Telecom tower companies are actively exploring and implementing solar power solutions for telecom base stations, particularly in off-grid and remote locations, with pilot projects also occurring in developed markets.
While full-scale adoption is still emerging, solar-powered telecom towers are becoming a key part of the industry’s strategy to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
Diesel expenses now account for nearly 60 per cent of a telecom operator’s operating costs, a former CEO of a Nigerian telecom company and the UK-based renewable energy expert, Ernest Akinlola, said.
“Nigeria has about 42,000 base stations, likely only half of what is actually needed,” Akinlola told The PUNCH. “Given the scale and the fact that these towers operate 24/7, the economics simply don’t support continued diesel dependence. Solarisation has become a necessity.”
Most telecom operators no longer own their base stations, having transferred them to tower companies that manage and maintain infrastructure for multiple network providers.
These tower firms co-locate telecom equipment, such as Home Location Registers from different operators, creating shared infrastructure models that improve cost efficiency.
Despite the financial incentive, only 20 per cent of base stations in Nigeria are currently powered by solar energy, Akinlola revealed, pointing to a significant gap and an opportunity for transformation.
The term “tower power” has emerged within the industry to describe the move toward energy-efficient base station infrastructure.
Akinlola said this transition is being driven by well-funded original equipment manufacturers rolling out solar tower solutions in exchange for revenue-share agreements based on energy savings.
Across Africa, companies in Rwanda, South Sudan, and other regions are also deploying solar-powered base transceiver stations to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. MTN South Sudan, for example, says it has cut fuel costs by 30 per cent through solar integration as part of a broader green energy initiative.
“MTN South Sudan has already achieved a remarkable 30 per cent reduction in fuel costs, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency,” the company said in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.
MTN Nigeria and Airtel are also exploring renewable options, including solar and wind energy. However, Akinlola noted that operators face challenges in implementing these solutions at scale, especially in remote or insecure areas where access and maintenance are difficult.
“Beyond the upfront investment, there are logistical and security issues that complicate solar deployment,” he said.
Akinlola stressed that the transition is both an economic and strategic imperative. “If 60 per cent of your operational expenses is going to diesel, the case for switching to solar is obvious,” he said. “Without this transition, the economics of the industry will not hold up.”
He added that solarisation offers potential for innovation in power management and new business models that could ease financial pressure on telecom operators through revenue-sharing partnerships.
“The telecom industry in Nigeria is at a turning point,” Akinlola concluded. “What happens next in terms of infrastructure power will shape how affordable and accessible digital services become for millions of Nigerians.”
