ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has raised an alarm over a growing number of fire incidents linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across the country, according to a public notice issued on April 20, 2026.
Okay News reports that the notice, signed by the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, expressed serious safety concerns as more households and businesses turn to solar power amid persistent grid failures.
“The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has observed with serious safety concern the increasing number of fire incidents allegedly linked to improperly installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems across the country,” the notice stated. “It is important to note that while the adoption of renewable energy is strongly encouraged in line with Nigeria’s energy transition objectives, safety must remain paramount.”
The agency attributed the incidents to poor workmanship, the use of substandard materials, the absence of protective devices, and non-compliance with technical standards and regulations.
Pursuant to Section 176 (m) and Section 184 (8) of the Electricity Act 2023, NEMSA issued comprehensive safety guidelines for rooftop solar installations. The agency directed members of the public to engage only qualified and NEMSA-certified solar photovoltaic system installers.
“The installation of the rooftop solar PV system must be carried out only by NEMSA-certified electrical contractors,” the guidelines stated. “The NEMSA-certified contractor must be in possession of his/her valid NEMSA competency certificate during the installation works.”
NEMSA mandated a load assessment of premises prior to installation to ensure appropriate system sizing and safe operation. The agency warned that roofs must be structurally sound and capable of supporting the photovoltaic system.
“Panels should be installed using appropriate mounting structures, as weak roof construction or improper installation can result in roof damage, fire hazards, and significant safety risks,” the notice stated.
The agency directed that photovoltaic modules with cracks, bent frames, air bubbles, hot spots, or loose junction boxes should not be used, noting that damaged modules can cause electrical faults and increase fire risk.
NEMSA required a minimum clearance of 0.13 metres between roofing material and photovoltaic modules to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling. Installers must provide appropriately rated circuit breakers and fuses, install surge protection devices, and ensure proper earthing with an earth resistance value of 2 ohms or below.
Batteries must be installed in well-ventilated, secure locations away from living areas and heat sources. For lithium batteries, a battery management system and appropriate cooling or air-conditioning must be provided.
The agency also directed proper load separation at distribution boards when system capacity cannot support the entire household load, and mandated that communication cables and power cables be routed separately.
NEMSA advised regular maintenance including cleaning solar panels to prevent dust accumulation and overheating, and periodic inspection of cables, connectors, and inverters.
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