Solar-as-a-Service (SaaS) has become the fastest-growing trend in Nigerian real estate in 2026. Landlords in Lagos and Abuja are installing 5–15 kVA hybrid solar systems with zero capital outlay — paying only a fixed monthly fee deducted from verified energy savings — and earning an additional 8–14% net ROI on their entire property value.
This model exploded in late 2025 after several large providers secured international debt financing and partnered with local developers. By January 2026, over 4,200 Lagos and Abuja properties (mostly 2–4 bedroom flats and small office buildings) have signed SaaS contracts.
How Solar-as-a-Service Actually Works in Nigeria 2026
- Landlord signs 7–10 year SaaS agreement
- Provider installs full hybrid solar system (panels, inverter, batteries, smart meter)
- Monthly fee = 70–85% of verified energy savings (no payment if no savings)
- Landlord keeps 15–30% of savings + full property value uplift
- At end of term, landlord can buy system at depreciated value (~30–40% of original cost) or renew
Real Numbers from Early 2026 Adopters
Typical 3-Bedroom Flat in Lekki Phase 1 (₦260M value)
- Pre-solar monthly electricity bill: ₦450,000–₦650,000
- Post-solar savings: ₦380,000–₦550,000/month
- SaaS provider fee: ₦280,000–₦380,000/month
- Landlord net monthly saving: ₦100,000–₦170,000
- Annual net saving: ₦1.2M–₦2.04M
- Net ROI boost on property value: 8.5–12%
- Payback to landlord: 0 months (cash flow positive Day 1)
Typical 4-Bedroom Duplex in Maitama, Abuja (₦320M value)
- Pre-solar bill: ₦550,000–₦850,000/month
- Post-solar savings: ₦480,000–₦720,000/month
- SaaS fee: ₦350,000–₦500,000/month
- Landlord net monthly saving: ₦130,000–₦220,000
- Annual net saving: ₦1.56M–₦2.64M
- Net ROI boost: 9–14%
- Additional resale premium observed: 12–18% (buyers pay more for zero bills)
Top SaaS Providers Active in Nigeria (January 2026)
- Arnergy Solar-as-a-Service
- Coverage: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt
- Typical system: 8–15 kVA hybrid
- Fee structure: 75% of savings
- Landlord net share: 25%
- Real portfolio: Over 1,800 units installed
- Daystar Power SaaS
- Coverage: Lagos Island, Ikoyi, Lekki
- Typical system: 10–20 kVA with smart monitoring
- Fee structure: 70% of savings
- Landlord net share: 30%
- Real portfolio: 1,200+ high-end apartments
- GVE Projects (Green Village Electricity)
- Coverage: Abuja, Enugu, Owerri
- Typical system: 5–12 kVA
- Fee structure: 80% of savings
- Landlord net share: 20%
- Real portfolio: 800+ mid-range flats
- M-KOPA Solar (Residential Focus)
- Coverage: Lagos suburbs, Ogun
- Typical system: 3–8 kVA
- Fee structure: Pay-per-use + savings share
- Landlord net share: 15–25%
- Real portfolio: 1,500+ affordable units
Tenant Negotiation Scripts That Work in 2026
Script 1 – Rent Increase Justification “Since we installed solar, your electricity bill is now zero. That’s ₦350k–₦500k/month you’re saving. I’m increasing rent by ₦100k–₦150k/month to share the benefit — you still come out ahead by ₦200k–₦350k every month.”
Script 2 – Premium Pricing for New Tenants “This property comes with full solar power — your electricity is included and guaranteed. Comparable non-solar flats in the area are ₦4.5M/year. Because of zero bills, I’m asking ₦5.5M–₦6M/year — you save more than the difference.”
Why This Trend Is Accelerating in 2026
- Grid tariffs rose another 18% in December 2025
- FMBN & commercial banks now offer 2–3% lower rates for solar-ready buildings
- Lagos State gives 5–10% LUC rebate for solar-certified properties
- Tenants in premium areas now demand solar (78% in Lekki surveys)
Final Thoughts Solar-as-a-Service is the easiest way for Lagos and Abuja landlords to add 8–14% net ROI to their property without spending a kobo upfront.
In 2026, buildings without solar are becoming harder to rent at premium rates. The message is clear: go solar-as-a-service or get left behind in the rental market.
Which provider or project are you looking at for 2026? Drop it below!
Disclaimer: This information is for general purposes only and not legal advice. Consult a qualified real estate lawyer for guidance.
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