What Size of Solar System Do I Need to Power My Home or Business Effectively?

One of the most common questions we get at Realta Solar is, “What size of solar system do I need to power my home or business?” It's a great question, especially as more Nigerians are looking for reliable and affordable alternatives to our often unpredictable national power supply. The truth is, the size of the solar system you need depends on several factors, but don't worry—we’ll break it down in simple terms.



1. Understand Your Power Needs

Start by calculating how much electricity you use daily. Look at the appliances and devices in your home or business. Here’s a quick way to do this:

  • Write down all the appliances you use daily (e.g., fridge, TV, fans, lights, etc.).
  • Note how many hours each appliance runs per day.
  • Check the wattage of each appliance (this is usually written on a sticker on the appliance or its manual).
  • Multiply the wattage by the hours used daily. For example, if you use a 60-watt fan for 5 hours daily, that's 60W × 5 hours = 300 watt-hours (Wh).

Add up the watt-hours for all your appliances to get your total daily energy consumption. For example, if everything adds up to 3,000 Wh (3kWh), that’s your daily energy need.

2. Factor in Backup Time

How long do you want your solar system to run during outages or when the sun isn’t shining (e.g., at night)? Most Nigerians prefer systems that last 6-8 hours or even longer, depending on their usage habits.

3. Choose the Right Solar System Size

Here’s a rough guide:

  • Small Homes or Shops: If you only need to power basic appliances like lights, a fan, and a small TV, a 1-2kW solar system may suffice.
  • Medium Homes or Small Businesses: For homes with a fridge, multiple fans, TVs, and some additional appliances, a 3-5kW system works well.
  • Larger Homes or Businesses: If you’re running multiple appliances, air conditioners, or heavier equipment, you might need a 5-10kW system or more.

Remember, the more power you consume, the bigger your solar panels, batteries, and inverter capacity need to be.

4. Don’t Forget About Batteries

In Nigeria, solar batteries are essential to store energy for use during the night or cloudy days. The size of your battery bank depends on your daily energy consumption and the number of backup hours you want.

For example:

  • A 200Ah (amp-hour) battery at 12V stores about 2,400Wh of energy.
  • If your daily need is 3,000Wh, you’d need at least two 200Ah batteries to cover your usage.

5. Consider Space for Solar Panels

Solar panels come in different wattages (e.g., 100W, 250W, 350W). The more power you need, the more panels you’ll require. Ensure you have enough roof space to accommodate them. For instance:

  • A 1kW system requires 3-4 standard panels (about 6-8 square meters of roof space).

6. Get Expert Advice

Calculating your solar needs can seem overwhelming, but that’s why we’re here! At Realta Solar, we’ll help you assess your energy requirements, recommend the right system size, and handle the installation to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment.

7. Benefits of Choosing the Right Solar System

By investing in a solar system that matches your energy needs, you’ll enjoy:

  • Reliable power supply without worrying about grid outages.
  • Significant savings on diesel or petrol for generators.
  • Environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions.
  • Peace of mind knowing you’re using clean, renewable energy.

Let’s Get You Started!

Still unsure about what size of solar system you need? Reach out to Realta Solar today for a free consultation. Let’s make 2025 the year you say goodbye to power outages and embrace a brighter, solar-powered future!


Stay tuned for more tips and insights on our blog, Realta Solar Stories, where we help you make informed decisions about renewable energy solutions.

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