Thomas Adewumi University has commissioned the successful upgrade of its solar electricity farm from 214kWp to 374.2 kWp, with 329 kW of active distributed generation and a combined battery storage capacity of 778.44 kWh, marking a significant milestone in the University’s drive for sustainable energy, infrastructure expansion, and uninterrupted power supply across its campuses.
The upgraded solar power plant, executed in partnership with Decrown West Africa (Energy Division), builds on the University’s initial 214kWp solar installation completed in 2021. The expansion became necessary as the University continues to grow in student population, academic programmes, facilities, and residential infrastructure, thereby increasing its energy demand.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Founder and Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, expressed profound appreciation to Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, Director of Works and Physical Planning, Engr. Taiwo Adekojo, Engr. Issac Ajah, the entire technical team, and Decrown West Africa for the successful execution of the project. He commended the strong partnership between the University and Decrown Energy, noting that the collaboration has continued to yield tangible results in support of TAU’s vision for excellence and sustainability.
He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to renewable energy solutions and expressed optimism that the partnership with Decrown West Africa would continue to deliver innovative energy solutions in the years ahead.
Providing technical insights into the upgraded facility, Engr. Taiwo Adekojo and Engr. Isaac Ajah, the project partners and engineers from Decrown West Africa, explained that the solar plant’s panel capacity has now been increased to 374.2 kWp, supported by an expanded 165.6 kWh battery storage system. According to them, the enhanced system is designed to ensure reliable electricity supply across both the East and West Campuses, covering faculty buildings, hostels, and other critical facilities.
They further explained the distribution of inverters across designated zones on campus and how the system has been optimised to balance energy load efficiently. The engineers also noted that the upgraded battery system provides strong backup capacity during periods of low solar radiation, ensuring stable power supply at all times.
Recalling the history of the project, the engineers stated that the solar power system was originally installed in 2021 by Decrown West Africa and has now been strategically expanded to meet the University’s evolving energy needs. They also provided detailed explanations on the technical operations of the inverters and overall system functionality.
A major highlight of the project was the active participation of TAU Engineering students in the installation and upgrade process. Their involvement, according to the University management, underscores TAU’s commitment to hands-on, practical training, giving students real-world exposure and industry-relevant experience as part of their academic development.
Following the commissioning, guests were taken on a guided tour of the University’s Energy House, where the engineers demonstrated the battery systems, power distribution stations, and the upgraded signal inverter system. It was explained that the original inverter installed at the inception of the University has been optimised with additional solar panels to accommodate increased capacity and efficiency.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with expressions of satisfaction over the successful delivery of the project and optimism for future collaborations and milestones.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, the University Registrar, Mr. Fisoye Kolawole, the Bursar, Mrs. Rachael Afolabi, the technical staff, and engineers who jointly worked on the project.
The upgraded solar electricity farm further reinforces Thomas Adewumi University’s position as a forward-looking institution committed to sustainability, innovation, and practical education.
