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Due to the ever increasing oil prices, global awareness on climate change, reducing in carbon footprint and the goal of making electricity affordable to every household, solar electricity has experienced very significant development in recent years. This is in line with the vision of establishing the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD), University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It encompasses building a functional, globally comparable and competitive centre for energy research and development in renewable and alternative energy technologies, geared towards responses to the challenges of energy and economic needs of our nation. NCERD has been in the forefront in research, development, dissemination and training in the various areas of renewable and sustainable energy resources such solar, biomass, wind, hydro and coal etc. Consequently, the Research Centre, through the efforts of the Federal Government, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation and the Energy Commission of Nigeria, deemed it necessary to delve into the assembly of solar modules as part of its renewable energy development. The 10 MW semi-automated solar Module Assembly Pilot Plant Project is already in progress at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria Nsukka.

The Federal government is committed to making funds available for the mass production of the solar PV modules. This is part of the National Energy Master Plan and National Energy Policy which has been inaugurated at Abuja to provide solution to energy crises being encountered in the country. Similar projects are to be replicated at other Centres of the Energy Commission (ECN) nationwide namely; Benin, Ilorin, Lagos, Bauchi and Sokoto to cut across the six Geopolitical Zones.

This facility, when fully completed and commissioned, will economically create numerous job opportunities for the local community, contributing significantly to the economic development of Enugu and Nigeria at large. It will provide training and skill development for the youth and the entire workforce, ensuring that we have the expertise needed to lead in the renewable energy sector. This is one of the efforts to ensure sustainable development of our country as no country can develop without sustainable electricity. Moreover, by producing solar PV modules locally, we shall reduce our dependency on imported energy solutions, enhance our energy security, and take a critical step towards reducing our carbon footprint. This project aligns with Nigeria’s goals under the Paris Agreement to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. It is not just an industrial endeavour, but a partnership with the community.

While on a working visit to the NCERD to inspect the project, the team was taken round see some of the already available machines at the facility including the Automated Ribbon and tab cutting machine, Solar module testing station, Solar module laying station, EVA/TPT cutting station, Air compressor for framing machine and EVA/TPT cutting machine, Solar module Framing machine, Solar cells soldering and stringing station, etc. The Team was also informed of the further equipment necessary to get the solar assembly line to commence the full semi-automated production of PV modules. These include the Solar cell tester and sorter, solar cell scribing machine, Full automated solar cell tabber/stringer, full automated lay-up stations, visual check station, electroluminescence (EL) tester. Full automated laminator, trimming machine, laser cutter and conveyors.

The Minster promised to give approval as soon as possible to procure the machines necessary to fully equip the facility so that the plant will commence the assembly of solar modules in no distant time.

See video

https://youtu.be/WOBQXdVxV48