Assessing the Feasibility of Net-Zero Energy Buildings in Nigeria: Integrating Passive Design and Solar Systems

Abstract

Nigeria building sector accounts for over 34% of electricity use and 18% of carbon emissions, yet 60% of urban buildings experience daily grid outages lasting > 12 hours. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) offer a dencentivizing pathway while addressing energy access gaps, but feasibility studies for tropical developing regions remain scarce. This paper analyses NZEB deployment across three Nigerian climatic zones, Lagos (rainforest), Abuja (savanna), and Kano (semi-arid), using simulation-based modelling of twelve residential and commercial archetypes. The study evaluates passive strategies (ventilation, high-albedo roofing, thermal mass, daylighting) alongside active solar systems (PV, BIPV, battery storage), with economic viability assessed via 25-year life-cycle cost analysis. Contributions include: establishing NZEB feasibility thresholds for tropical contexts, quantifying passive design role in reducing cooling loads, and demonstrating cost-effectiveness under local conditions. Policy recommendations include updating building codes and incentivizing battery storage adoption.