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Due to the frequent power outages and high cost of traditional electricity in Nigeria, many people are seeking an alternative source of power, which has given rise to demand for solar panels.
Over time, the increasing use of solar panels to generate electricity for homes and businesses has become a norm in Nigeria and, of course, can be attributed to the increase in solar panel prices in Nigeria.
It is noteworthy that anyone who would invest in this kind of energy will want to know what the cost covers.
This writing will explore, in detail, solar panel prices in Nigeria, what influences the prices of solar panels, and how solar energy systems are bridging the gap in the country.
Solar power is a vital answer for many households and businesses in Nigeria, where the power is not reliable. The general solar power system consists of photovoltaic panels, an inverter, batteries, and other components.
These all work in unison to harness and convert sunlight into usable electricity.
Interest in solar energy in Nigeria has risen for many reasons. People are seeking alternative and more dependable forms of energy.
The costs vary greatly depending on the type, size, and manufacturer of a solar inverter. Solar inverters play a vital role in any solar power system by converting the DC generated into AC consumed by home appliances.
1. Type of Inverters: Three main solar inverters are string, microinverters, and hybrid inverters. Each has a different price variety:
2. Capacity: Another thing that affects the price of an inverter is its size, primarily measured in Kilowatts (kW). That would be more expensive, though, because that would be larger capacity inverter solar installations, the kind that would be suitable for larger applications or businesses.
Solar Panels are supposed to be very durable and last a long time. The life expectancy of solar panels in Nigeria, on average, is between 25 and 30 years, but that depends on many factors.
Solar panel Prices in Nigeria fluctuate considerably depending on the type, brand, and capacity. So, for the year 2024, this is the estimate of their prices:
Take a look at the detailed breakdown of solar panel prices in Nigeria, taking into consideration the various factors influencing the costs.
There are numerous solar panels, and they all have different prices depending on their efficiency, materials, and technology. Following are the most common types and their approximate prices in Nigeria:
Monocrystalline Solar Panels:
Made from a single crystal structure, these panels achieve high efficiency and have a catchy look.
Polycrystalline Solar Panels:
These panels are fabricated from more than one silicon crystal. They are less efficient than mono-crystalline panels but relatively cheaper.
Thin-Film Solar Panels:
Thin-film panels, on the other hand, are less frequent. In such panels, the photovoltaic material is usually deposited as layers on a substrate; therefore, it is relatively less efficient, flexible, and lightweight.
2. Solar Panel Prices by Capacity
Solar panels come in different capacities, measured in watts. The capacity you may need depends on the demand for electricity at your place. Here’s a rough quote depending on the capacity of the panel:
250W Panels:
300W Panels:
350W to 400W Panels:
Other Costs
In installing a solar power system, one must consider other costs aside from the panels themselves:
Inverters:
Batteries:
Mounting and Installation:
Many factors influence the cost of solar panels in Nigeria. These include:
Brand and Quality: Generally, high-efficiency panels by reputable brands are more costly but promise longer warranties.
Supply and Demand: Supply and demand determine prices. Where there is a high demand for solar panels, prices appreciate.
Exchange Rates: Changes in the currency exchange rate affect the price due to much importation of solar panels.
Local Market Conditions: Prices can change based on local market conditions and depend on how well the solar products are
When choosing any solar panel system for powering up your television, first of all, understand that the panel is only a part of the solar power system; it also involves an inverter and the battery system. Let’s explore it further;
1. TV’s Power Consumption:
Know how many watts your TV consumes. This information can usually be found on the device itself or in the user’s manual. For example, an average-sized LED uses about 50 to 100 watts, while a large plasma can use anywhere from 200 to 400 watts or even higher.
2. Solar Panel Capacity:
Solar panels generate power in disjointed amounts, usually expressed in watts. The panels range in size from 250 watts up to 400 watts and above.
You do not need a super high-capacity panel to run a TV. For a TV drawing 100 watts, for instance, a 300-watt panel would be just fine, presuming that the panel is part of a well-designed system.
3. Designing the System:
Apart from the solar panel, your solar system should include a suitable inverter and battery. The inverter capacity should be such that it caters for or exceeds the power needs of your TV and other appliances you want to run.
For instance, a 300-watt panel connected to an inverter with a similar or higher capacity can run a TV and additional small devices.
4. Daily Energy Needs:
Remember how much energy you consume daily. Solar panels yield energy depending on the amount of sun they get. Make sure your system has enough panels and batteries to provide for your daily needs, including your TV and other gadgets.
The solar panels are designed so that their durability is retained and they can serve for an extended period. The average life span of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Now, let us talk about the factors affecting the lifespan of solar panels:
1. Quality of Panels: High-quality panels made by reputed manufacturers typically last longer. They offer a warranty period of up to 10 to 25 years to assure their quality statement.
2. Climate and Weather Conditions: Solar panels are designed to withstand the actions and conditions induced by various weather conditions.
Solar panels usually perform well in Nigeria, where the sun generally stays high. Still, extreme conditions such as a heavy rainstorm or very high temperatures over a prolonged period could reduce a solar panel’s life span.
3. Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the panels and checking for damage, also greatly contributes to the panels’ life of operation. Normally, a well-maintained panel outlives the predicted one from calculations.
4. Efficiency Degradation Rate: Solar panels lose efficiency over time. Most are considered to degrade at about 0.5 per cent to one per cent annually, meaning they can produce quite a good amount of electricity even after several decades.
No, solar panels do not work at night. Here is why:
1. These panels are dependent on sunlight to operate. This means that they convert sunlight into electrical energy and cannot generate electricity without the sun.
2. Noon-time Generation: Solar panels are thought to produce maximum electricity when the sun is out at noon. To perform their function efficiently, they require direct sun exposure.
3. Storage Solution: Most solar systems are designed with batteries that store the energy produced during the day so that they may be consistent in their power delivery. This stored energy can then be utilized at night or on days when sunlight is low.
4. Alternative Solutions: Solar energy systems must be complemented by solar panels and a good battery storage solution for constant power. Some are designed to have power from the grid or backup generators constantly.
Read More to know Your Complete Guide to Solar Panel Maintenance
Various factors contribute to the uncertainty of the number of solar panels that can power a house in Nigeria. Such factors include the size of the house, the number and type of appliances used, and the household’s aggregate energy consumption.
Here are some rough ways to go about calculating how many solar panels you may want:
1. Calculate Your Energy Requirements:
2. Solar Panel Output:
3. Estimate the Number of Panels:
You would need something in the line of 22 panels to satisfy 33 kWh a day: 33 kWh ÷ 1.5 kWh per panel ≈ 22 panels.
4. System Design Considerations:
Apart from panels, it is required to use inverters and batteries for good power with no breakdowns. This inverter should be able to match the solar panel capacity and store enough energy in its battery for the no-sun period.
5. Quotation for Professional Installation:
A solar energy provider would best provide the actual quotation suitable for your particular needs and requirements. They would do the proper assessment and suggest the number of panels required to support the appliances in your house.
While most household appliances can be supported by solar power, a few high-power ones, especially specialised ones, are trickier. Below are some examples of appliances that might not be well matched with the solar power systems:
1. High-Energy Appliances:
2. Industrial Equipment:
3. High-Power Tools:
4. Less Efficient or Older Appliances:
5. Specialized Equipment:
Explore to see 16 Questions You Should Ask your Solar Installer
While it is essential to know how solar panels work without direct sunlight, one must bear in mind that solar panels are far from being in maximum efficiency.
1. According to this theory, a photovoltaic setup can generate electricity on overcast and cloudy days, even with lower efficiency than sunny days, for they can acquire the diffused sun rays passing through the clouds.
2. Poor Light Conditions: Panels operate in poor light conditions, including the early morning and evening hours. Under these conditions, though, they can generate very little energy.
3. Efficient Technology: Solar panels are becoming more efficient, and even with a certain level of diffused light, they can convert it into electricity. Although their efficiency decreases, they continue to work.
4. Battery Storage: Most modern solar systems today are installed with batteries that ensure power is available at any time of the day when sunlight may not be available.
Extra energy produced during sunny times is stored in a battery for use later when the sun is not out.
How frequently the solar panels are cleaned would depend upon the local environmental conditions and other elements that may come in the way regarding dust and debris in that area. General guidelines include:
1. Regular Cleaning Schedule:
2. Environmental Factors:
3. Advantages in Rainfall:
4. Inspection and Maintenance:
Jinko Solar panels
25 to 30 years
Monocrystalline solar panels
Solar panels are a worthy investment for many Nigerians, who tend to seek reliable alternative sources of energy. If a good system is put in place and maintained properly, solar panels could have long-term benefits, ranging from reduced bills to a greener environment.
Knowing the price of solar panels in Nigeria, along with the cost of various components such as an inverter and batteries, will help in making an informed decision about whether to invest in this source of energy.