Riding the new power wave

Skylit Tech Ltd's Idika David discusses the steps Nigeria is taking to welcome the introduction of renewable energy.

Can you tell us about Skylit Ltd?
Idika David. Skylit Tech. Co. Ltd. (STC) is an electrical engineering firm, incorporated in Nigeria in response to the growing challenges and needs of the industrial and power sectors of the Nigerian economy and the challenges of global climatic pollution. For over two decades, Nigeria has suffered under a sporadic power supply, sub-standard electrical products and spares, coupled with the paucity of technical expertise.

However, a thorough assessment of the myriads of problems of both the industrial and social infrastructure of the economy led to the birth of Skylit Tech. Ltd. Having grown core competences and expertise in design, installation, operation and maintenance of all aspects of alternative Power Systems, Skylit is significantly positioned to blaze the trail through innovative technology and services.

What are your areas of competence?
ID. We have specialized skills in design, installation, operation and maintenance of power and alternative power systems such as: Electrical installations; alternative electrical power systems including solar and wind systems and power turbines. We also deal in electrical power and back-up systems that stretch to UPS, Inverters and DC systems.

What are the advantages of alternative power systems over fuel powered generators?
ID. A wonderful benefit of alternative power systems is that they are environmentally friendly. They do not produce gases or other by-products like other generators do, which poison the environment and anybody that happens to be nearby. There are enough pollutants in today's society, so choosing an alternative power system is an environmentally sound choice. Another benefit is that alternative power is renewable, hence is harnessed free of charge and will not run out like other sources like diesel and coal. Alternative power systems are the best choice where there is no easy way to get electricity to a remote place. Another advantage is that they are noiseless and above all, alternative power systems are very cost effective.

Are you inferring that Alternative Power Systems are more cost effective than fuel powered generators?
ID. On a long-term basis definitely yes, and on a short-term basis in most cases yes. In the short run: take for instance a medium sized organization that spends an average of four million naira on fuel a year, in thirty years, they would be spending a hundred and twenty million naira on fuel without factoring inflation, now such an organization could install a solar powered system which we guaranteed for a minimum of 30 years at a fraction of that price.

While on the short term, take for instance a Nigerian bank, with a network of about 200 branches that needs to power its security lights, security gadgets, access systems and computer servers after closing hours (7pm to 6am). To do these they have to keep their fuel generators running through the night, and in keeping their fuel generators running through the night they use millions of naira in fuel. Adding this to the cost of the generators and the cost of maintaining the generators - but with a special alternative power system from Skylit Ltd and at a rate more affordable than fuel generators - such organisations can power their computer servers, security lights, security gadgets, access systems etc, all through the night all year round without any additional cost.

Idika David oversees affairs at Skylit Techniques Limited. David obtained a BSc in Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with an MSc in Power. He has over 16 years experience in Engineering Designs, Installations, Operations and maintenance, and vast experience in rural and urban electrification, industrial and manufacturing automations, Power and Alternative (renewable) Power Systems. He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and a Chapter President of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). 

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SKYLIT VISION. To carve a niche as a market leader in electrical technologies and Power Products that are environmentally friendly and cost effective.

YOUR MISSION. To become the preferred company for major electrical engineering solutions in Nigeria and the West African sub-regions.