Cost Of Living Drives Shift From Kitchen Items To Solar As Wedding Gifts

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO AND OLAMIDE OJUOKAIYE, Lagos

As rising electricity tariffs, fuel prices and unreliable power supply increase the cost of running households, some Nigerians are urging family members and friends to consider solar power systems as wedding gifts for newly married couples.

They said solar panels and related equipment could provide lasting value by reducing energy expenses, easing the financial burden of setting up a home and offering an alternative source of electricity during power outages.

According to them, solar power systems could prove more useful than conventional wedding gifts such as kitchen utensils, decorative items and household accessories, particularly as young couples grapple with the high cost of living.

A shop owner, Alex Asuquo, described solar panels as one of the most thoughtful gifts anyone could give a newly married couple, considering the expenses associated with starting a home.

“Starting a home comes with many expenses, including rent, furniture, kitchen appliances and other necessities. Electricity is also a major concern in Nigeria because of frequent power outages and the cost of running generators.

“A solar system can help couples reduce electricity bills and avoid spending heavily on petrol. Instead of receiving decorative items that may not be useful every day, they can receive something that supports their household for years. To me, it is a practical gift that shows genuine concern for the couple’s future,” he said.

Similarly, a student, Kelvin Adamu, said solar power systems could help young couples manage their finances more effectively after marriage.

He noted that although the initial cost of purchasing and installing a solar system could be substantial, receiving one as a wedding gift would reduce the financial pressure associated with setting up a new home.

“Giving them solar panels can help reduce their monthly expenses, particularly if they live in an area where electricity supply is unreliable. Although installing solar power may be expensive, receiving it as a wedding gift can reduce the financial burden of setting up a home.

“I also believe it is a modern gift that reflects changing lifestyles. People are becoming more conscious of energy efficiency and environmental protection. Rather than buying several small household items, family members or friends could contribute towards a solar installation that will benefit the couple for a long time,” he said.

A Lagos-based engineer, Emeka Nwosu, said solar panels could provide newlyweds with an alternative source of electricity, reducing their dependence on the national grid.

According to him, a properly installed solar power system could provide electricity for essential household appliances, including lights, fans and televisions, during power outages.

However, he advised prospective gift-givers to understand the electricity needs of the couple before purchasing solar equipment, stressing that solar panels alone might not meet all household power requirements.

“Solar panels are valuable because they provide an alternative source of electricity without depending entirely on the national grid. For a newly married couple, this could mean powering lights, fans, televisions and other essential appliances during outages.

“However, I would advise anyone considering such a gift to understand the couple’s electricity needs first. Solar panels alone may not provide electricity at night without suitable batteries, while inverters and other components also matter. A properly designed system would be more useful than purchasing equipment without considering the household’s requirements,” he said.

Also, a school proprietress, Grace Adeyemi, said solar power systems would make meaningful wedding gifts because they could benefit both partners and provide long-term savings.

“I would gladly give solar panels to a couple because I see marriage as a journey that requires planning and support. The gift could help them save money over time and enjoy greater comfort at home.

“It is also something both partners can benefit from, unlike gifts intended mainly for personal use. Friends and relatives could pool their resources to purchase a complete system if one person cannot afford it,” she said.

A renewable energy consultant, Tunde Adewoye, described solar panels as an investment rather than merely a wedding present, particularly amid rising energy costs.

He said quality equipment, professional installation and appropriate warranties were essential to ensuring that such gifts delivered lasting value to newlyweds.

Adewoye added that a carefully selected solar power system could reduce a household’s dependence on petrol-powered generators and electricity from the national grid, helping couples manage their expenses over time.

For some prospective brides, the appeal of solar power lies in the immediate relief it could provide from the cost and inconvenience of household electricity.

Bukola Aiyenale, a 25-year-old employee of a fashion house, said she would gladly accept solar panels instead of traditional wedding gifts such as kitchen utensils or cash envelopes.

“With what we spend on fuel and electricity bills now, solar is gold. If someone gifts me a 3kVA system for my wedding, they have saved my marriage from generator noise for the next 10 years. It is not just a gift, it is an investment in my home,” she said.

Similarly, Rachel Oye, a banker with Access Bank, said a solar power system could significantly reduce the financial burden on newly married couples as they adjusted to the cost of running a household.

“As a banker, I see how young families struggle with energy costs in the first year of marriage. Rent is high, fuel is high, electricity tariff is high. If someone gifts you a solar system, they have essentially taken one major bill off your neck for years. It is more thoughtful than a set of plates that will stay in the box,” she said.

Oye said practical gifts that addressed everyday financial challenges should be encouraged, adding that solar power systems could give newlyweds a more secure financial start by helping them manage recurring energy expenses.

The growing preference expressed by the respondents reflects a shift towards practical wedding gifts that address the realities of household expenses, with solar power emerging as an option for families and friends seeking to make a lasting contribution to a couple’s new life together.