- May 23, 2025
- Posted by: Havenhill
- Category: Blog
Contributing writer: Jonah Gwanzuwang (Operations and Maintenance Engineer)
Working as a solar engineer in Nigeria’s remote communities is both rewarding and demanding. Every day on site brings a mix of technical puzzles, logistical hurdles, and the satisfaction of bringing light to places that have known only darkness. Here’s a look (straight from the field) at the challenges I face and the habits that help me stay focused and afloat.
1. Embracing the Unpredictable
No two days are the same. Weather can shift from blazing sun to torrential rain, and roads can turn impassable overnight. Havenhill anticipates these realities and equips us with contingency plans, backup tools, and a responsive logistics team. I also personally travel with essential supplies and stay flexible to adjust work plans and keep the team motivated when the unexpected happens.
2. Power and Connectivity Can be a Challenge
Reliable power and internet are luxuries in rural Nigeria. Sometimes, even charging a phone is a challenge. I always travel with portable chargers and power banks. For internet, I carry SIM cards from multiple providers, if one network fails, another might work. This level of redundancy, combined with guidance from our IT support, helps me stay connected with suppliers, remote support teams, and project managers even in low-connectivity areas.
3. Building Local Relationships
Trust and communication with the local community can make or break a project. Havenhill emphasizes this through training and clear engagement guidelines. I spend time listening to community leaders and engaging with locals, not just for smoother logistics and security, but to support long-term ownership and care for the systems we install. With the company’s encouragement, we also identify and train local vendors, security personnel, and system operators to foster sustainability.
4. Routine and Self-Discipline
Site work is physically and mentally taxing. Havenhill promotes daily routines like morning safety briefings, equipment inspections, and progress reviews. I’ve made these practices second nature, and they help me stay organised and alert, especially on demanding days.
5. Prioritizing Safety
Remote sites come with risks: electrical hazards, wildlife, and occasionally, security concerns. Havenhill enforces a strict safety policy, provides PPE (helmets, gloves, boots), and empowers us to halt work when safety is in question. If a site feels unsafe due to unrest or other threats, we escalate appropriately and prioritize our well-being above all else.
6. Managing Stress and Staying Motivated
Long hours and isolation can be tough. Havenhill encourages team bonding, regular check-ins, and creating a sense of camaraderie. We share meals, stories, and small wins that lift morale. I also stay in touch with family when I can – all of which helps maintain mental wellness in the field.
7. Coping with Hydration
Staying hydrated is a constant challenge under the scorching sun. I ensure enough water is always on site throughout the day. Whenever possible, I rest in shaded areas during breaks and encourage the team to do the same. Hydration isn’t just a comfort, it’s critical for focus and safety on site.
8. Accommodations and Rest
Finding a decent place to rest in new communities can be challenging. Havenhill supports us by arranging basic lodging – sometimes a guesthouse, other times a rented room we share with visiting team members. I personally pack essentials like a mosquito net, rechargeable fan, and power bank. It may not be luxury, but the company ensures that we’re safe, rested, and ready for each day.
READ ALSO: Quality Assurance in Solar Projects: Why It Matters for Everyone
9. Continuous Learning
Each site presents new lessons. Havenhill encourages us to document issues, solutions, and insights for continuous improvement. I keep a field journal that helps me grow technically and also serves as a reference for future projects or mentoring newer engineers.
10. Leveraging Technology
Whenever possible, I use remote monitoring tools to track system performance. This allows me to catch issues early, even when I’m not physically on site. When internet is available, I upload data to the cloud for remote diagnostics and support.
11. Celebrating the Impact
There’s nothing like seeing a village light up for the first time. Whether it’s children doing homework under electric light or a health clinic powering a vaccine refrigerator – those are the moments that remind us why we do this. Havenhill regularly shares these community stories with us, keeping us connected to the purpose behind the panels.
Working as a solar engineer in Nigeria’s remote communities is not for the faint-hearted. It demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of purpose. But thanks to Havenhill’s structured support, from logistics and safety to community engagement and wellbeing, I’m able to stay focused and deliver results, even in the toughest conditions.
If you’re considering a career in field engineering, be ready for adventure, challenge, and the profound reward of changing lives, one solar panel at a time, with a team that has your back.
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