Solar Battery Rentals Launch in Lagos for $1 a Day

Imagine running your small business without worrying whether the power will stay on today. That's the reality bPOWERd is creating for Nigerian families and entrepreneurs starting this week.

The South African clean energy startup just launched solar battery rentals at seven Mobil stations across Lagos. Customers pay a refundable $11 deposit, complete a quick verification process, and walk away with a portable solar battery ready to power their lives.

The service offers two battery sizes. The smaller 300-watt-hour battery rents for $1.10 per day and can run LED lights, fans, and charge phones. The larger 1000-watt-hour option costs $2.19 daily and powers televisions and multiple devices at once.

When a battery runs low, customers simply swap it for a fully charged one at any participating station. The batteries feature standard socket ports, so users can plug in extension cords just like they would with traditional power sources.

The timing couldn't be better. Nigeria's electricity grid remains unreliable while fuel costs continue rising, forcing small businesses to spend precious profits on generators. Solar currently makes up only 1.5% of Nigeria's energy mix, leaving massive room for growth.

"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, bPOWERd's Managing Director. The refundable deposit system encourages customers to care for the batteries and return them in good condition.

The Ripple Effect spreads beyond just keeping the lights on. The expansion is creating jobs for local sales staff and partnering with Nigerian solar technicians to build a green workforce. Every battery rental supports the growth of clean energy skills in communities that need employment opportunities.

bPOWERd proved the model works in South Africa, where customers completed 125,000 rentals in the company's first year. That success gave the team confidence to tackle Nigeria's much larger market and more complex energy challenges.

The partnership with Mobil stations solves a crucial problem: accessibility. Customers already visit these locations for fuel and services, making battery swaps a natural addition to their routine. No special trips, no complicated logistics, just reliable power where people already go.

Affordable clean energy is finally meeting people where they are, one battery swap at a time.