SolaPlan

Smart Solar System Sizing for African Homes

Get your personalized solar + battery estimate in 4 simple steps

1
Your Energy
2
Location
3
System Type
4
Backup Days
5
Results

Your Energy Profile

Let's start with your electricity needs. How much power do you use daily?

Small Apartment
8 kWh Typical Home
15 kWh Home with AC
25 kWh Large Home
40+ kWh
15.0
kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day

This is the most important number. Be realistic about what you want powered.

Your Location

Where is your home? This affects how much solar energy you can harvest.

Choose Your Setup

Based on your usage, here are your solar options:

Save on Bills

Grid-Tied System

Best if: You have reliable grid power but want to reduce electricity bills.

Solar panels connect to the grid

Minimal or no battery backup

~3.5 kW solar needed

Could save 60-80% on electricity bills

Backup + Savings

Hybrid System

Best if: You experience frequent outages (1-5 hours daily).

Solar panels with battery backup

Can export excess to grid

~3.8 kW solar + ~15 kWh battery

Could save 40-60% with reliable backup

Total Independence

Off-Grid System

Best if: No grid access or extremely unreliable power.

Complete energy independence

Larger battery bank required

~4.5 kW solar + ~30 kWh battery

Provides 100% energy independence

Backup Preferences

How many days should your system run without sun or grid?

1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days 5 Days 6 Days 7 Days
2
days of battery backup

1 Day

Occasional short outages

2-3 Days

Frequent but predictable outages

4-5 Days

Extended or unpredictable outages

6-7 Days

Critical needs (medical, business)

Your Solar System Estimate

For a Hybrid system in Lagos, Nigeria using 15 kWh daily with 2 days of backup.

Solar Panels Needed

3.8
kilowatt-peak (kWp)

Enough to cover 125% of your daily energy needs

Formula: (Daily kWh ÷ Peak Sun Hours) × 1.2 efficiency factor

Battery Storage

39.2
kWh usable

Provides 2 days of energy autonomy

Tubular Lead-Acid

Usable Capacity: ~47.0 kWh
Total Capacity: ~78.4 kWh
Depth of Discharge: 60% (industry standard)
Typical lifespan: 3-5 years

Lithium (LiFePO4)

Usable Capacity: ~39.2 kWh
Total Capacity: ~46.1 kWh
Depth of Discharge: 85% (recommended)
Typical lifespan: 8-12 years
Formula: (Daily kWh × Backup Days) ÷ System Efficiency

Inverter Size

3-5
kVA

Recommended 1–3 kVA hybrid inverter

For surge handling (e.g., fridge startup) and future expansion. Most available models start at 3–5 kVA.

Based on peak load estimate from your appliance list

Daily Energy Balance

Production: 18.7 kWh
Consumption: 15 kWh
Solar Production Your Consumption

On a typical sunny day, your system produces 125% of your needs, recharging batteries with excess.

Important Disclaimer

This is a preliminary estimate. Actual performance varies with weather, equipment quality, installation, and usage patterns. Always consult with a certified installer before purchase.