A Nigerian man has drawn significant online attention after sharing a photo of a tenant's alternative solar panel setup that involved mounting the panels on a wooden frame placed directly on the ground, rather than on the building's roof. The arrangement was a direct result of the landlord's refusal to allow any installation work on the roof of the rented property.
Landlord's Restriction Forces Ground-Based Solution
According to the story shared on X by user @attah_akor, the landlord issued a clear instruction that no solar panels were to be fixed to the roof structure. In response, the tenant constructed a custom wooden frame specifically designed to hold the panels at an optimal angle while keeping them entirely clear of the roof. The photo, which quickly circulated on the platform, showed the panels securely mounted on the ground-based frame outside the rented property.
Attah Akor explained that the landlord had explicitly objected to any alterations to the roof, prompting the tenant to seek a compromise that avoided modifying the building. The wooden frame appeared to be a practical solution, though it raised questions about the limitations tenants face when property owners impose restrictions on modifications.
Mixed Reactions From Social Media Users
Following the publication of the photo, the X community engaged in a lively discussion, with users sharing a wide range of opinions. Some focused on the practical difficulties tenants encounter when landlords restrict property modifications, while others considered the broader implications for energy access in rental housing where roof use is controlled by the owner. A number of contributors examined the balance between a landlord's right to protect their building and a tenant's need for stable electricity.
One user, @Benz nation, commented: "Solar panel can cause fire outbreak. I'm a landlord I will never allow my tenant to mount solar panel. It might burn down my building." Another user, @lateral, said: "Nah my landlord even advise me to buy my own solar. Some landlords too dey do." @BIG SAVAGE added: "Once you follow your landlord talk you can mount as many solar panel as you want poor people saying two is enough every body has their own way of being comfortable." @SKYLIFE reacted: "Omo, me go ask first before I go rent my next house O, what's the big deal, sign agreement with the landlord to replace his roof if the solar creates a leak." @Isa Aruna stated: "As a Home owner, I will never allow Tenant to mount Panels on my House roof. If you must mount panels for your solar, kindly look for another House."
Broader Context of Tenant-Landlord Tensions
The incident highlights a growing tension between property owners and tenants, particularly over alterations that could affect the structure of a building. Observers noted that such compromises are becoming more common as demand for independent power sources increases, especially in Nigeria where electricity supply is often unreliable. The entire conversation focused on housing rules, energy needs, and the limits of what tenants can do without the consent of landlords.
In a related report, Legit.ng previously covered a Nigerian landlady who explained why she decided to ban tenants from installing solar panels in her house, citing several reasons and other grievances she needed to address with her tenants. This ongoing debate underscores the challenges faced by both parties in navigating property rights and energy independence in Nigeria.
