Lagos Gets Solar Battery Rentals at Gas Stations

Imagine powering your home or shop without the noise, fumes, or sky-high costs of a fuel generator.

That's now possible in Lagos, where bPOWERd just launched Nigeria's first solar battery rental service at Mobil gas stations. For about 1,500 naira (around $1.10) per day, families and small business owners can rent a fully charged solar battery, use it to power their lights, fans, TVs, and phones, then swap it for a fresh one when it runs out.

The startup, developed by energy giant bp, picked seven Mobil stations across Lagos as battery swapping hubs. Users simply complete a quick verification, pay a refundable 15,000 naira ($11) deposit, and walk away with portable power they can count on.

The timing couldn't be better. Nigeria faces chronic electricity shortages, and fuel prices keep climbing, forcing millions to choose between productivity and affordability. Solar currently makes up just 1.5% of Nigeria's energy mix, but that's changing fast as people seek alternatives to unreliable grid power.

bPOWERd offers two battery sizes. The smaller 300-watt-hour option costs 1,500 naira daily and suits basic household needs. The larger 1,000-watt-hour battery rents for 3,000 naira ($2.19) and can handle bigger loads for small businesses like salons, food vendors, or repair shops.

"Small businesses sit at the centre of everyday economic activity, yet many continue to operate against the backdrop of unstable and expensive power," said Jonathan Lule, Managing Director at bPOWERd. The batteries plug into regular extension cords, so no special equipment or installation is needed.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond bringing reliable power to underserved communities, this expansion creates green jobs across Lagos. The company is hiring local sales staff at charging stations and partnering with Nigerian solar technicians for maintenance and support.

The model already proved itself in South Africa, where bPOWERd facilitated 125,000 battery rentals in its first year. Now that success is spreading across the continent, one swap station at a time.

Clean, affordable, reliable power is no longer out of reach for Lagos families and entrepreneurs.