The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has unveiled plans to introduce a system that would let solar power users supply their unused electricity back into the national grid for value.

The regulator said it has already prepared draft guidelines for a net billing framework and is now seeking input from the public. Interested parties can send in their comments until September 26, 2025.

Nigeria’s solar industry has been expanding at a fast pace. Data from NERC shows that solar panel imports in the first three months of 2025 were worth about ₦125.3 billion. In 2023, the country recorded imports of more than four million panels, valued at over $200 million, much of which was used for captive and off-grid generation.

Installed capacity has also grown. In 2024, an extra 63.5 megawatts of solar power was added to the system, bringing the country’s total to 385.7 MW. This progress, NERC noted, has prompted calls from operators and individuals to allow excess electricity from their systems to be fed into the grid.

The move is backed by the Electricity Act 2023, which gives the commission authority to issue such regulations after consultations.

If implemented, the initiative could attract more investment into solar power, ease the burden on the grid, and improve energy supply in rural and underserved areas.