REA And Huawei Carry Out Solar Power Safety Assessment

In a significant move to enhance safety in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding solar power sector, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), in partnership with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, has conducted the country’s first authoritative Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) function test for photovoltaic (PV) inverters.

The test, carried out under controlled conditions simulating real-life fault scenarios, successfully demonstrated that modern PV inverters can detect and immediately shut down dangerous electrical arc faults—potential triggers of fires in solar installations.

During the demonstration, REA’s Chief Electrical Engineer, Peter Okopi, explained that the exercise addressed one of the most common yet often invisible risks in renewable energy systems.

“An arc fault is extremely dangerous, particularly in DC systems, because it is continuous and does not self-extinguish. Temperatures can reach as high as 3,000°C, enough to ignite solar panels and cables,” he said.

To replicate rooftop solar installations, engineers used a DC generator to feed electricity into a PV inverter at voltages typically produced by solar modules. An arc generator created controlled electrical arcs between two conductors, simulating faults caused by loose connections, poor installation, or ageing cables.

Okopi highlighted that arc faults often go unnoticed until overheating or fire occurs. “Typically, the only sign is heat on cables or fire on the roof. The goal is for the inverter to switch off immediately before any damage occurs,” he said.

The tested inverter, equipped with AFCI technology, continuously monitors electrical circuits and rapidly interrupts power flow upon detecting an arc fault. In the demonstration, the inverter shut down within 0.7 seconds of detecting a fault, effectively preventing further damage. Huawei engineers provided support and donated the test equipment.

“That 0.7 seconds is sufficient to protect all connected devices and solar panels. Inverters without this feature risk not only damaging equipment but also causing fire hazards that could affect the entire roof or building,” Okopi noted.

In addition to shutting down, the inverter generated detailed fault alerts, indicating the time of occurrence, possible causes, and recommended corrective actions. Common causes identified included loose cable ends, partial contacts, and ageing wires, with routine inspection and maintenance advised.

“What is remarkable is that the inverter doesn’t just switch off; it provides actionable information on why it shut down and how to prevent recurrence,” Okopi added.

The Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, represented by Director of Projects M.D. Bala, said the successful test offers critical technical evidence to help Nigeria establish and enforce stricter entry standards for PV equipment, especially as solar adoption grows in homes, businesses, and rural electrification projects.

Aliyu described the collaboration with Huawei as timely, noting that the absence of stringent regulations has led to inconsistent product quality in the market, with increasing reports of fire incidents.

Executive Director of Technical Services, Abdullahi Umar, also represented by Bala, said the AFCI test marks a shift for Nigeria’s solar industry from rapid expansion to quality-focused growth. He called on regulators, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders to collaborate in developing comprehensive safety and quality standards covering product design, installation, operation, and maintenance.

“This will ensure every PV power plant operates safely and reliably, supporting the sustainable development of Nigeria’s photovoltaic industry,” Umar stated.