Energy Sustainability Paradox: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of Solar LED Street Lights in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability, quest for greener environment and energy/cost savings are some of the driving forces for the global push in utilizing renewable energy resources for powering street lights especially those located in densely populated areas. Photo-voltaic and LED technologies are considered by many as a match made in heaven as they are essential if not mandatory for achieving these goals. For 11 years (between 2007 and 2018), there has been a significant effort by Sokoto State Government to light up streets in the central part of the city using these two technologies. Using a descriptive approach, the paper established the status, challenges and opportunities associated with solar powered Light Emitting Diode (LED) street lights in Sokoto over the 11 years period. Out of 450 installed units in the city, only 25% are functional at present. The number is also gradually diminishing. The technological, social and institutional challenges associated with managing LED street light devices in the city were equally discussed. Promises of the technology, climatic conditions of the city and current push for metropolitan security are among the potential drivers for continuous implementation of the technology in the city. However, while the available solar power in the city serves as a driving force, its association with higher temperatures makes equipment maintenance difficult thereby undermining sustainability.