By Juliet Umeh
In the wake of Nigeria’s electricity grid failures, which caused widespread disruptions across the country, digital TV service provider StarTimes is positioning itself as a key player in mitigating the impact of such outages.
The company’s latest suite of solar energy products aims to provide Nigerians with reliable, cost-effective alternatives to conventional electricity sources.
Rather than just a response to current crises, StarTimes’ solar initiatives reflect a long-standing commitment to sustainable energy.
Since 2013, the company has been involved in bringing solar solutions to underserved rural communities, initially to support its pay TV services. Today, however, these efforts have evolved into a broad-based solar energy offering that caters to both residential and commercial needs.
According to Dele Ameh, National Sales Director for StarTimes, the company’s entry into the solar market was driven by necessity: “We discovered that many of the communities we serve lacked consistent access to electricity, which made it difficult for people to enjoy our digital TV services. So, we began developing solar solutions to power homes and give people the chance to access digital life, even in off-grid areas.”
The demand for solar energy in Nigeria has grown rapidly, particularly after the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, which has led to higher energy costs for both businesses and households. StarTimes has responded by expanding its product range to include more powerful and versatile solar systems that can serve a variety of needs, from small households to large industrial facilities.
StarTimes’ product lineup now includes four main categories: *Solar Home Systems (SHS) – Small, affordable units designed for households, ranging from 35 watts to 350 watts.
*Energy Storage Systems (ESS) – Larger setups designed for businesses and bigger households, ranging from 1 kilowatt to 60 kilowatts.
*Mini Grid Systems (MGS) – Ideal for rural areas without electricity infrastructure, providing comprehensive electrification solutions.
*Mega Photovoltaic Systems (MPS) – High-capacity systems capable of powering large industrial facilities, hotels, and hospitals.
In addition to its diverse product range, StarTimes is making solar energy accessible to a wider audience through flexible payment plans. By partnering with financial institutions such as Wema Bank and Access Bank, as well as local cooperative societies, the company has ensured that both individuals and businesses can afford its solar products.
Amen said: “What sets us apart is not just our product range, but our extensive reach. We have the infrastructure in place to offer both sales and after-sales support across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria, ensuring swift delivery and response times.”
As Nigeria grapples with a strained power grid and rising energy costs, StarTimes’ solar offerings stand out as a timely solution, providing both households and businesses with a reliable, scalable, and sustainable power source.
