enterprises.
Conclusion
Africa is attempting to make an egalitarian and climate-friendly energy transition from fossil fuel dependence to inexpensive, reliable, and sustainable green energy while keeping the lights on at home and in companies. Meeting this challenge in Africa as a whole is extremely pressing. The continent's economic future and the lives of millions of people are at stake. Three things are required in Nigeria by 2030 to ensure that every home and business has access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy: energy auditing, feasibility studies, and funding to exponentially boost green energy growth. As a result, the energy supply mix must be varied by constructing adequate infrastructure and raising public awareness about the importance of promoting and developing the country's enormous clean energy resources as well as enhancing sustainable energy.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in an energy audit and feasibility solutions, mini-grid and solar farm, strategy advisory. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Keywords: Energy Growth, Clean energy, Africa Solar Power, Nigeria Energy Needs, Energy Audit, Feasibility Study.

Change brings with it a plethora of opportunities for doing things completely differently and for policymakers and entrepreneurs to explore alternative fuel sources. LPG is one such alternative. LPG is a low-carbon, renewable combustion fuel that emits almost no black carbon and does not spill. Its use improves air quality, reduces GHG emissions, and protects the environment. It is utilized in transportation, the business sector, industry, agriculture, heating and cooking at home, and recreation. LPG may now be made available to anyone, anywhere, without requiring considerable infrastructure expenditure. Locally generated LPG is delivered by NLNG and stored at ports, primarily in Apapa, Lagos. In addition, imported LPG is kept in those ports (also referred to as depot). Wholesales then buy LPG from these depots and deliver it to the gas plants. The size of the gas plants varies, and this size decides whether they will exclusively service end customers or LPG retail outlets. The downstream sector is responsible for delivering gas to end customers. There are various aspects of the LPG industry in Nigeria. Depots, LPG wholesalers, and LPG retailers are examples of these. Cooking, transportation, heating homes, industries, LPG, flexibility, energy security, and low emissions are among the compelling economic, social, and environmental grounds for increased LPG adoption as part of the global energy shift.
STORAGE TERMINALS
The government strategy that ended the monopoly in the LPG storage terminal industry has resulted in an increase in the number of storage terminals. The value chain impact is still present; a rise in LPG demand will result in an expansion in supply infrastructure, including storage terminals. The Federal Government of Nigeria announced the LPG expansion program in 2019, with the goal of transitioning automobiles from their reliance on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel to LPG. Another example of a favourable government policy is the elimination of VAT on LPG, which was intended to boost the product's affordability. The storage terminals are mostly located in Lagos State, with additional located in Delta, Rivers and Cross-River. These include NIPCO, Navgas, Matrix Energy, Prudent Energy and Services Limited, Stockgap, Dozzy group, 11 PLC and Kwale Hydro Plc. The Kwale Hydro Plc is the newest LPG storage depot among them. As a result, the majority of LPG entering Nigeria passes through Lagos State. According to a report, if the Port Harcourt and Calabar ports are fully operational, LPG trucking costs across the country might be lowered by up to 25%. The influence of the status quo may be observed in the fact that LPG prices in the South-South area are the highest in Nigeria. The prospective gaspreneur who wants to start an LPG depot business must set up a control room, quality control, a terminal, a tank farm, a truck loading farm, supply and distribution, a truck parking space, and a firefighting system. The following are some tips for setting up a terminal:
Control Room
The depot should be totally automated and built with as little human participation as possible. A network of flow meters should control the flow process, which includes the discharge from the vessel into the storage tanks, the loading of the tankers (which is done concurrently), the weight, and the volume disposed of.
Quality Control
To ensure safety, a laboratory facility for analyzing Flash Point, Density, Temperature, Viscosity, and other parameters should be available. This is required to ensure compliance with the NNPC/DPR-approved standard.
Tank Farm
The tank farm's cumulative capacity should be sufficient to store enough LPG to meet rising demand.
Truck Loading Farm
To avoid congestion and unnecessary delays, there should be a large enough space to accommodate numerous trucks that intend to load LPG at the same time.
Supply & Distribution
To respond quickly and efficiently to a wide range of consumer requests, efficient logistics and powerful distribution assets should be put in place.
Fire Fighting System
There should be a firefighting system that is promptly ready to put out a sudden fire.










LPG WHOLESALES BUSINESS
Ambitious entrepreneurs can apply to become super dealers for a large LPG marketing firm, which will collaborate with them in the sale of LPG cookers, fittings, and site installation in a specific zone. The terminal (Depot) will supply wholesalers with full gas cylinders in bulk at a reasonable wholesale price, which they will then sell at a reasonable profit margin and elect to sell at retail to double their profit. The company is at a competitive disadvantage as an emerging liquefied petroleum gas wholesale business startup since the company brand is just beginning to create an identity in the marketplace.
Unless you are really committed to the idea of a startup, you can avoid the time required to build a brand identification by purchasing a business with an established brand. As a startup, your best bet is to gradually build brand awareness over months and years. An LPG wholesale business acquisition, on the other hand, can place one at the helm of a brand that is already well-known in the target market.







If the feasibility assessment of the region is carried up by a specialist in the LPG rather than going it alone, the chances of becoming a successful entrepreneur are increased. If you're thinking about beginning a liquefied petroleum gas wholesale business, it's a good idea to see if there are any suitable franchise possibilities available that could help you get started faster. As a super dealer, you must ensure that you have enough complete gas cylinder stock at all times to meet client orders immediately. To ensure effective supply, at least one supply truck should be present. The basic truth is that the initial money required to establish an LPG wholesale distribution firm is substantial. However, with an excellent business plan and feasibility study, it is much easier to secure the assistance of both investors and financial institutions.
LPG RETAIL BUSINESS
The usage of liquefied petroleum gas is becoming increasingly essential in Nigeria, particularly now that the government is advocating for the use of Autogas. Previously, LPG was only used in the kitchen and for other large-scale industrial applications. There is a desperate demand for it right now. There is a money-making potential in this entire situation, and you cannot afford to pass it up. If you've ever considered establishing a retail business, you should give it a go today, at least on a modest scale. This is due not just to the fact that everyone cooks, but also to the fact that next-generation automobiles are built to use it.
As a retailer dealing in the sale of LPG in a certain location, you have a better chance of reaching more customers because services are closer to end consumers, making you the best alternative for them when it comes to proximity to the Gas market. In essence, the retailer serves as a profitable link between a huge gas plant and its buyers. Before starting a business as a retailer, it is necessary to go through training to at least obtain the fundamental safety precautions. Some of the topics covered include, but are not limited to, how to detect and repair leaks in gas cylinders, how to weigh cylinders of various sizes using a scale, how to properly refill gas cylinders such as 3kg, 12.5kg, 6kg, 13kg, 5kg, 50kg, and 25kg, and how to charge for prices of any custom quantity that customers may request. The Retail sub-division is rapidly extending its reach and client base across the country, with the objective of being the preferred market leader in delivering refined petroleum products to consumers across the country.
The safety recommendations gained during training days will aid in the selection of a safe location for business. Because gas can cause environmental risks, launching in a cool, dry location with strong demand is critical. Training will aid in the accurate measurement of gases in tons, kilos, or litres. LPG purchased for resale is stored in tanks or 50kg cylinders before being sold in smaller quantities to customers who keep it in 12.5kg, 6kg, or 3kg cylinders.
A typical LPG retail business may incur expenses such as funding to establish a new business, renting a shop, and purchasing operational materials such as tanks, cylinders, scales, transfer hoses, and other tools. A significant sum of money will be required to purchase the product (gas) and transfer it directly to the retail business. In any case, the typical cost of beginning a retail LPG distribution business is between 290,000 and 390,000 NGN. Some people may be put off by the prospect of starting a gas refilling business because someone they know has failed miserably. People are smiling to the bank functioning as LPG Suppliers, despite the fact that it may be depressing.
Locating business closer to customers and then increasing the advertising budget will help solve the issue. Whether they realize it or not, the majority of Nigerians in metropolitan areas (if not all) use LPG to cook. That number is steadily increasing, and now is your time to profit. All you have to do is do a market study (research) to find out when LPG is in great demand, who or what class of individuals requests it, and where they are concentrated. The information you've gathered thus far will help you choose a profitable site, one that will provide you with a constant market for gas and its accessories. In reality, it is preferable to locate in a virgin place with a good level of daily demand and then utilize advertising to fill in any gaps. Advertising is never-ending and never-ending. Some clients have yet to form a strong bond with any LPG provider. It is your responsibility to approach them with enticing offers such as first-time purchase discounts or an offer to pick up their cylinders, refill them, and return them to them. The working class would fall for it, and you'd be laughing all the way to the bank.











Conclusion
There is money to be made in the gas distribution business in Nigeria right now, this advantage can be taken with a little hard work. It all entails learning the ropes of the business, getting the help of specialists, conducting research and analysis, securing funding, and conducting feasibility studies. Most aspiring gaspreneurs are intimidated by the prospect of obtaining an LPG feasibility study and quality equipment. A solid LPG feasibility study acts as a reality check, comparing your business instincts to those of your competitors. The backend of business planning requirements is a feasibility analysis of the LPG company strategy while procuring quality LPG equipment retains your confidence about safety and efficiency.
In most cases, tracking tools are incorporated into the company's launch plan in order to run a successful LPG business. It is a wise decision to learn as much as possible from a respected company that has created a landmark in the industry as part of due diligence on launching an LPG depot, wholesale, and retail business. You're being overconfident if you believe your local competitors will provide you with technical advice. Why would they want to educate a competitor in the future? As long as they do not perceive a competitive danger, an owner of an LPG business in another town, city, state, or country may be more than pleased to provide thorough advice.
KiakiaGas Limited is a leading Gas business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in LPG retailing, New Gas Market development, Building of Gas Plants and Gas strategy advisory. Supply by KiakiaGas provides LPG products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the Nigerian and African Gas space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit www.kiakiagas.com to learn more.

Africa now has more than one-sixth of the world's population, but it produces only 4% of the world's electricity. Three-quarters of the continent's energy use is accounted for by South Africa and the countries north of the Sahara. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA, 2019) about 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity, and 780 million rely on conventional solid biomass (mostly fuel wood and agricultural waste) for cooking. Rural areas are home to about 80% of persons without access to electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa has a lot of wind, sun, hydropower, and even geothermal resources, thus it has a lot of potential for renewable energy deployment and investment.Improving access to power across the continent is a key goal of both the African Union's Agenda 2063 and practically all African governments' national development plans. Clean energy technologies will play a critical role in accomplishing these goals.














High-yield investment options for clean energy in Africa are being aggressively investigated, in line with the 2030 goal to energize and "light up" Africa. The African energy market landscape provides numerous potential for investments and collaboration in clean energy generation technologies, as well as energy efficiency, transmission networks, and diverse distribution methods. According to the African Development Bank's (AfDB) new energy contract for Africa, increasing sustainable generation capacity by 2030 will require between €39 and €62 billion in annual financing, largely for renewable generation. Strengthening grids and connecting new customers through mini grids and solar farms that provide further investment opportunities.











Opportunity in Mini Grid Investment
Mini grids have been identified as an important platform in Africa for addressing critical electrification shortages. It expands access to electricity for underserved populations through clean energy mini-grid solutions. Beyond trial programs, African governments suffering severe shortages, particularly for their off-grid people, are also focusing on developing successful small grid ecosystems. Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and Ghana are just a few of the nations that have structures and regulations in place to expand electricity access through small grids. Foundations, donors, and organizations are increasing their financial support for minigrids as the goal of universal energy access by 2030 approaches.
Mini-grids could provide a cost-effective option for providing energy to around 7 million households who do not have consistent connectivity to the grid. With a functional mini-grid regulatory environment and relatively high rural power demand, the country is reasonably progressed in its mini-grid development. The World Bank forecasts that cumulative investment in mini-grids might exceed $10 billion by 2030, but actions to release debt finance, particularly in local currency, are required to scale nationally.
Africa has the greatest number of proposed minigrids. According to World Bank data, over 4,000 small grids are currently being planned. Senegal and Nigeria are the two major markets for proposed small grids in Africa, accounting for approximately 2,000 of the 4,000 planned mini grids in Africa. However, Congo has a significant unelectrified population that may be supplied by mini-grids, with a possible investment of $12.5 billion reaching around 8 million African households.
Solar Farms Investment in Africa
Solar farms, also known as solar power stations, are large-scale installations of solar panels. The concept of community solar has grown in popularity in recent years as more people have realized that they may go solar without installing solar panels on their own physical roof. A communal solar farm, often known as a "solar garden" or "roofless solar," is a farm where the electricity is shared by more than one household. A community solar array is often a huge ground mount installation that spans one or more acres.
These solar gardens resemble utility-scale solar farms in appearance, but they are typically smaller in size. Customers can either buy a share of a solar garden or own that portion of the overall array, or they can lease energy from the solar system and, in effect, replace their monthly utility payments with monthly community solar payments, which are typically lower in price. Because they are decentralized solar power applications, they differ from typical residential and business systems. While generating light from micro grids is an useful way to create electricity in remote regions, renewable mini grids have lately become inefficient if the energy sourced from the tiny grids power system is not audited. Users of renewable mini grids are looking for a cost-effective approach to stop or decrease energy waste.
Several impediments lie in the way of rapid growth of electricity access in Sub-Saharan Africa, and power providers across the continent confront financial shortfalls. Investment in high volume generating and transmission infrastructure continues to be lower than in any other region, owing to increased risks and reliance on ad hoc, fragmented solutions. In most African countries, the power distribution sector is still dysfunctional. A framework for an integrated distribution system that takes a comprehensive and long-term (permanent) approach to energy delivery provides a solution to energy difficulties. Such a framework would aid in the development of mini grids and farm solar that are capable of attracting critical investments through private engagement in clean energy distribution. Investment in renewable energy is especially critical in the last mile of serving African businesses and communities maintaining and accelerating progress demands a strong commitment to mini grids and solar farm. Integrated mini grids and solar farm distribution is a complete, progressive strategy to electrification that combines diverse delivery mechanisms while also capitalizing on digitalization trends where applicable. In addition to the construction of new connections through the main grid, the off-grid sector can provide cost-effective options for access, such as mini-grids and independent and lighting-only energy systems.













Despite well-known obstacles, energy efficiency has enormous potential to relieve stress on the environment. A dichotomy of the African energy dilemma is that in many locations, the scarcity and high cost of energy supply correlate with inefficient, wasteful energy use due to typically antiquated, inefficient gear and equipment. Energy efficiency frequently lacks the attention it requires to channel expenditures. Various investment barriers and negative market characteristics, such as a lack of awareness and market incentives, prevent potentially and commercially viable energy efficiency initiatives from being realized. However, this depends on the services; nevertheless, saving little amounts of energy over time can result in greater energy savings and lower environmental emissions.
Investment in Energy Audit
Energy audits can detect an energy use and expenses, and it can evolve over time to develop strategies to minimize waste, increase efficiency, and optimize supply energy. Why do Businesses and communities in Africa prefer to pay for energy they do not use? Return on Investment (ROI) in the energy audit is highly promising because this is a high yielding investment which has not been widely detected and involved in by the energy providers in Africa.










As the cost of investing in clean energy projects becomes more economically viable than that of investing in fossil fuel projects and the need to transition becomes more pressing, development finance institutions, international banks, government agencies, and private sector entities are putting more money into the clean energy pool. The World Bank unveiled a new $465 million fund to boost sustainable energy integration in West Africa. It has also authorized $168 million in funding for Burkina Faso's initiatives to enhance rural access to electricity and promote the country's transition to clean energy. From Europe, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has also approved $95 million for funding geothermal energy projects in East Africa.













The solution
Energy Project Africa (EPA) engages in energy audit operation in mini and micro grids in Africa communities and its business environment. EPA is improving the efficiency of energy services delivered through a variety of technologies and business models, also including energy feasibility solution. The EPA energy auditing system is 85 per cent efficient, with 85 per cent less manpower, than standard solar power systems. Once operational, it runs in parallel with existing mini grids solar system. Businesses and African communities where mini grids are provided benefit from energy auditing. Doing so saves 70 to 80 per cent on power wastage, locks in a fixed solar power price. At the core of the system is an energy efficient monitor that aids the auditing of energy to avoid energy wastage and performed to the full maximum capacity.
EPA energy auditing system allows flexible contract lengths in African countries. It has the potential to become a significant player in the emerging energy sector, generating healthy financial returns, real social benefits for the communities in which they do business. Initializing the energy audit saves USD 350 million in clean energy investment in African countries, reduce power costs by USD 64 million a year and give access to sustainable energy to millions of people in remote communities. In addition, EPA formally launched its energy audit in solar farm equity investment offering to qualified investors. EPA provides investors with an attractive yield, combined with a significant sustainable development impact in selected African countries and other fast-growing markets.

Energy Project Africa is a leading renewable energy business in Lagos, Nigeria with expertise in energy audit and feasibility solutions, of mini grid and solar farm, strategy advisory. Supply by EPA provides solar products and equipment for corporate and institutional clients for the project and operational needs. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the renewable energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit Mail hello@energy-projects.africa to learn more.

Production is the bane of any business. For a business to exist, it is required to be involved in the process of producing. In practical language, production is the process of turning raw materials into finished goods (or services) for consumption. Yet, to produce effectively, one needs energy. It is impossible to turn raw materials into any form of finished goods without making use of energy. Therefore, there has been a lot of focus on the energy sector throughout industrial history.

A community’s economic growth depends largely on its effectiveness in production. Increased production leads to economic growth as measured by the Gross Domestic Product, otherwise known as GDP. Production depends on energy use. Hence, focusing on generating energy will lead to effective business processes which will, in turn, lead to economic growth.

Energy adoption is closely related to the Industrial revolution of the 18th century, as this is the time in history that production began. Coal, and later, oil was used to power complex engines and power plants. However, these fossil fuels were realized to cause harm to the environment, and consequently to people. Also, fossil fuels as energy sources are not sustainable.

The use of clean energy such as solar, wind, and bioenergy not only comes with a wide range of energy sources, it also reduces air and ocean pollution. What is more is that clean energy is sustainable, making it a more durable option than fossil fuels.

Energy efficiency in Africa is low, and the numbers keep decreasing by the day. It is estimated that 600 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity. It is true that Nigeria has a rapid-growing economy, In a report, the World Bank cited that Nigeria’s economy will hit a 2.5% growth. Despite this growth, Nigeria suffers a power supply crisis. The 48 sub-Saharan countries of Africa have an installed power capacity of 68 gigawatts. As little as this capacity is, a quarter of this energy is unavailable. Energy projects in Africa are in high demand. The unavailability of energy in Africa hinders industrialization and stalls businesses.

To solve the dire lack of energy situation in Africa, minigrids in Africa are important. The United Nations defines minigrids as:

“A minigrid is a set of small-scale electricity generators interconnected to a distribution network that supplies electricity to a small, localized group of customers. It usually operates independently from the national transmission grid.”


The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP, 2019) stated that to solve the issue of energy crises, 210,000 minigrids consisting mostly of solar hybrids and connecting 490 million people will be necessary by 2030. It is estimated that 180,000 of these minigrids should be constructed in Africa. More minigrids in Africa are needed, desperately. This will significantly improve energy efficiency in Africa.

Solar project feasibility in Africa has shown the large potentials of clean energy in the continent. For instance, in June 2020, the World Bank published a report titled ‘‘Global photovoltaic power potential by country’ which illustrated the wide gap between Africa’s installed capacity and its potential for solar power. According to the report, the average daily solar power potential in most countries is 3.0–5.0kWh/kWp. However, countries in sub Saharan Africa have the potential of up to 4.5kWh/kWp.

It is based on this assessment that Energy Project Africa (EPA), a brand new energy company located in Lagos, Nigeria, seeks to provide solutions to the energy crises in Africa by enhancing procurement and facilitating the construction of energy projects such as building mingrids in Africa to utilize the solar potentiality within the continent. Also, EPA conducts viable feasibility and research for energy projects across the continent and recommends best practices for energy efficiency adaptable to the African user. These practices include but are not limited to electrical projects, lighting and thermal insulation.
The need for these services is obvious because as one observes across the continent, it becomes obvious that the core of the energy crises is located in West and East Africa.

The size of the circles reflects installed energy capacity while the intensity of the color reflects solar potential. Source: World Bank. 2018.
In this regard, Energy Project Africa (EPA) is also gearing to being one of the most reliable solar equipment suppliers in Africa, facilitating a healthy business environment by leading in the procurement of solar and energy efficiency supplies and equipments in the new energy sector.

Commercial and residential customers are starting to realize the alternative advantage of the energy source that solar power provides. This is not only because natural gas and oil prices remain unrealistic, but that people are beginning to become aware of the harm fossil fuels cause. The unpredictable economy has also made proper, prior technical consultation and feasibiltiy a must for corporate and municipal clients seeking to embark on energy projects. Energy Projects Africa is set to be the most reliable provider/partner source for solar and clean energy feasibility in Africa.
Our unique approach to project feasibility is to provide market psychographics as well as quantitative data towards a more holistic feasibility solution. These psychographics include competitive rate, speed, expertise and geographical spread. We have observed that consumers need more than lighting from their solar system and we are continually carrying out studies based on their unique psychological and cognitive attributes.
The large magnitude of solar energy available in Africa not only makes it a highly appealing source of electricity, but a durable one as well. As a company, we offer full EPC for solar mini and microgrids (from 10 to 50kilowatts) in Africa to provide energy at municipal and commercial levels. As experts in technical aid, we also provide technical consultations to businesses that venture in solar energy on the professional ethics and methods of installation for easy and quick assimilation of energy from the sun. We are on a mission to achieve Geographic Spread across African countries. EPA offers benefits that include quick deployment to site and turnaround time, good rates, wide coverage and skilled team, making us one of the most reliable solar equipment supplier in Africa.
Due to the fact that client satisfaction is important to us, we meet and communicate with our customers who need our services such as solar equipment procurement, feasibility processes and/or energy audit through the company website, social platforms and emails. This is because the rise in health concerns about noise pollution, along with the expansion of the construction sector, and the benefits of energy efficiency in Africa have all raised consumer interest in our products and services.
One of the services in which our clients enjoy premium performances is in Acoustic insulation. Acoustic insulation has a number of benefits, including reducing external disruptions generated by neighbors, traffic, and other activities. Aside from acoustic comfort, acoustic insulation materials have other advantages. Examples of these advantages are improved fire and thermal resistance, as well as lower energy usage. They also aid in the reduction of reverberations and the preservation of a perfect acoustic environment in specialized professional locations such as city buildings. The acoustic insulation industry is being driven by the rising standard of living and infrastructural operations in buildings in both developed and developing countries. Increased energy consumption is a result of rapid economic growth. The desire for comfort is increasing as the middle-class population grows, resulting in a significant need for acoustic insulation materials.
This is not just about acoustic insulation; it's also about its effectiveness. Many companies sell acoustic insulation without thinking about how reliable, cost-effective, and long-lasting it is. EPA offers acoustic insulations that are good, affordable, reliable, and durable. We provide business insulation retrofits, acoustic solutions, and thermal efficiency solutions that other acoustic insulation firms have overlooked.
We also offer the best efficient prompt acoustic insulations at an affordable price. Our experts in acoustic insulation are readily available to offer technical advice that will ensure derivation of maximum satisfaction. Location is not a barrier as we cut across major cities. And new developments in Africa.

Furthermore, there has been a spike in requests in credible energy audits and feasibility research in Africa. This is as a result of many African users who do not get the best out of expensively invested energy projects. Energy audits in Africa, especially in communities that experience problems with energy efficiency, is an important process as it efficiently reduces your energy consumption and pollutant emission. People are always aiming to make the best out of their energy in the shortest amount of time. However, this depends on the services; nevertheless, saving little amounts of energy over time can result in greater energy savings and lower environmental emissions. Energy audits in Africa can detect energy use and expenses, and it can evolve over time to develop strategies to minimize waste, increase efficiency, and optimize supply energy. Why do you prefer to pay for energy you do not use? Why waste energy when you can save it for future use? How sure are you that your appliances have not been consuming more than is required? Energy Project Africa (EPA) saves you from the problem of wasting energy by auditing your energy use through power generation, electrical, insulation, energy management products, products partnership and technical support partnerships.

Our service speaks and advertises us in terms of best quality, actionable work and recommendations at affordable rates. We have been able to provide benefits of actionable work, recommendations, and real savings achieved at affordable rates. Also, an area in which clients, after consulting with us, get to save a lot of their money for high optimum performance is in energy sourcing.

When it comes to energy sourcing, it is essential to look for a provider who offers competitive pricing and a solution that is tailored to your individual needs. Depending on the industry, many firms have specific energy usage requirements, and partnering with the correct supplier assures improved efficiency. Energy Project Africa (EPA) procurement services are designed to support your equipment needs in power generation, electrical, insulation and energy management projects, through product and technical support partnerships.

EPA provides best quality services, technical specifications and support to medium and large organizations, industries and manufacturers in African major cities, commercial and industrial hubs. These services have been offered to procurement arms of major companies in Africa through on demand delivery, technical support and a wide range of products at affordable rates.

Energy Project Africa is a new energy company located in Lagos, Nigeria with the professional know-how in solar energy procurement, including but not limited to building of solar plants and mini or/and microgrids, feasibility processes, energy auditing that enhances energy efficiency, and electrical and lighting arrangements for excellent business comfort. If you need a partner with hands-on local expertise in the African clean energy space or any of our bespoke solutions/services, kindly visit www.energy-project.africa to learn more.