JLN Solars - Light Up The World
A comprehensive e-commerce and business platform for JLN Solars, a leading solar installation company in Nigeria, featuring product catalog, customized solar proposals, and end-to-end solar solution sales.
Overview
A comprehensive e-commerce and business platform for JLN Solars, a leading solar installation company in Nigeria, featuring product catalog, customized solar proposals, and end-to-end solar solution sales.
The Problem
JLN Solars, a solar installation company in Nigeria, struggled to showcase their extensive solar products and reach customers beyond their physical location. The traditional approach of in-person consultations limited their market reach and made it difficult for potential customers to explore solar options, understand pricing, and request customized solutions. With Nigeria's growing demand for alternative energy solutions due to power challenges, the company needed a dual-purpose platform that would serve as both an e-commerce store for standard solar products and a business showcase for custom solar installations tailored to client specifications.
My Approach
Built a sophisticated hybrid e-commerce and business platform using Next.js 14 and TypeScript. Developed two integrated systems: (1) E-commerce Store - comprehensive product catalog featuring solar panels, inverters, batteries, charge controllers, mounting systems, solar lights, and complete solar kits with detailed specifications, pricing, and availability. Implemented shopping cart, secure checkout, and Paystack payment integration. (2) Custom Proposal System - interactive consultation form capturing client requirements (power needs, budget, property type, location). Built a proposal generator that creates customized solar system designs with equipment specifications, installation plans, cost breakdown, and ROI calculations. Created a business showcase section highlighting past installations, case studies, and company expertise. Implemented an inquiry management system for the sales team to follow up on proposals. Integrated WhatsApp Business API for instant customer support. Developed a solar calculator tool helping customers estimate their energy needs and potential savings. Built an admin dashboard for inventory management, order processing, proposal tracking, and customer relationship management. Used AWS S3 for product images and installation photos. Optimized for mobile since most Nigerian users access via smartphones.
The Result
Successfully launched a comprehensive solar e-commerce and business platform that transformed JLN Solars' market reach. Product catalog features 200+ solar products with detailed specifications. Platform processes both standard product orders and custom installation proposals. Reached customers across Nigeria, expanding beyond the company's local market. Generated 500+ custom solar proposals in the first year with 35% conversion rate to installations. E-commerce sales increased by 280% compared to walk-in store sales. Average custom installation value of ₦2.5 million per project. Solar calculator tool used by 3,000+ visitors monthly, improving customer education about solar solutions. Mobile traffic accounts for 75% of total visitors, validating mobile-first approach. Platform achieved 99.7% uptime with fast loading times despite Nigerian internet challenges. Customer satisfaction rating of 4.6/5 with clients appreciating the ability to compare products and request customized quotes online. Successfully positioned JLN Solars as a tech-forward solar company. Platform contributed to Nigeria's renewable energy adoption by making solar solutions more accessible and transparent.