By 9jaDirectory Tech Team | Updated: November 2025
With petrol hitting ₦1,200/liter and the grid collapsing weekly, running a business on a generator is financial suicide. In 2025, Solar Energy is not a luxury; it is a survival tool.
But how much does it really cost? And who can you trust to install it? We break down the market rates.
Cost Breakdown (2025 Market Estimates)
Prices have risen due to FX, but the ROI (Return on Investment) is still under 2 years compared to petrol.
The "Starter" Package (3.5kVA - 5kVA)
Suitable for: Barbershops, Pharmacies, Small Offices (Laptops, Fans, Lighting, 1 Fridge).
- Inverter (5kVA Hybrid): ₦400,000 - ₦800,000.
- Batteries (Lithium Ion - Recommended): ₦1.2M - ₦2.5M (Lasts 10 years).
- Batteries (Tubular / Gel - Cheaper): ₦300,000 each (Need 4 = ₦1.2M). Lasts 2-3 years.
- Solar Panels (4 - 6 units): ₦600,000.
- Total Estimated Cost: ₦2.5 Million - ₦4 Million.
The "Power User" Package (10kVA)
Suitable for: Supermarkets, Restaurants (Freezers), Tech Hubs (ACs).
- Total Estimated Cost: ₦6 Million - ₦10 Million.
Lithium vs. Tubular Batteries: The Truth
Installers will try to sell you Tubular batteries because they are cheaper upfront. Don't do it.
- Tubular: Lasts 2-3 years. Can be damaged if drained below 50%.
- Lithium (LiFePO4): Lasts 10-15 years. Can be drained to 0% (though 20% is better). Charges faster.
In 2025, Lithium is the only smart business choice.
Financing Options
Can't pay ₦3M at once? Companies like SunKing, Imperium (Sterling Bank), and Lumos offer "Lease-to-Own" models where you pay monthly.
Conclusion
Solar is an asset. A generator is a liability. Make the switch.
Find verified solar installers and contractors in Home Services and Construction.
How to Size a Solar System (Simple Approach)
The best system is the one that matches your business load. List your daily equipment and estimate:
- Essentials: lights, fans, laptops, POS, CCTV
- Heavy loads: ACs, freezers, compressors, servers
- Hours needed: how many hours you need power daily
Ask your installer for a clear load calculation, not guesses.
Installer Checklist (Avoid Being Scammed)
- Get a written bill of materials (inverter model, battery type, panel wattage, cables, breakers).
- Ask about warranty and after-sales support.
- Demand proper protection: breakers, earthing, surge protection.
- Insist on monitoring (app or simple display) to track performance.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean panels regularly (dust reduces output).
- Don’t overload the inverter—add capacity before expanding equipment.
- Keep ventilation around batteries and inverter to reduce heat damage.
How to Size a Solar System (Simple Method)
Most people overpay because they don’t calculate their load. A simple way to estimate:
- List appliances + their wattage (W)
- Estimate how many hours/day you use each
- Total watt-hours (Wh) = watts × hours
- Add a safety buffer (10–25%)
This helps you and the installer agree on a realistic inverter/battery setup for your home or business.
What Drives the Price in Nigeria (2025)
- Battery type: lithium is usually more expensive upfront but lasts longer than many tubular options.
- Inverter quality: pure sine wave, hybrid inverters, and brand reliability matter.
- Panel capacity: more panels = faster charging and longer runtime (but higher cost).
- Installation quality: wiring, breakers, earthing, and proper mounting protect your investment.
- Warranty & support: cheap systems become expensive when there’s no after-sales support.
Installer Checklist (Avoid “Fake Capacity”)
Before paying a vendor, ask these questions:
- What exact brands/models are you installing? (Request model numbers.)
- What warranty is included for inverter, batteries, and panels?
- Is there a site inspection before final pricing?
- Do you provide proper protection: breakers, surge protection, earthing, and battery fuses?
- Who handles maintenance and troubleshooting after installation?
Maintenance Tips (Make It Last)
- Clean panels periodically (dust reduces output).
- Keep battery area ventilated and dry.
- Do not overload beyond your inverter rating.
- Track performance: sudden drops can indicate wiring or battery issues.
FAQ
Is 5kVA enough for a small business?
For many small shops, 5kVA can work if you manage heavy loads (AC, large freezers) carefully. The right answer depends on your load and daily usage hours.
Should I choose lithium batteries?
Lithium often offers longer lifespan and better performance, but price varies widely. Compare warranty, cycle life, and after-sales support before deciding.
Payback vs Generator (Why Solar Can Be Cheaper Long-Term)
Many businesses burn cash daily on fuel, repairs, and downtime. Solar can reduce recurring fuel spend and stabilize operations. The best approach is to compare monthly generator spend to a solar payment plan or upfront cost, then estimate payback over 12–36 months.
FAQ
How do I maintain a solar system?
Keep panels clean, avoid overloading, and monitor performance. A periodic inspection helps catch wiring or battery issues early. Good installers also provide basic training and after-sales support.
Best Business Use Cases
- Salons and barbershops (steady daily load)
- Pharmacies (power for storage and operations)
- Small offices and coworking setups
- Retail stores using POS and lighting
Build Visibility (If You Sell Solar)
If you’re an installer or solar vendor, create a profile clients can verify and share:
List your solar business on 9jaDirectory and add photos, service areas, and contact details.
Installer Checklist (Avoid Bad Jobs)
- Ask for a load audit (what you power and how many hours daily).
- Confirm warranty terms in writing (inverter, batteries, panels).
- Request photos of past installations and real customer references.
- Insist on protections: breakers, fuses, surge protection, and proper earthing.
Conclusion
Solar is an investment in uptime. If you size correctly and choose a solid installer, you can reduce fuel spend, avoid downtime, and run your business with more predictability.
