Reliable electricity remains a major challenge in Nigeria, where frequent power outages disrupt homes,

businesses, and institutions, leading to increased reliance on diesel generators that are costly and environmentally

damaging. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems provide a promising renewable energy solution due to Nigeria’s

abundant solar resources, offering cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective alternatives to conventional power

supply. This review paper examines the design and optimization of solar PV systems with a focus on practical

applications in Nigerian residential and commercial settings, using Ascenterra Homes Limited in Abuja as a case

study. The study reviews essential components of solar PV systems, including solar panels, inverters, battery

properly designed and optimized, offers a sustainable solution for reliable electricity supply and cost reduction

in Nigerian homes and commercial complexes, and recommends supportive policies, energy audits, and

professional capacity building to encourage wider adoption.

Keywords: Solar photovoltaic system; electricity reliability; energy optimization; renewable energy; cost

reduction; residential energy supply; Ascenterra Homes Limited; Nigeria; sustainable power systems

Reliable electric power supply is essential for daily life, economic activities, and social development. For

residential and commercial properties such as Ascenterra Homes Limited in Abuja, constant power supply is

essential for lighting, appliances, cooling systems, water pumps, security systems, communications, and genreral

comfort. However, in Nigeria, reliable grid electricity remains a major challenge. The national grid frequently

alternative or complement to grid power. Studies shows that average solar irradiation in Nigerian cities ranges

from about 4.5 to 6.5 kWh/m² per day, levels suitable for effective solar PV generation (Yusuf et al., 2022).

Compared with diesel generators, solar systems offer cleaner energy with lower long-term operational costs,

making them an attractive option for residential and commercial properties in Abuja and beyond.

Despite these advantages, solar PV adoption in Nigeria remains modest, mainly due to high upfront investment

costs, lack of access to finance, and limited skilled technicians for system design and maintenance (Lawal et al.,

2025). Additionally, inconsistent energy policies and poor incentives for renewable energy investment have

slowed wider deployment. However, ongoing research and technology improvements have continued to make

solar PV systems more efficient and self sufficient. However, optimization techniques enable tailored solar

system designs that match specific energy demand profiles, thereby reducing energy waste and minimizing

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been widely studied as a solution for Nigeria’s persistent electricity

challenges. Researchers agree that solar energy has strong potential across many parts of the country due to

abundant sunlight, thus; making it suitable for residential, commercial, and institutional users. This section

reviews major findings from recent studies about solar PV system design, optimization, performance evaluation,

economic feasibility, and challenges specific to the Nigerian context.

Nigeria receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year, with average solar irradiance ranging from

approximately 4.5 kWh/m²/day to more than 6.5 kWh/m²/day in different regions (Yusuf et al., 2022). This level

of solar resource is comparable to many countries that have successfully adopted solar energy at scale. The high

An essential aspect of solar PV implementation is selecting and sizing the system components to meet specific

energy demands. Major components include solar panels (modules), inverters, batteries (for energy storage),

mounting structures, and wiring. The efficiency and lifetime of the system depend not just on component quality

Fasina and Adebanji, 2023).

Recent research demonstrates the importance of load-based design, where the average and peak energy demands

of buildings are analyzed to determine the number of panels and size of battery storage required (Amusan and

Adepoju, 2025). For instance, studies employing tools like HOMER and PVsyst consistently recommend that

proper sizing considering seasonal solar availability and expected load patterns significantly improves system

Tools such as HOMER Pro and PVsyst are widely used to simulate different system configurations by changing

variables such as panel capacity, battery size, inverter specifications, and weather data. Optimization results help

designers identify the most cost-effective setup that still meets the desired level of reliability (Oyedokun et al.,

2023). For example, a study in Kano, Nigeria used optimized models to find that combining solar PV with

appropriately sized batteries reduced energy costs compared to diesel generator dependency significantly

(Madugu et al., 2026).

Beyond technical design and optimization, economic feasibility is a major factor in solar PV adoption. Even

though solar systems have higher upfront costs than diesel generators, studies consistently show that they yield

lower long-term operational costs. Life-cycle cost analysis in several Nigerian case studies reveals that solar PV

systems become more economical when system investments are spread over their useful life, typically 15–25

years (Ukoima, 2025; Yusuf et al., 2022).

Additionally, financial incentives, government regulations, and access to low-interest financing can improve

affordability. Research reveals that feed-in tariffs, tax rebates, and green energy financing schemes encourage

more investors and homeowners to adopt solar PV technology (Amadi et al., 2024). Without such measures,

high initial costs remain a major barrier for individuals and property developers.

are limited in many parts of the country (Umar and Bello, 2024).

iii. Policy and regulatory issues: Poor policies, inconsistent incentives, and slow implementation of renewable

energy frameworks have hindered faster uptake of solar solutions (Amadi et al., 2024).

Moreso, researchers recommend coordinated policy support, capacity building, and innovative financing to

overcome these barriers (Oyekanmi and Akinola, 2023).

Recent studies focus on solar PV applications in residential complexes and commercial buildings similar to

Ascenterra Homes Limited. For example, a hybrid solar-grid design study for apartment complexes in Abuja

demonstrated that residents could reduce electricity costs by more than 50% compared to exclusive reliance on

diesel generators and grid supply (Nwosu et al., 2024). Similarly, research into solar PV systems in mixed-use

and commercial settings. The methodology explains how sources were selected, how data were gathered, and

how findings were organized and interpreted.

The study adopts a systematic literature review (SLR) framework. A systematic review helps ensure that the

review process is transparent, reproducible, and comprehensive. Rather than relying on a few scattered sources,

a systematic review applies defined search strategies and selection criteria to gather relevant publications and

technical documents. This approach minimizes bias and gives a clearer picture of current knowledge on solar

PV systems in Nigeria (Okoli and Schabram, 2010).

The methodology includes three main stages:

1. Source Identification

2. Screening and Selection

3. Data Extraction and Synthesis

ii. SpringerLink

iii. MDPI

iv. IEEE Xplore

v. Scopus

vi. Google Scholar

Search terms included combinations of the following keywords, including:

solar PV design Nigeria, solar system optimization, solar energy reliability Nigeria, PV cost analysis Nigeria,

and renewable energy residential systems.

To make sure that only relevant literature was reviewed, the following criteria were applied:

optimization methods reviewed from the literature can be applied to a real-world residential and commercial

property.

i. Load estimation: Estimating the daily energy demand of Ascenterra Homes based on typical residential and

commercial usage profiles (lighting, appliances, HVAC, water pumps, etc.).

into real deployments.

optimization in Nigerian conditions.

This section applies the design and optimization principles from the literature to a real-world setting; Ascenterra

Table 1: Estimated average daily load profile

residential and commercial demand patterns (Nwosu, Okeke and Onwudiwe, 2024; Amusan and Adepoju, 2025).

The load estimation helps determine the size of solar panels, battery storage, and inverter capacity needed for

demand. This review literature highlights the use of software tools like HOMER Pro and PVsyst to simulate

different combinations of panel size, battery capacity, and load profiles (Oyedokun et al., 2023; Ukoima, 2025).

These tools use local weather data, energy demand, and cost inputs to evaluate different configurations and

identify the most economical option.

For example, a simulated model might test how much battery storage is needed to maintain power for 24 hours

with minimal generator use, or how increasing panel capacity affects payback time. Optimization results help

balance upfront investment with long-term savings.

Furthermore, studies in Nigeria show that optimized PV systems coupled with battery energy storage can reduce

generator usage by up to 70–90% and lower total energy costs by 30–50% over time compared to exclusive

dependence on diesel generators or grid power (Ukoima, 2025; Nwosu et al., 2024).

tax rebates, or low-interest financing are available, payback periods can lessen further (Amadi et al., 2024; Yusuf

et al., 2022).

Based on design and optimization insights:

i. Reduced outages: Solar energy will provide electricity during grid failures.

ii. Cost savings: Residents and management will spend less on generator fuel and maintenance.

iii. Environmental advantages: Lower carbon emissions and reduced noise pollution.

iv. Increased property value: Solar-equipped properties are increasingly attractive in urban real estate markets.

Furthermore, these benefits align with recent findings that optimized solar PV systems improve energy security

and economic outcomes in Nigerian residential and commercial sectors (Nwosu et al., 2024; Amusan and

implementation challenges.

One of the strongest points in the literature is that solar PV systems can significantly improve electricity

reliability where grid supply is unstable. In Nigeria, grid power often fluctuates or fails, thereby forcing property

owners to depend on diesel generators. However, optimized solar systems, especially when paired with battery

storage provide continuous power during outages, reducing dependence on grid and generators (Ukoima, 2025;

Nwosu, Okeke and Onwudiwe, 2024). In the case of Ascenterra Homes, a well-sized system (e.g., 75–100 kW

PV with 200–300 kWh battery storage) could reduce outage exposure by up to 80–90%, according to modeling

data and similar real-world implementations (Madugu et al., 2026; Amusan and Adepoju, 2025).

Generally, solar PV systems have higher upfront costs than conventional diesel generators or simple grid

connections. Batteries, inverters, and panel arrays require remarkable initial investment. However, lifetime cost

analyses consistently show that solar systems deliver lower total electricity costs over 10–20 years. This is

mainly due to the elimination of fuel expenses, reduced generator maintenance, and longer system lifespans

(Amadi et al., 2024; Yusuf et al., 2022).

For example, studies comparing hybrid solar–grid systems in Nigerian settings estimate that residents can reduce

Aside from reliability and cost, solar PV systems offer environmental and health advantages. Diesel generators

emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants that contribute to air pollution and

respiratory problems (Amadi et al., 2024). Therefore, by reducing reliance on fossil fuel generators, solar PV

helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and supports cleaner air quality.

The literature further highlights the role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change and improving

community well-being. For properties like Ascenterra Homes, owners and residents benefit from both reduced

noise pollution and improved indoor/outdoor environmental conditions compared to generator-based power

(Oyedokun et al., 2023; Oyekanmi and Akinola, 2023). These impacts agrees with broader national and global

objectives for sustainable energy transition.

iii. Inverter capacity matches peak loads without waste