Lagos Gets $1/Day Solar Battery Rentals at Gas Stations

Imagine powering your entire home or small business for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. That's now possible across Lagos thanks to a clean energy startup making solar power accessible to everyone.

bPOWERd has launched portable solar battery rentals at seven Mobil gas stations throughout Lagos, offering Nigerians a dramatically cheaper alternative to fuel-guzzling generators. For just 1,500 naira (about $1) per day, families and small business owners can rent a fully charged battery that powers lights, TVs, fans, and other essentials for up to 12 hours.

The timing couldn't be better. Nearly half of Nigeria's population lacks reliable access to electricity, forcing millions to rely on expensive diesel generators that cost an average of 10,000 naira daily to run. The new solar batteries cost just 3,000 naira for the larger model, delivering the same power at 70% savings.

The rental process is simple and flexible. Customers pay a refundable 15,000 naira deposit and choose between two battery sizes: a 300Wh unit starting at 1,500 naira per day for basic needs, or a 1,000Wh unit at 3,000 naira daily for larger households or businesses. The batteries are charged using solar power at the gas station hubs and swapped out when depleted.

bPOWERd, developed by energy giant bp, is building on successful operations in South Africa where it completed 125,000 rentals in its first year. The partnership with 11 Plc, which operates Nigeria's Mobil stations, provides convenient pickup locations throughout the city where people already go for fuel.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond clean power access, this expansion is creating green jobs across Lagos. The company is hiring local sales teams at each station and partnering with Nigerian solar technicians for maintenance and support, building a homegrown renewable energy workforce.

Small businesses stand to benefit enormously from reliable, affordable electricity. Shop owners who previously closed during power outages can now keep refrigerators running, charge phones for customers, and extend operating hours without the noise and fumes of generators.

The environmental impact matters too. Every battery rental replaces diesel fuel that would have released carbon emissions and air pollution into Lagos neighborhoods. Multiply that across thousands of daily rentals, and the city's air quality could see measurable improvement.

For households, the difference is immediate and tangible: children can study after dark, families can store fresh food safely, and no one needs to wake up to refuel a generator in the middle of the night.

One solar-charged battery at a time, Lagos is proving that clean energy solutions can be both affordable and practical for everyday people.