ECOWAS ROGEAP Steps Up Solar Standards: National Workshop Pushes for Quality Off-Grid Energy Access By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move to bolster the quality of solar energy solutions across Nigeria, over 25 energy experts convened in Abuja for a two-day national workshop focused on enforcing harmonized regional standards for Off-Grid Solar Home Systems of up to 350 Watts.
Organized by the ECOWAS Commission through the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP), the workshop took place from April 14 to 15 in collaboration with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Ministry of Energy. It aimed to ensure the effective application and enforcement of two key regional standards adopted by ECOWAS in July 2023:
ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-8:2020
ECOSTAND IEC TS 62257-9-5:2018
These standards, focused on renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification, are essential to promoting quality, safety, and sustainability in the off-grid solar sector. Stakeholders present included representatives from SON, the Federal Ministries of Power and Industry, the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission, Nigerian Customs Service, and various consumer protection organizations.
ROGEAP, funded by the World Bank, Clean Technology Fund (CTF), and the Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS), is actively supporting eight ECOWAS member countries to align with these quality benchmarks.
The workshop marks a major step toward Nigeria’s ambition to establish a robust quality assurance framework, aiming to eliminate substandard solar PV products from the market and safeguard consumers. With reinforced skills and knowledge, participating experts are now expected to champion community-level enforcement and awareness campaigns, driving home the importance of reliable and safe solar solutions.
This initiative not only supports sustainable electrification in underserved communities but also positions Nigeria as a leading force in the region’s transition toward clean, decentralized energy.
