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Solar and Inverter Sizing Made Simple: How Big a System Does Your Home Need?
With fuel and electricity costs high, many Nigerians are moving to inverters and solar. The biggest mistake is buying the wrong size — too small and it trips off, too big and you waste money. Here is how to work out what you need before you talk to an installer.
📝 Step 1: List what you want to power
Write each appliance, its power in watts (on its label) and how many hours a day it runs. Example:
Add the watts of everything that may run at the same time, then add 30–50% extra for safety and for the start-up surge of fridges and pumps. For the example, 570 W × 1.5 ≈ 850 W, so a 1 kVA–1.5 kVAinverter is reasonable. Air conditioners, pumping machines, irons and microwaves need much bigger systems.
🔋 Step 3: Choose the battery size
Decide your backup hoursHow much of your daily use must the battery cover (e.g. the night)? In the example, about 2,500 Wh at night.
Allow for safe dischargeLithium batteries can use about 80–90% of their capacity; lead-acid/tubular batteries should use only about 50% to last long.
Work it outLithium: 2,500 ÷ 0.85 ≈ 3 kWh. Tubular: 2,500 ÷ 0.5 = 5 kWh (for example, 2 × 12 V 200 Ah batteries ≈ 4.8 kWh).
☀️ Step 4: Choose the solar panels
In much of Nigeria, panels produce well for about 4–5 “peak sun hours” a day (less in the rainy season). Panels needed ≈ daily watt-hours ÷ sun hours ÷ 0.75 (for losses). Example: 4,280 ÷ 4.5 ÷ 0.75 ≈ 1,270 W — about 3 × 450 W panels. Choose a charge controller (MPPT is better) that matches.
🧊
Fridges & freezers
Choose inverter-type, energy-saving models. Old fridges can need twice the power.
Big saver
💡
LED everywhere
Replace old bulbs with LED first — it’s the cheapest “solar upgrade”.
Cheap
❄️
Air conditioners
Need a large system. Consider inverter ACs and run them only on solar during the day.
Plan carefully
🛠️
Installer
Use a technician who checks your load, uses proper cables, breakers and earthing, and gives a warranty.
Safety
⚠️
Fake ratings
Cheap “5 kVA” inverters and batteries with fake ratings are common. Ask for the brand, model and warranty in writing, check reviews, and test the system with your real load before paying in full.
💬
Join the conversation
What size system do you use at home, and what does it power? · Installers: what is the most common mistake customers make?
What size inverter do I need for a fridge, TV and fans?
Usually 1–1.5 kVA, with batteries sized for how many hours you need backup. Work out your load as shown above.
Lithium or tubular battery?
Lithium costs more upfront but lasts longer, is lighter and can use more of its capacity. Tubular is cheaper but needs care and only about half its capacity should be used.
Can solar run an air conditioner?
Yes, but it needs a bigger inverter, more batteries and more panels. Inverter ACs run during sunny hours are the most practical.
How long do solar panels last?
Good panels often come with 20–25 year performance warranties. Batteries and inverters need replacing sooner.
Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated November 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.
