Solar-powered battery rental startup bPOWERd has launched operations in Lagos, establishing its first seven sites at Mobil service stations operated by 11plc.
The launch comes as Nigeria’s chronic electricity deficit continues to push households and small businesses toward expensive generator dependency.
bPOWERd offers portable, solar-charged batteries for daily rental, with a 300Wh unit starting at ₦1,500 (~$1.11) per day and a larger 1,000Wh unit from ₦3,000 (~$2.21). Both require a refundable ₦15,000 (~$11.08) deposit. The company says a 1,000Wh battery delivers up to 12 hours of power, at a cost roughly 70% below the estimated ₦10,000 (~$7.38) daily outlay required to run a small generator of between 0.9 kVA and 1.2 kVA.
The units are designed to power lighting, televisions, fans, refrigerators, and small business equipment.
World Bank data shows that 43% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to the national grid, one of the largest energy access deficits on the continent. The Lagos launch is bPOWERd’s first expansion into West Africa. The startup originally launched in South Africa in 2025, where it facilitated 125,000 rentals in its first twelve months of operation.
Jonathan Lule, Managing Director of bPOWERd, said small businesses remained particularly exposed to power instability. “At a time of continued grid instability, bPOWERd is helping households and small and medium-sized enterprises access dependable pay-per-use power they can rely on.”
Oluwole Ogidan, Head of bp Global West Africa, said the rollout would also create local employment through on-site sales roles and partnerships with Nigerian solar technicians. “Our focus is on delivering diversified energy solutions that are affordable, resilient, and adaptable to how people live and work.”
The company has not disclosed a timeline for expanding beyond the initial seven Lagos sites.
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