Access to reliable and sustainable electricity remains a significant challenge in many rural communities in Nigeria, where grid extension is often economically unviable and technically constrained. Smart Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled solar microgrids have emerged as a promising solution to address this energy gap by providing decentralized, renewable, and intelligent power systems. This study explores the design, implementation, and performance potential of smart IoT-enabled solar microgrids for rural electrification in Nigeria. The system integrates photovoltaic generation, energy storage, smart meters, sensors, and IoT-based communication platforms to enable real-time monitoring, demand-side management, fault detection, and remote control. By leveraging data analytics and automation, the proposed microgrid framework enhances energy efficiency, system reliability, and optimal resource utilization while reducing operational and maintenance costs. The study highlights the socio-economic benefits of smart microgrids, including improved energy access, support for rural enterprises, enhanced healthcare and educational services, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, key challenges such as initial capital cost, connectivity limitations, and policy and regulatory barriers are discussed. The findings suggest that IoT-enabled solar microgrids offer a scalable and sustainable pathway for accelerating rural electrification in Nigeria and advancing the country’s renewable energy and digital transformation goals.

This study demonstrates that smart IoT-enabled solar microgrids offer a technically feasible and sustainable solution for rural electrification in Nigeria. By integrating photovoltaic generation, battery storage, and IoT-based monitoring and control, the system ensures reliable power supply, prioritizes critical loads, and optimizes energy utilization. Simulation results indicate that such systems can maintain uninterrupted electricity for essential services, reduce operational costs, and enhance energy efficiency while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. The integration of IoT technologies enables real-time monitoring, automated load management, and predictive fault detection, significantly improving system reliability and maintenance responsiveness. Furthermore, the microgrid supports socio-economic development by enabling continuous power for health, education, and small-scale enterprises in rural communities. Overall, IoT-enabled solar microgrids provide a scalable, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable pathway for accelerating rural electrification in Nigeria, addressing energy access disparities and contributing to long-term sustainable development goals. Future work should focus on field implementation, economic analysis, and optimization of IoT-based energy management algorithms to further enhance system performance and replicability across diverse rural contexts.

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