The 5kVA solar system is the most common choice for Nigerian middle-class homes that want to run an air conditioner alongside normal household loads. It is the tipping point where solar goes from "backup power" to "primary power" — handling everything your home needs during the 18+ hours PHCN is typically absent.
What Does 5kVA Actually Mean?
kVA (kilovolt-amperes) is the inverter's output capacity — the maximum load it can handle at one time. For resistive loads (lights, fans, fridges), 5kVA ≈ 5kW. For motor loads with power factor correction (ACs, pumps), the practical usable power is 80% of rated kVA = 4kW.
This means a 5kVA inverter can support up to 4,000W of simultaneous load. A 1HP inverter AC draws ~750W running, 2,000W+ at startup. Factor in: 1 fridge (150W), 2 ceiling fans (110W), TV (100W), lights (80W) = 440W — so the AC plus normal home load = approximately 1,200W running, well within the 4,000W capacity.
Standard 5kVA System Specification
| Component | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inverter | 5kVA hybrid (Deye / Growatt / Felicity) | Built-in 80A MPPT |
| Solar panels | 8 × 400W (Jinko / JA Solar / LONGi) | 3,200W total array |
| Battery bank | 8 × 200Ah (tubular or lithium) | 48V system voltage |
| Cables | 4mm² DC, 16mm² battery, 6mm² AC | IEC-rated solar cable |
| Protection | DC fuse, Class T battery fuse, MCB + RCCB | IEC 62548 compliant |
| Mounting | Roof or ground aluminum frames | 5–15° tilt for Nigeria |
What a 5kVA System Powers
| Appliance | Running Watts | Daily Hours | Daily Wh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1HP Inverter AC | 750W | 8h | 6,000Wh |
| Fridge (200L) | 150W | 24h (cycling) | 1,800Wh |
| 3 × Ceiling Fan | 165W | 12h | 1,980Wh |
| 43" LED TV | 90W | 6h | 540Wh |
| LED Lighting (8 bulbs) | 80W | 8h | 640Wh |
| Laptop + phones | 80W | 5h | 400Wh |
| Total daily | 11,360Wh |
The system generates: 8 panels × 400W × 4.5h sun (Lagos) × 0.75 derate = 10,800Wh/day. This covers most of the 11,360Wh load, with the shortfall drawn from batteries overnight and topped up by PHCN when available.
Full Cost Breakdown (Lagos, mid-2025)
| Component | Tubular Low | Tubular High | Lithium Low | Lithium High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 400W panels | ₦560k | ₦800k | ₦560k | ₦800k |
| 8 × 200Ah batteries | ₦400k | ₦640k | ₦1,440k | ₦2,400k |
| 5kVA hybrid inverter | ₦380k | ₦600k | ₦380k | ₦600k |
| Mounting + cables + breakers | ₦200k | ₦380k | ₦200k | ₦380k |
| Installation labour | ₦180k | ₦300k | ₦180k | ₦300k |
| Total | ₦1,720k | ₦2,720k | ₦2,760k | ₦4,480k |
City Price Variation
Lagos is the cheapest market due to proximity to Apapa port and Alaba market. Other cities add:
- Abuja (FCT): Add ₦150,000–₦250,000
- Port Harcourt: Add ₦100,000–₦200,000
- Kano: Add ₦200,000–₦350,000
- Enugu, Owerri: Add ₦120,000–₦220,000
- Maiduguri, Sokoto: Add ₦300,000–₦500,000
Get your exact 5kVA system spec
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