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Solar can cut your fuel spending sharply, but it's a big purchase. Most disappointments come from systems that are too small for what people want to power.
Start with what you want to power
List the things you want running and for how long: lights, fans, TV, fridge, pumping machine, AC. A fridge, pump or AC needs a much bigger system than lights and fans. A good installer starts with this list (a "load audit") before quoting.
Inverter, battery and panels
- Inverter (kVA): how much you can run at the same time.
- Battery (kWh): how long you can run it without sun or grid. Lithium batteries cost more but last much longer than tubular ones.
- Panels: how fast the batteries charge during the day.
Compare quotes properly
Ask each installer for the brand and model of the inverter, battery and panels, the number of panels, cable sizes, and the warranty on each. A cheaper quote often means a smaller battery or fewer panels.
Installation matters
Panels should be firmly mounted and angled to the sun, cables should run in pipes, and there should be breakers and surge protection between the panels, inverter and house. Ask for a short handover: how to read the inverter and what to do when the battery is low.
What it costs
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Estimates for complete installed systems in Lagos and Abuja, 2026, from current market prices. Prices move with the dollar: get fresh quotes.
| Job | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 1kVA starter system, installedlights, fans, TV | ₦700,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| 3.5kVA hybrid with about 5kWh lithium battery | ₦2,000,000 – ₦3,500,000 |
| 5kVA hybrid with about 10kWh lithium battery | ₦3,500,000 – ₦6,000,000 |
| 10kVA system | ₦7,000,000 – ₦12,000,000 |
| Installation workmanship only (3.5–5kVA) | ₦80,000 – ₦250,000 |
| Maintenance visit | ₦25,000 – ₦60,000 |
Questions to ask before hiring
- What will this system power, and for how many hours at night?
- What brand and model are the inverter, battery and panels?
- What's the warranty on each, and who handles it?
- Does the price include mounting, cables, breakers and surge protection?
- Will you show me how to use it and come back if there's a problem?
Red flags to watch for
- Gives a price without asking what you want to power.
- Won't name the brands or models.
- Promises the system will run AC all night on a small battery.
- No breakers or surge protection in the quote.
Checklist
Tick as you go. Nothing is saved; it's just for you.
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