Why Many Nigerians Are Switching to Solar
If you live in Nigeria, you already know the struggle—unreliable power supply, noisy generators, and constantly rising fuel prices and high cost of electric bills on unstable electricity. For families living in a 2-bedroom apartment, these issues are more than just inconvenient—they’re expensive. That’s why thousands of Nigerians are now asking: “Can I just power everything with solar and stop depending on NEPA or fuel?”
The answer is yes. In this article, I’ll break down exactly how to run your 2-bedroom apartment on solar, how much it will cost, and the kind of setup you’ll need. Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or anywhere else, this guide gives you a practical roadmap to becoming power-independent.
Step 1: Know What You Want to Power
Before you start pricing solar panels and batteries, take a moment to think about the appliances you use daily. In a typical 2-bedroom apartment in Nigeria, here’s a likely list:
| Appliance | Quantity | Power (W) | Usage (hrs/day) | Daily Use (Wh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED bulbs | 8 | 10 | 6 | 480 |
| TV | 1 | 100 | 5 | 500 |
| Standing fans | 3 | 70 | 6 | 1,260 |
| Fridge/Freezer | 1 | 150 | 24 (on/off cycle) | ~1,200 |
| Laptops | 2 | 100 | 4 | 800 |
| Water pump | 1 | 1000 | 0.5 | 500 |
Estimated daily power use: 4,740 – 6,000Wh (or ~6kWh/day)
So if you want a solar system that works well without frustration, aim to generate at least 7kWh per day.
Step 2: What Equipment Will You Need?
To run your flat entirely on solar, you need more than just panels. Here’s the full setup explained in simple terms:
1. Solar Panels (3.5kW to 5kW)
These collect energy from the sun.
You’ll need around 8 to 10 high-wattage panels (400–500W each).
2. Inverter (5kVA Pure Sine Wave)
This converts solar energy (DC) into electricity (AC) for your appliances.
Brands to trust: Felicity, Growatt, Luminous, Victron.
3. Battery Bank (48V setup, 200Ah x 4 minimum)
Stores power so you can use it at night.
Lead-acid batteries are cheaper but need maintenance. Lithium is expensive but lasts longer.
4. MPPT Charge Controller
This helps regulate and optimize how solar power is sent to your batteries.
5. Wiring, Mounting & Safety Accessories
Includes cables, breakers, mounts, isolators, and protection devices.
6. Professional Installer
Never DIY. Always use a trained solar technician.
Step 3: Real Cost Breakdown in 2025 (Current Market Rates)
| Item | Estimated Cost (₦) |
| Solar Panels (3.5–5kW) | ₦1.2M – ₦1.6M |
| 5kVA Inverter | ₦250K – ₦450K |
| Batteries (4–6 units) | ₦600K – ₦1.5M |
| MPPT Charge Controller | ₦70K – ₦150K |
| Accessories + Install | ₦200K – ₦350K |
Total Cost: ₦2.3M – ₦4M, depending on brand choices and battery type.
Step 4: User Case Study – Lagos Apartment
“I live in Ibeju-Lekki and installed a 4.5kW solar system for my 2-bedroom flat in 2024. It cost me about ₦3.4M. Since then, I haven’t turned on my generator once. I use it to run my fridge, lights, 3 fans, TV, router, and even my laptop studio. PHCN’s bill has dropped to near-zero.”
— Daniel, Music Producer in Lagos
This is a great example of how a well-sized system can provide full power independence with little to no generator use.
Step 5: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
Guessing your energy needs instead of calculating.
Buying fake or low-grade batteries because they’re cheaper.
Not planning for expansion (e.g., if you add A/C later).
Skipping quality installers—cheap work often leads to system failure.
Installing panels where they get shade (e.g., behind trees or tall buildings).
Tip: Spend a little more for quality now. It saves you 3x later.
Step 6: What About A/C and Electric Cookers?
You can run an inverter A/C (1HP) if:
Your panel system is at least 5kW
You have enough battery backup (lithium is preferred)
But avoid electric cookers. They consume 1000W+ per hour—better to stick with gas for cooking.
Step 7: Maintenance & Lifespan
| Component | Lifespan | Notes |
| Panels | 20–25 yrs | Clean every 3–6 months |
| Inverter | 5–10 yrs | Use surge protection |
| Lead Batteries | 2–4 yrs | Check water & voltage |
| Lithium Batts | 7–10 yrs | No maintenance needed |
Schedule professional checks every 6 months.
Common Questions Answered
Can I install solar if I’m renting?
Yes. Use portable or modular systems that can be moved.
What happens during rainy season?
Output drops by 30–60%. That’s why batteries are essential.
Can I start small and expand?
Definitely. Many setups allow you to add panels and batteries later.
What’s the payback time?
Usually 2.5–3.5 years. After that, the system basically pays you back every month.
Final Word: Is Solar Worth It?
If you’re tired of paying unstable NEPA bills and burning fuel, going solar is not just a smart move—it’s a life upgrade. For a 2-bedroom apartment, it gives you freedom, peace, and serious savings.
Cost: ₦2.5M–₦4M
Lifespan: 10–25 years
Savings: ₦500K–₦800K per year
Noise & Fuel: Gone for good
Want help getting started? Reach out to a local installer or use our free quote form to find out what fits your home.
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