NASENI to produce more solar cells to boost power

By Hauwa Ali
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is set to produce more solar cells to boost the alternative power sources in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, made this known on Friday, in Abuja after a brief with president Buhari.
According to Haruna, the President Buhari, who is also the chairman of the group has directed the group to increase production of solar cells and the implementation of modular irrigation project and the production of more farm implements, to boost agricultural activities.
“The President is impressed that NASENI is delivering on its mandate. I gave him the usual quarterly briefing and he is happy with what we have done in this quarter.
“Therefore, he has directed us to do more, particularly in the modular irrigation project that we are commencing form Adamawa State, the solar cells production and also agricultural implements.”
The NASENI boss informed journalists that the agency has been able to impact the power sector, leading to the establishment of a factory in Karshi, Abuja, which has the capacity to produce 7.5 megawatt of solar energy.
“Through our research and development activities in solar, it is so successful that through local innovations we now have a factory, 7.5 megawatt capacity Limited Liability Company.
“The company is 100 per cent owned by government in Karshi-Abuja, producing solar modules of highest quality.
“These modules are installed in many places, we have dealers who buy these and distribute and we participate in installations in private and government buildings.
“7.5 megawatts cannot meet the needs of the nation and that is not making the price of solar power affordable because the cells used are imported.
“Solar cells are products of silicon and silicon is obtained from silica, which is nothing other than the sand that we have abandoned,’’ he said.
The NASENI boss hinted that the president has approved the obtaining the cells facility from China which will make it accessible and affordable.
“When that is done, solar power supply will be affordable because the most expensive component is the cells,” he said.