Auxano Solar, a Nigerian renewable energy provider, has significantly increased its solar panel manufacturing capacity from 10 megawatts (MW) to 110 MW. The company recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art 100MW automated Solar PV manufacturing plant in Lagos on September 28, 2023, making it the largest facility of its kind in Nigeria.
Prior to this expansion, Auxano operated a 10MW solar panel manufacturing plant in Lagos, becoming the first privately owned facility of its kind in the country. In 2020, Auxano secured a $1.5 million expansion deal with All On, an investment company established by Shell, a major European energy company, with the aim of increasing its manufacturing capacity to 110MW. In 2022, All On further supported Auxano with a $500,000 facility.
By entering the solar panel manufacturing sector, Auxano is moving up the value chain compared to many renewable energy providers who primarily distribute and maintain solar products. Their target customer base includes both formal entities such as solar firms involved in mini-grids, commercial, and industrial solar solutions, as well as informal sector participants like solar panel importers for resale.
A 100MW solar panel manufacturing plant translates to approximately 333,334 solar panels, assuming each panel has a capacity of around 300 watts under ideal conditions.
While Nigeria lacks grid-scale renewable energy facilities, it boasts a substantial decentralized renewable energy sector. The country has established a strong presence in decentralized renewable energy, including pico-solar appliances, solar home systems, and commercial and industrial standalone systems. This sector is growing rapidly and is providing clean and affordable energy, particularly to remote rural communities.
Auxano’s expansion positions them to tap into this growing market and cater to a significant portion of the 85 million Nigerians without access to grid-connected electricity. Their goal is to penetrate the Nigerian market thoroughly before considering exportation to neighboring countries.
Chuks Umezulora, Co-founder and CEO of Auxano emphasized their commitment to providing affordable solar systems to eradicate electricity access challenges in Nigeria. This new facility is just one of many planned to achieve this objective.
