Pilot Projects
In order to provide organised ways of illustrating community-based utilisation of the Centre’s research and development, SERC has embarked on the establishment of pilot projects nationwide. These projects provide direct physical evidence that renewable energy technologies are ready for community utilisation, and are aimed at disseminating their practical application to the public.
Since inception, the Centre has established over one hundred and ten (110) pilot demonstration projects cutting across the various aspects of renewable energy technology throughout the country.
Garu Village Electrification
The Centre delivered a 10 kW stand-alone solar mini-grid pilot project for the Garu village community. Installation of the solar modules was carried out by SERC staff, who also handled power distribution from the solar PV power house and the installation of street lighting throughout the community.
The completed array supplies a community that the national grid does not reach, and stands as a working demonstration of what village-scale renewable supply can achieve.
Community Installations
Module Installation by SERC Staff
Installation and cabling of the solar module array at Garu village was carried out directly by the Centre’s own staff.
Community Street Lighting
Power distribution from the solar PV power house and the installation of street lights across the Garu village community.
Village Solar PV Mini-Grids
Solar PV mini-grids installed in village communities across Sokoto State as part of the Centre’s pilot demonstration programme.
Danjawa Renewable Energy Village
Danjawa hosts a cluster of SERC installations: a 7.2 kW solar PV electrification scheme, a dome-type biogas pilot plant, a 250-litre solar water heating system, a solar dryer, and distributed improved wood stoves.
Water Pumping and Crop Drying
Solar water pumping at Birjingo community and the kilishi solar dryer at Kuchi extend the Centre’s work into agricultural and water-supply applications.
Village Wind Generation
A 5 kW wind installation made up of two 2.5 kW turbines provides electricity to Sayya Gidan Gada village, near the University’s permanent site.
Model Rural City
The Centre has reached an advanced stage in establishing a rural model city, run entirely on integrated renewable energy systems — solar thermal, hybrid solar photovoltaic and wind systems, and biomass systems comprising switch grass and Jatropha for biodiesel and biogas, for cooking and electricity generation, as well as energy plantations. The model city is aimed at stimulating public interest in the practical use of integrated renewable energy systems to transform rural areas.