A significant push to combat energy poverty and the devastating effects of climate change in Nigeria was officially launched in Ekiti State this week with the unveiling of “BattLit,” an innovative solar lamp and battery rental brand by GreenPower SHS Ltd., a company specializing in sustainable energy solutions.
The official launch, held on Tuesday in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, introduced a new, affordable model designed to deliver clean energy access to Nigeria’s extensive network of off-grid communities while simultaneously fostering sustainable employment opportunities for women and youth.
Tackling Nigeria’s Triple Challenge
Speaking passionately at the event, Engr. Bamidele Faparusi, the Chief Executive Officer of GreenPower SHS Ltd, characterized BattLit as a direct response to what he termed the “triple challenges” facing Nigeria: crippling energy poverty, the escalating climate crisis, and endemic unemployment.
“With over 80 million Nigerians still living without reliable access to electricity, countless households are forced to spend a disproportionate share of their meager income on toxic kerosene and noisy, polluting generators,” Engr. Faparusi stated.
He also noted that BattLit is working to change the way we think about energy. They have introduced a new rental system that allows families to use solar lamps and portable batteries without the heavy costs that usually come with solar power. Instead of paying a large amount upfront, families can now rent these high-quality solar products for just ₦500 a day. This approach provides a clean, affordable, and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, making it easier for everyone to access renewable energy.
The BattLit Ecosystem: A Center for Opportunity and Innovation
The operational model is built around local empowerment. BattLit hubs, funded by strategic investors, are strategically established and managed by trained local entrepreneurs, with a deliberate focus on employing women and youth.
These hubs are equipped with solar-powered charging stations to ensure continuous service delivery. Each rented lamp is capable of providing up to 18 hours of brilliant, safe illumination and includes a necessary mobile phone charging capacity. The local operators manage the entire rental and charging process, earning a daily income and becoming direct distributors of clean energy within their own neighborhoods.
Engr. Faparusi highlighted the financial accessibility and scalability of the business model. “With entry hubs costing just million, BattLit is significantly more affordable and scalable than similar energy access models currently in the market. Investors can expect to recover their setup costs within an impressive seven months, and continue to earn residual income, while beneficiary households enjoy modern energy at a fraction of their current spending on kerosene.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
The CEO emphasized that the BattLit model is not merely an expansion of clean energy access; it is a catalyst for green job creation.
“Each BattLit hub provides direct, dignified employment for local operators and extends reliable, affordable power access to dozens of households,” he explained. Beyond homes, the expected beneficiaries include vital community institutions such as rural schools, small businesses, and local health centers.
The initiative received enthusiastic support from environmental experts at its launch. They emphasized how BattLit plays a crucial role in helping Nigeria meet its climate goals. Experts pointed out that every solar lamp used instead of a traditional kerosene lamp or gas generator helps reduce nearly 1 ton of Carbon Dioxide emissions each year. This makes solar lamps a powerful and practical way to tackle climate change right at the community level.
As one guest succinctly put it, “BattLit is not just about providing light; it’s about creating opportunities. It’s a chance to empower communities, generate jobs, and combat climate change all at once.” GreenPower SHS Ltd has exciting plans for the future. They aim to set up hundreds of energy hubs each year across Nigeria and eventually throughout the surrounding West African countries. So far, they have successfully tested 25 hubs and have seen impressive results. These hubs have been used more than 70% of the time each day, and the company is experiencing steady growth in its income. This shows that their approach is working well!
BattLit has officially launched in Ekiti, bringing light to countless homes and allowing people to charge their mobile devices. This initiative aims to help local businesses and move Nigeria closer to a future where everyone can access clean and sustainable energy. Engr. Faparusi made a passionate appeal for government officials, banks, and development partners to support this initiative, encouraging them to work together to expand this groundbreaking solar power solution across Ekiti and beyond.