Tranos, a leading Nigerian engineering and manufacturing company, has officially commenced construction of an 800-megawatt-per-annum solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing facility in Mowe, Ogun State.
The new complex, set to become one of Nigeria’s largest renewable energy manufacturing hubs, sits on a sprawling 157,440 square metres of land.
The project represents a significant milestone in the localisation of solar system production in Nigeria and aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported solar technology.
“Today’s groundbreaking is more than a construction milestone. It is an investment in Africa’s industrial future. This campus will scale our production, create jobs, and deliver solutions aligned with Nigeria’s energy, industrial and infrastructural ambitions,” said Jude Abalaka, Managing Director of Tranos, during the ceremony.
Expansion and relocation plans
Currently headquartered in Lagos, Tranos plans to relocate its existing factories to the new Mowe campus.
The move is part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at improving the company’s production capacity, technological capability, and product quality.
The relocation will also address space constraints at its current facilities and position the company to meet rising local demand for solar and industrial products.
Alongside solar panels, the expanded facility will increase production of gaskets, electrical enclosures, and warehouse racking systems—while also creating new jobs and contributing to national infrastructure goals.
Project timeline and impact
The solar manufacturing complex will be developed in phases:
- The first production line, with a capacity of 400MW per annum, is expected to be operational within 15 to 18 months.
- Full capacity of 800MW per annum is targeted for completion by 2027.
This development will help advance Nigeria’s renewable energy targets, especially as the nation continues to face energy access and supply challenges.
Addressing import dependence and FX pressures
Currently, more than 90% of solar PV panels in Nigeria are imported, exposing the country to high costs and frequent delays due to fluctuating foreign exchange (FX) rates.
Reports estimate Nigeria spends as much as $200 million annually on solar product imports.
Tranos aims to reverse this trend by domesticating solar panel production, ensuring supply chain stability, faster product availability, and customisation suited to local environmental conditions.
The new facility is already impacting the local economy.
Ongoing construction has led to road repairs in the surrounding area, and Tranos projects a substantial increase in its workforce—from 160 to around 400 employees within two years.