Five in-demand jobs that solar boom has created for Nigerians

Nigeria’s growing adoption of solar energy is creating new employment opportunities across the power sector, as households and businesses increasingly turn to alternative electricity sources to reduce their dependence on the national grid and costly petrol and diesel generators.

The expansion of rooftop solar installations, mini-grids and standalone solar systems is driving demand for skilled workers beyond traditional electrical engineering, opening opportunities in installation, system design, equipment maintenance, sales and renewable energy project management.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) estimates that Nigeria’s renewable energy sector has created about 70,000 jobs, and attracted more than $2 billion in cumulative clean energy investments.

However, the growth in opportunities is exposing a shortage of adequately trained workers.

A labour-market assessment conducted by researchers from De Montfort University, ODI Global, the University of Lagos and the Federation of Informal Workers Organisations of Nigeria found that only 58 percent of technicians surveyed in Lagos had received solar-related training.

Here are five in-demand jobs that solar boom has created for Nigerians to tap into:

Solar photovoltaic installers

Solar photovoltaic (PV) installers are among the most sought-after workers in Nigeria’s expanding solar market. They are responsible for mounting solar panels on rooftops and other structures, connecting electrical components and ensuring that systems generate and distribute electricity safely.

As more homes, offices, schools, hospitals and manufacturing facilities adopt solar power, demand for technicians who can install systems correctly is increasing.

Electrical technicians and generator repairers can also transition into this field through additional training.

According to market research, an average solar installer earns roughly N500,000, per each installation. That is higher than what most professionals earn in a month.

Solar system designers and energy auditors

Before installing a solar system, households and businesses need professionals who can determine how much electricity they consume and the capacity required to meet their needs.

Solar system designers assess energy demand, calculate the number of panels and batteries required, and develop configurations that balance cost, efficiency and reliability.

Energy auditors also examine how businesses consume electricity, identify areas of waste and recommend suitable solar solutions.

The role is becoming increasingly important as businesses seek to reduce energy costs and avoid investing in systems that cannot adequately support their operations.

Solar battery and inverter technicians

Solar panels generate electricity, but batteries and inverters determine how that electricity is stored and used, particularly when sunlight is unavailable.

This is creating opportunities for technicians who can install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain battery storage systems and inverters.

Their responsibilities include identifying battery faults, checking electrical connections, monitoring system performance and replacing defective components.

As more Nigerian consumers demand uninterrupted electricity, expertise in battery storage and hybrid systems that combine solar, batteries and generators is becoming increasingly valuable.

Solar sales representatives and distribution agents

The expansion of solar companies is also creating opportunities for Nigerians in sales, marketing and product distribution.

Sales representatives introduce solar products to households and businesses, explain financing options, assess customer needs and facilitate purchases.

Distribution agents help companies reach customers in rural communities where access to conventional electricity remains limited.

The growth of pay-as-you-go financing has also expanded the role of sales and customer acquisition workers, particularly for companies offering solar home systems that customers can pay for in installments.

These jobs require product knowledge, communication skills, customer relationship management and an understanding of local markets.

Solar project managers and mini-grid operators

The development of larger solar installations and community mini-grids is creating demand for professionals who can coordinate projects from planning to operation.

Solar project managers oversee budgets, procurement, contractors, installation schedules and regulatory requirements, ensuring projects are completed within agreed timelines.

While mini-grid operators manage decentralised electricity networks that supply power to communities, monitor energy distribution, handle customer complaints and coordinate maintenance.

These roles require a combination of technical knowledge, financial management and operational skills.

Feyishola Jaiyesimi

Feyishola Jaiyesimi is a writer and storyteller. She currently writes for the energy desk at BusinessDay with a focus on renewable energy and environmental issues. She began her journalism career as an agricultural reporter and now covers the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, environment, and renewables. She has been selected for professional training by the US Consulate, Lagos. She is a 2025 Dataphyte Biodiversity Reporting Fellow. Feyishola holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology from Ekiti State University.