Solar Energy Expert Ogunkunle Calls for Policy Focus on Battery Recycling, Safety Standards in Nigeria

The CEO of Revocube Energies, Olarewaju Ogunkunle, has highlighted key challenges in Nigeria’s transition to solar power, urging policymakers to prioritise battery recycling and safety standards.

Ogunkunle, In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, emphasised that while solar panels are the most affordable component in a solar system, high-quality batteries are the most expensive.

He advised maximising roof space for solar panel installation to generate and store more energy.

“In a bid to annex much energy as possible, we advised to cover the roof as much as possible to generate more energy supply to use and to store”, he said.

Ogunkunle cautioned against using regular batteries for heavy-duty appliances like compressors, saying these batteries can fail due to the high current demands, potentially leading to disintegration. He recommended exploring heavy-duty batteries designed for electric vehicles and businesses.

“Some batteries are not designed for heavy duty current supply, if used in a way it’s demands heavy duty load like compressors and current supply, it will definitely fail and disintegrate,” he added.

“There are types of batteries built for a heavy tax which are used in electric cars and installed for businesses,” he further added.

Ogunkule cautioned that while Nigeria’s increased domestic production of solar panels in Zamfara State is promising, proper safety measures and regulations are  crucial. He emphasised the need for clear guidelines to  ensure safety as current practices can be hazardous.

“While Zamfara State is witnessing increased solar panel production,” Ogunkunle said, “proper safety measures and regulations are crucial. Current practices can be hazardous, and we need clear guidelines to ensure safety.”

With the growing use of lithium batteries, Ogunkunle raised concerns about their end-of-life disposal after a 10-15 year lifespan.
“We need a plan,” he said. “Are we going to dump them in our landfills?”

Ogunkunle proposed government policies to address battery recycling and establish safety standards as Nigeria prioritised domestic solar panel production over imports. He emphasised the importance of moving beyond imports and focusing on local Nigerian production.

“I believe that the government should put in place as we move into the next phrase, leaving importation behind and  producing locally in Nigeria,”Ogunkunle added.

“Conservation has been our number one priority to save energy almost double the capacity needed to cover up for when there is a downpour of rain,”He said.

However, Ogunkunle emphasised energy conservation as a top priority. He explained that systems are designed to generate nearly double the capacity needed during periods of low sunlight or rain.

Financing solar energy adoption remains a hurdle in Nigeria, Ogunkunle added, despite strong interest in the technology.

Boluwatife Enome

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