₦airaland Forum

Banks are ignorant right?
Government parastatals are ignorant rights
Commercial banks are ignorant right?
Churches and mosque are ignorant right?
Hotels are ignorant right?
Lounge are ignorant right?
Factories are ignorant right?

There are limitations to what solar can do for you, is what am trying to tell you.

Can you use your pressing iron on the solar?

Yesterday, a welder came to fix my burglary and i just on my generator for him to use. Can you give him access to you solar for him to use his welding machine on? Thats the limitation am talking about.

Almost all my properties as solar.
I have
solar fan
Solar bulbs
Solar deep fridge etc

But that cant take away my generator from my home because solar is not realiable.

donshady:
All I see here is ignorance. God be with you. Stick to your Generator 😆
Sterling Towers is now the first organisational headquarters in Africa to be fully powered by solar energy. It's there at Marina lagos. Go and see for yourself.

silibaba:
Banks are ignorant right?
Government parastatals are ignorant rights
Commercial banks are ignorant right?
Churches and mosque are ignorant right?
Hotels are ignorant right?
Lounge are ignorant right?
Factories are ignorant right?

There are limitations to what solar can do for you, is what am trying to tell you.

Can you use your pressing iron on the solar?

Yesterday, a welder came to fix my burglary and i just on my generator for him to use. Can you give him access to you solar for him to use his welding machine on? Thats the limitation am talking about.

Almost all my properties as solar.
I have
solar fan
Solar bulbs
Solar deep fridge etc

But that cant take away my generator from my home because solar is not realiable.

Need I remind you that Aso Rock is operating on Solar system?
And yes Banks are using Solar
RCCG is using solar installed for them by a Chinese company. Google is your friend.
Hotels and lounges are shitting towards Solar .
Ignorance will be the end of you if you continue this way.

where in benin did you get yours for that price? Everywhere i checked, its either #375k or #350k.

is the 420w panel for 65k monochrystal and from tested and trusted brands like jinko?

would like this as am not going to wait for the delta mini i am expctn

I bought 320W not 420W

You can go the major upstairs just before cook road junction, before Bulland bookshop when coming from New Benin opposite Unity bank. When you enter the complex, it's by the left, upstairs. It should be 330-350k

I bought at 330k

gtassure:
Where is His bank account number?

If you do not have a trusted religion account number to credit, give it to other humans without expecting anything in return. God loves a cheerful giver.

buygala:
Since this is a Nigerian forum, I will tailor my response to the Nigerian reality where there is little or no standard and quality enforcement for anything, including Solar set-ups

In the first world countries, Solar is far better than generators ceteris paribus, but in Nigeria, Solar set-ups are a quality gamble and unreasonably expensive

So as far as Nigeria is concerned, Generators are far more cost efficient and more reliable...

In Nigeria, the cost of a good generator is far cheaper than the cost of a solar set up that can supply power equal to such generator ...and there are very quiet and fuel efficient generators these days...

On will think Solar is cheaper until it is time to replace batteries, solar panels, or the inverter spoils...or worst case, the solar set-up puts gbese on the owner by catching fire and burning the house down

Last but not the least, Solar people (especially those who are off-grid) will still on Gen this period because of the frequent rain ..No sun, very little or no power for them

Your post is based on misconceptions rather than facts.
There is no credible data supporting the claim that generators are more cost-effective than solar for an average Naija household over the long term. In fact, the opposite is true.

Let’s use a typical Naija home consuming about 300 kWh per month.
A generator producing that much electricity would consume roughly 300 litres of petrol (or more, depending on the generator and loading). At ₦1,300 per litre, that’s approximately ₦390k every single month on fuel alone. That excludes engine oil, spark plugs, air filters, servicing, repairs, and eventual engine replacement.
Now compare that with a properly designed solar system. After the initial investment, your sunlight is completely free. Modern LiFePO4 batteries typically last 10 to 15 years, quality solar panels carry 25 to 30 year performance warranties, and reputable hybrid inverters commonly last 10 years or more when correctly installed.

People often mention battery replacement as if generator owners never replace engines, alternators, AVR boards, carburettors, starters, recoil assemblies, or spend money on endless servicing. Every machine has maintenance costs. The difference is that generator owners pay for fuel every single day, while solar owners don’t.
Regarding your fire argument, poor installation can make any electrical system dangerous. Houses have caught fire from generators due to petrol storage, fuel spills, carbon monoxide poisoning, poor wiring, and overloaded extension cables. That’s not an argument against generators; it’s an argument for using qualified installers and quality components. The same applies to solar.

Your statement that “solar people will still use generators during the rainy season” also misunderstands how modern systems work. A properly sized offgrid solar system is designed using the worst solar months of the year, not the best. Good installers size the PV array and battery bank based on seasonal irradiation data. Yes, there may be several consecutive cloudy days when a backup generator is useful, but that’s exactly what it is, a backup, not the primary source of electricity.

The problem in Naija isn’t that solar is inferior. The problem is that many people buy the cheapest components available and hire unqualified installers. When someone installs a 3 kVA inverter with two old batteries and expects to power three air conditioners, naturally they’ll conclude that solar doesn’t work.
Quality solar isn’t cheap, but neither is buying petrol every week for the next 10 years.

If generators were truly more economical, businesses that carefully analyse operating costs wouldn’t be replacing them with solar hybrid systems across the country. They do it because the numbers make sense.

eminemkayc:
I use a Honda 2.5kva generator purchased brand new in 2016 and I have been using it till this day. It's over ten years now and within this period I may only have called a technician not more than 10 times to only do what I can't typically do myself as I service it myself, which is just oil scheduled changes, or plug change after a very long time of rigorous usage. My Honda is quiet and very fuel efficient. It gives me about 1.3-1.4hr per Litre efficiency and it carries my deep freezer, 2Nos OX 130w industrial fans, 7Kg (350w) washing machine, etc. I will not switch to an inverter system as it's pointless having 3 sources of power in my home plus the huge cost of acquiring a comparatively equivalent quality inverter to my Honda generator. As i do not ever call technicians since the gen doesnt give me issues since 2016 and I've gotten good value for money, hitch free. Once there's no electricity (i'm on band A by the way), I switch on my 2.5kVa generator and it carries everything in my house and i'm fine. As for cost, its just fuel. I use about 15k max in a week which is about 60k in a month, i.e in a worst case scenario. To purchase the same Honda 2.5kva gen today will cost about 800k, i got mine in 2016 for 160k. If I am to get a good quality inverter system that would carry everything in my house, it'll cost me about 2.5m to 3m. If I have 3m and subtract 800k from it to get another Honda 2.5kVa generator,i.e assuming I do not have a generator presently, I can invest the balance 2.2m in a reliable money market that can give me good interest in 90days that I can use to offset the fueling cost for my gen while retaining the principal. Simple!!

Your experience with your Honda generator has been excellent, and I don't dispute that. Honda generators are among the most reliable ever built, so you've clearly gotten your money's worth.
However, a few assumptions in your comparison don't quite hold.

First, you're comparing a new ₦3 million premium solar system to an existing generator you bought for ₦160k ten years ago. That's not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The relevant comparison is:
- Someone buying a generator today for about ₦800k plus fuel and maintenance over the next 10 to 15 years.
- Someone installing a properly sized solar system today and paying almost nothing for energy after the initial investment.

Second, your biggest recurring expense isn't maintenance, it's fuel.
You stated you spend around ₦60k per month in a worst-case scenario. That's ₦720k per year.
In five years, you've spent ₦3.6 million on fuel alone.
In ten years, that's ₦7.2 million, assuming fuel prices never increase, which, in Nigeria, is a very optimistic assumption.
Now compare that with a solar owner whose energy cost after installation is practically zero.

Third, the investment argument isn't as straightforward as it sounds.
Yes, investing the ₦2.2 million difference could generate returns. But you're assuming:
- interest rates remain high,
- inflation doesn't erode those returns,
- fuel prices don't continue rising,
- and your investment consistently outpaces your increasing fuel costs.
That's a lot of assumptions.
Meanwhile, the solar owner is effectively earning a "return" every day by not having to buy petrol. Every litre of fuel not purchased is money kept in their pocket.

Fourth, there's the convenience factor.
A solar system doesn't require:
- buying fuel,
- transporting fuel,
- storing petrol,
- engine noise,
- oil changes,
- warming up the engine,
- or manually starting it every time PHCN takes light.
The power is simply there, automatically.

For someone building a power system from scratch today, especially with rising fuel prices, quality LiFePo4 batteries, and cheaper solar panels than a few years ago, the economics favour solar.

Mandate1:
850k

WHERE EXACTLY CAN I BUY IT?

Barezzi:
Your experience with your Honda generator has been excellent, and I don't dispute that. Honda generators are among the most reliable ever built, so you've clearly gotten your money's worth.
However, a few assumptions in your comparison don't quite hold.

First, you're comparing a new ₦3 million premium solar system to an existing generator you bought for ₦160k ten years ago. That's not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The relevant comparison is:
- Someone buying a generator today for about ₦800k plus fuel and maintenance over the next 10 to 15 years.
- Someone installing a properly sized solar system today and paying almost nothing for energy after the initial investment.

Second, your biggest recurring expense isn't maintenance, it's fuel.
You stated you spend around ₦60k per month in a worst-case scenario. That's ₦720k per year.
In five years, you've spent ₦3.6 million on fuel alone.
In ten years, that's ₦7.2 million, assuming fuel prices never increase, which, in Nigeria, is a very optimistic assumption.
Now compare that with a solar owner whose energy cost after installation is practically zero.

Third, the investment argument isn't as straightforward as it sounds.
Yes, investing the ₦2.2 million difference could generate returns. But you're assuming:
- interest rates remain high,
- inflation doesn't erode those returns,
- fuel prices don't continue rising,
- and your investment consistently outpaces your increasing fuel costs.
That's a lot of assumptions.
Meanwhile, the solar owner is effectively earning a "return" every day by not having to buy petrol. Every litre of fuel not purchased is money kept in their pocket.

Fourth, there's the convenience factor.
A solar system doesn't require:
- buying fuel,
- transporting fuel,
- storing petrol,
- engine noise,
- oil changes,
- warming up the engine,
- or manually starting it every time PHCN takes light.
The power is simply there, automatically.

For someone building a power system from scratch today, especially with rising fuel prices, quality LiFePo4 batteries, and cheaper solar panels than a few years ago, the economics favour solar.

Now this is what a call an intellectually factual engagement. You know what you are talking about. Thank you sir.

Please what and what can it carry? That's, electronic gadgets?
I'm interested.
Thank you.

Osanoghodua1:
I have been running Solar for 4 months, I have saved #270,000 I have light 24/7, with that N270k would have just daily rub my gen for 5hrs, I run my solar 24/7 which can't happen with gen plus the noise and the panic to always off it, plus my solar can rate my deep freezer. I installed everything for N475k
ITEL 1000W battery, 500W inverter.

I bought it for N330k and panel for N65k transport, accessories and labour everything totalled N475k

To compare the hours used to if I was to be running Gen, would have spent over N1M+ on Fuel.

Please what and what can it carry? That's, electronic gadgets?
I'm interested.
Thank you.

43 inches LG flat screen (68W)

3 ceiling fans (68W each) only on when there is sun

130W haire Thermercool deep freezer (only on during the day)

45W rechargeable fan (used more often
30W rechargeable fan for my wife.

All energy saving bulks

1 Home theatre maybe 40-50W
1 GOVT
phones and laptop.

2 bed room flat.

Sometimes they bring light for 4hrs and it gets full again, at night, I reduce my appliances

Can be fully charged from 0 to 100% in 2hrs of light.

writetopoker:
WHERE EXACTLY CAN I BUY IT?

download CD care app. Register and buy, dey deliver nationwide. But if you have 1m, go for the cola3600plus. Thank me later after enjoying your buy

This does not need comparison because it's clear that Geen energy is the best and future.

I will say Solar is 80% better, than generator.

I am using 5kva hybrid inverter (SRNE), 6 panels of 550w each (ginko), 4 Tubular batteries 12v 220 Ah each and other little accessories, it was installed on 1st August, 2023 at the cost of 2.5 million for everything including labour with no extra cost. ( for A 3 bedroom flat).
Before the installation, I was buying #4,000 every 2 days because I put my Generator on by 6:00 PM and put it off by 10:00 PM everyday but I use my generator more during weekends.

I use my Solar for all these:

Thermacool Deepfreezer 319 Liters (Double inverter). on from 7:30 Am to 5:00 pm everyday.

Samsung Refrigerator double door. on from 7:30 Am to 5:00 pm everyday.

Gaza steam & spray iron (inverter) we use this iron morning or night on my solar.

Air frier

Deep frier

Blender

Lg smart microwave

Fufu Machine

5 O.R.L ceiling fan, Giant 60

Changed all bulbs to energy saving bulbs 10w and 20w

Lg 50 inches LED or LCD

Lg smart inverter washing Machine 9kg (Turbo Drum)


There are only 3 things , the Engineer that installed it told me not use, if I want my Batteries to last about 3 or 4 years and they are:

AC

WATER HEATER

PUMPING OF WATER


The day they installed it rain was falling, after installation he asked me to put on my generator to charge the batteries because there was no light that day, after 2 or 3 hours of charging he told me that we should not on deepfreezer or fridge that evening but that I should on everything in the morning immediately I noticed that the inverter is showing the green light. Apart from the 1st 5 days of installation which I put on generator about 2 times, since that time till now I have not put on my generator to charge the solar.

2 weeks after the installation, our Transformer got spoilt and we didn't see light in my Area (Trend Fm, Asaba) for almost a year before it was repaired.

My solar start charging between 6:30 & 7:00 Am. It's not only sun that charges it, what I mean is that it starts charging from day breaking.

Sometimes it still charges when rain is falling.

Please, if you have the money, try and install solar, there is more to benefit from it than generator.

Since 2023, I have stopped going to petrol stations with gallon to buy fuel, with generator not everybody can run generator 24 hours a day but solar like mine does not go off year to year.

In terms of maintenance:

During dry season may be February or March there was a day my solar tripped off around 5:00 AM, I called the Engineer and told him what happened, he said I should off it and turn it on that the light will come back, he said it was because of the season too much dust and our street was under construction that period, he said we need to wash the panel, he sent his boys to come and wash all the panel that same day, since the first year I have not experienced it again.

Distilled Water

I have topped up water about 5 or 6 times, he assisted me in topping first and second time but the rest I topped it up by myself, very easy to top up. The distilled water is not expensive, many solar shops sells distilled water. 25 Liters lasts about 5 to 6 months, you just need to buy it 2 or 3 times in a year at #20,000 for 25 liters.

When you calculate it that should be about #40,000 or #60,000 a year.

This is the only money you will spend in a year in terms maintenance.

This is very cheap to give you 24 hours light yearly compare to Generator.

henrylaptops:
Generator vs Solar: Which Saves More Money?

For many homeowners and businesses, one question continues to come up: Should I keep relying on a fuel generator, or is it finally time to invest in solar energy?

With rising fuel prices, frequent power outages, and increasing electricity costs, choosing the right power solution has become more important than ever. While generators have served as a dependable backup source for decades, solar energy has rapidly become a more practical and cost-effective alternative for long-term energy needs.

Both systems have their strengths, but when it comes to saving money over time, the difference becomes increasingly clear. This article compares generators and solar energy across several important factors to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Difference

Although both generators and solar systems provide electricity, they operate in completely different ways.
A generator produces electricity by burning fuel such as petrol or diesel. It requires continuous refueling, regular maintenance, and mechanical servicing to remain operational.

A solar energy system captures sunlight through solar panels and converts it into electricity. When paired with a hybrid inverter and battery storage, excess energy is stored for use at night or during cloudy weather.

The biggest distinction is simple:
Generators consume fuel every time they operate.

Solar systems use free energy from the sun.
This difference has a significant impact on long-term operating costs.
Initial Investment
Many people choose generators because the initial purchase price is relatively low.

Buying a small generator often costs less than installing a complete solar power system.

However, the purchase price tells only part of the story.
A solar installation includes several components:
Solar panels
Hybrid inverter
Battery storage
Mounting structure
Electrical protection
Professional installation
While the upfront investment is higher, these components are designed to provide reliable service for many years.
Daily Operating Costs
This is where the financial comparison changes dramatically.
Every hour a generator runs, it consumes fuel.

That means owners constantly spend money on:
Petrol or diesel
Engine oil
Filters
Routine servicing
Replacement parts
As fuel prices increase, operating costs rise as well.
Solar energy is different.
Once installed, sunlight costs nothing.
The system generates electricity every day without purchasing fuel, making operating expenses significantly lower.

Maintenance Costs

Generators contain moving mechanical parts that experience wear over time.
Routine maintenance usually includes:
Oil changes
Air filter replacement
Spark plug replacement
Fuel system servicing
Engine repairs
Unexpected breakdowns can also result in costly repairs and business interruptions.

Solar systems have very few moving parts.
Maintenance generally involves:
Cleaning the solar panels
Inspecting electrical connections
Occasional battery and inverter inspections
This translates into lower maintenance costs throughout the system's lifespan.
Fuel Costs Over Time
Fuel expenses represent one of the largest hidden costs of generator ownership.

Imagine a business operating a diesel generator for several hours every day.
Monthly fuel expenses can become substantial.
Over several years, the total amount spent on fuel often exceeds the original purchase price of the generator.
Solar systems eliminate this recurring expense by producing electricity from sunlight.

Instead of buying fuel every week, businesses can invest those savings into expansion, equipment, or staff development.
Electricity During Power Outages
Both generators and solar systems provide backup electricity during grid failures.
However, the experience is very different.

Generators require:
Fuel availability
Manual starting
Engine noise
Exhaust emissions

Solar systems with battery storage can automatically continue supplying power without noise or fuel.

For homes and businesses that experience frequent outages, this creates a more convenient and reliable solution.

Noise Levels
Generators are well known for their loud operation.
Noise can disturb:
Employees
Customers
Neighbors
Students
Hospital patients
Solar systems operate almost silently.
This creates a quieter and more comfortable working environment.
Environmental Impact
Fuel generators release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Continuous generator use contributes to:
Air pollution
Noise pollution
Greenhouse gas emissions
Solar energy produces clean electricity without combustion.
Using renewable energy helps reduce environmental impact while supporting global sustainability goals.
Equipment Protection
Poor-quality electricity and voltage fluctuations can damage expensive equipment.

Modern solar systems with quality hybrid inverters provide stable power suitable for:
Computers
Televisions
Medical equipment
Office electronics
Security systems
Industrial control equipment
This stable power supply helps reduce the risk of equipment failure.

Reliability

Generators depend on fuel availability.
If fuel becomes scarce or expensive, operating the generator becomes difficult.

Solar systems depend primarily on sunlight and stored battery energy.
With proper sizing and battery capacity, they can provide reliable electricity throughout the day and night.
Long-Term Financial Savings

Let's compare long-term ownership.

Generator
Recurring expenses include:
Fuel
Oil
Repairs
Maintenance
Replacement parts

These costs continue for as long as the generator is in use.

Solar System
Major expenses occur during installation.
Afterward, operating costs remain relatively low while the system continues generating electricity year after year.

Over the long term, many homeowners and businesses recover their investment through reduced fuel and electricity expenses.

Which Option Is Better for Businesses?

Businesses benefit significantly from reliable and predictable energy costs.
Solar energy can help businesses:
Reduce operating expenses
Improve productivity
Protect sensitive equipment
Lower generator dependence
Increase profitability
Enhance environmental responsibility
Many companies now combine solar systems with battery storage to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining reliable backup power.

Which Option Is Better for Homes?

Families also benefit from solar energy through:
Lower electricity bills
Reduced fuel purchases
Quiet operation
Reliable lighting
Better protection for home electronics
Increased property value
The convenience of having clean electricity without constant generator maintenance makes solar an attractive long-term investment.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely.
Many homeowners and businesses use a hybrid approach.
A solar system supplies most of the daily electricity, while a generator remains available for extended periods of poor weather or unusually high energy demand.
This combination minimizes fuel consumption while providing additional peace of mind.

When Does a Generator Make Sense?
Generators are still useful in situations such as:
Short-term emergency backup
Temporary construction sites
Outdoor events
Remote locations where installing solar is not practical
However, for everyday residential and commercial electricity needs, relying solely on a generator can become increasingly expensive over time.
The Verdict: Which Saves More Money?
If you're comparing only the purchase price, a generator usually costs less upfront.
But if you're looking at the total cost of ownership—including fuel, maintenance, repairs, and daily operating expenses—solar energy often provides greater savings over the long term.

By generating electricity from free sunlight, reducing dependence on fuel, and requiring minimal maintenance, solar systems offer a cost-effective solution for homeowners and businesses seeking reliable power.

As energy prices continue to rise, investing in solar is not just an environmentally responsible choice—it is a smart financial decision that can deliver savings for many years.

Barezzi:
Your experience with your Honda generator has been excellent, and I don't dispute that. Honda generators are among the most reliable ever built, so you've clearly gotten your money's worth.
However, a few assumptions in your comparison don't quite hold.

First, you're comparing a new ₦3 million premium solar system to an existing generator you bought for ₦160k ten years ago. That's not an apples-to-apples comparison.
The relevant comparison is:
- Someone buying a generator today for about ₦800k plus fuel and maintenance over the next 10 to 15 years.
- Someone installing a properly sized solar system today and paying almost nothing for energy after the initial investment.

Second, your biggest recurring expense isn't maintenance, it's fuel.
You stated you spend around ₦60k per month in a worst-case scenario. That's ₦720k per year.
In five years, you've spent ₦3.6 million on fuel alone.
In ten years, that's ₦7.2 million, assuming fuel prices never increase, which, in Nigeria, is a very optimistic assumption.
Now compare that with a solar owner whose energy cost after installation is practically zero.

Third, the investment argument isn't as straightforward as it sounds.
Yes, investing the ₦2.2 million difference could generate returns. But you're assuming:
- interest rates remain high,
- inflation doesn't erode those returns,
- fuel prices don't continue rising,
- and your investment consistently outpaces your increasing fuel costs.
That's a lot of assumptions.
Meanwhile, the solar owner is effectively earning a "return" every day by not having to buy petrol. Every litre of fuel not purchased is money kept in their pocket.

Fourth, there's the convenience factor.
A solar system doesn't require:
- buying fuel,
- transporting fuel,
- storing petrol,
- engine noise,
- oil changes,
- warming up the engine,
- or manually starting it every time PHCN takes light.
The power is simply there, automatically.

For someone building a power system from scratch today, especially with rising fuel prices, quality LiFePo4 batteries, and cheaper solar panels than a few years ago, the economics favour solar.

Well there are pros and cons. Most of your points do not directly apply because if fuel prices increase, inflation, which is a mathematical function of fuel price variation, shall also increase proportionately, and when this happens, my interest increases to match my fueling costs. This happens all the time so it doesnt impact me. If inflation reduces, fuelling cost reduces and so do my interest in the money market, so i'm good. I stated clearly the benefits I enjoy. Inverter batteries do not last a life time either. After cycles of charging and discharging they wear down and their staying power reduces. Therefore you would need to replace them once in about 6 years (depending on the make and quality of the battery). At the time of battery replacement, the prevailing inflation would catch up with you as it shall eat into your pocket because if you had purchased the batteries for 1.5m for e.g، it will cost you more to replace them. That's if you can even get genuine batteries.
Meanwhile a honda generator bought six years earlier for 800k at today's price, will not even reach a quarter of its half life and will still be running smoothly.

My Honda is genuine and hasnt bothered me in over ten years since 2016. You can't use a BuchiMIX blender for e.g with an inverter of equivalent power rating without slowly damaging its service life. A 2.5kva inverter wouldnt even carry it as the power rating of BuchiMIX blender is over 1000w.You will kill the batteries with time. But I do that with my Honda 2.5kVa gen while other things are on like ox fans and tv till i am through blending. I use the gen with 9kg/450w washing machine, my freezer on, my wife's industrial sewing machine on, etc. All these will kill an equivalent load size inverter battery in a short time. Well this is why I got a genuine japanese product by the way, which was quite pricey as compared to other brands of the same rating at the time. more than twice the cost and I get good fuel efficiency. Finally I didnt compare 3m with the cost of the gen in 2016. I compared it with the current cost which is about 800k. The balance will be invested in money market and the return, used in powering my gen with fuel and I am fine having the principal 2.2m after 60days which i can reinvest. Well my case is peculiar due to the kind of gen I use. A different gen wouldnt last this long and would have packed up since, if put under the same stress at which I put mine. So I don't see a need for an inverter for now. Note that my gen is calm and doesnt make noise. The decibel rating is way below 20db

buygala:
Since this is a Nigerian forum, I will tailor my response to the Nigerian reality where there is little or no standard and quality enforcement for anything, including Solar set-ups

In the first world countries, Solar is far better than generators ceteris paribus, but in Nigeria, Solar set-ups are a quality gamble and unreasonably expensive

So as far as Nigeria is concerned, Generators are far more cost efficient and more reliable...

In Nigeria, the cost of a good generator is far cheaper than the cost of a solar set up that can supply power equal to such generator ...and there are very quiet and fuel efficient generators these days...

On will think Solar is cheaper until it is time to replace batteries, solar panels, or the inverter spoils...or worst case, the solar set-up puts gbese on the owner by catching fire and burning the house down

Last but not the least, Solar people (especially those who are off-grid) will still on Gen this period because of the frequent rain ..No sun, very little or no power for them

You see people. Always quick to highlight the advantages but would never say the risks involves as well

smasher1:
Install and use, the bright daylight or sunlight☀️ from God is given to all free. God does not ask for anything in return. You can make a voluntary donation to God to appreciate his free sunlight.

lol, nice sarcasm there.

eminemkayc:
Well there are pros and cons. Most of your points do not directly apply because if fuel prices increase, inflation, which is a mathematical function of fuel price variation, shall also increase proportionately, and when this happens, my interest increases to match my fueling costs. This happens all the time so it doesnt impact me. If inflation reduces, fuelling cost reduces and so do my interest in the money market, so i'm good. I stated clearly the benefits I enjoy. Inverter batteries do not last a life time either after cycles of charging and discharging they wear down and their staying power reduces. Therefore you would need to replace them once in about 6 years. At the time of battery replacement, the prevailing inflation would catch up with you as it shall eat into your pocket because if you had purchased the batteries for 1.5m for e.g، it will cost you more to replace them. That's if you can even get genuine batteries.
Meanwhile a honda generator bought six years earlier for 800k at today's price has not even reached a quarter of its half life and is still running smoothly.

My Honda is genuine and doesnt worry me in over ten years since 2016. You can't use a BuchiMIX blender for e.g with an inverter of equivalent power rating without slowly damaging its service life. You will kill the batteries with time. But I do that with my gen while other things are on like ox fans and all. Well this is why I got a ; genuine japanese product by the way, which was quite pricey as compared to other brands of the same rating at the time. more than twice the cost. Finally I didnt compare 3m with the cost of the gen in 2016. I compared it with the current cost which is about 800k. The balance will be invested in money market and the return, used in powering my gen with fuel and I am fine having the principal 2.2m after 60days which i can reinvest. Well my case is peculiar due to the kind of gen I use. A different gen wouldnt last this long and would have packed up since, if put under the same stress at which I put mine. So I don't see a need for an inverter for now. Note that my gen is calm and doesnt make noise. The decibel rating is way below 20db

I think we've actually narrowed down the discussion.
You are no longer arguing that generators are generally better than solar. You're now arguing that your particular setup works well for your particular circumstances, and I completely accept that.

However, there are still a few points worth clarifying.
Your investment argument assumes that money market returns will always outpace your energy costs. History doesn't support that. Fuel prices don't increase in a neat proportion to interest rates. There have been periods where real (inflation-adjusted) returns on money market instruments were negative. If petrol doubles while your returns don't keep pace after inflation and taxes, you're gradually consuming your capital in real terms, even if the nominal balance looks unchanged.

Secondly, you keep treating battery replacement as an unexpected cost, while fuel is somehow not.
Fuel is not an asset, it's a consumable. Once you buy ₦60k worth of petrol, that money is gone forever. A battery, on the other hand, is a capital asset that provides thousands of charge/discharge cycles over many years before it needs to be replaced.
Over a 10 year period, you've bought fuel literally hundreds of times. A solar owner may replace batteries once, depending on battery chemistry and usage.

Thirdly, modern LiFePo4 batteries are not the same as the old lead-acid batteries many Naija folks still associate with inverter systems. Quality LiFePo4 batteries are commonly rated for 4,000 to 8,000 cycles. Used once daily, that's well over 10 years of service before reaching around 80% of their original capacity. They don't simply "die" after six years.
Regarding high power appliances like blenders, that's not a limitation of solar, it's a limitation of undersized inverter systems. A properly designed inverter with sufficient surge capacity can comfortably power motors, pumps, compressors and blenders without "killing the batteries." The batteries simply supply DC energy, and the inverter determines how that energy is delivered to the load.

Finally, you said your Honda is very quiet. I believe you. Honda generators are exceptionally quiet.
But no matter how quiet it is, it still requires:
- buying petrol,
- transporting petrol,
- storing petrol,
- starting the engine,
- changing oil,
- replacing consumables,
- and emitting exhaust gases.

A solar system does none of those things. Your Honda is an excellent generator. It just isn't evidence that generators, as a class, have a lower lifetime cost of ownership than a well-engineered solar system.

Barezzi:
I think we've actually narrowed down the discussion.
You are no longer arguing that generators are generally better than solar. You're now arguing that your particular setup works well for your particular circumstances, and I completely accept that.

However, there are still a few points worth clarifying.
Your investment argument assumes that money market returns will always outpace your energy costs. History doesn't support that. Fuel prices don't increase in a neat proportion to interest rates. There have been periods where real (inflation-adjusted) returns on money market instruments were negative. If petrol doubles while your returns don't keep pace after inflation and taxes, you're gradually consuming your capital in real terms, even if the nominal balance looks unchanged.

Secondly, you keep treating battery replacement as an unexpected cost, while fuel is somehow not.
Fuel is not an asset, it's a consumable. Once you buy ₦60k worth of petrol, that money is gone forever. A battery, on the other hand, is a capital asset that provides thousands of charge/discharge cycles over many years before it needs to be replaced.
Over a 10 year period, you've bought fuel literally hundreds of times. A solar owner may replace batteries once, depending on battery chemistry and usage.

Thirdly, modern LiFePo4 batteries are not the same as the old lead-acid batteries many Naija folks still associate with inverter systems. Quality LiFePo4 batteries are commonly rated for 4,000 to 8,000 cycles. Used once daily, that's well over 10 years of service before reaching around 80% of their original capacity. They don't simply "die" after six years.
Regarding high power appliances like blenders, that's not a limitation of solar, it's a limitation of undersized inverter systems. A properly designed inverter with sufficient surge capacity can comfortably power motors, pumps, compressors and blenders without "killing the batteries." The batteries simply supply DC energy, and the inverter determines how that energy is delivered to the load.

Finally, you said your Honda is very quiet. I believe you. Honda inverter generators are exceptionally quiet.
But no matter how quiet it is, it still requires:
- buying petrol,
- transporting petrol,
- storing petrol,
- starting the engine,
- changing oil,
- replacing consumables,
- and emitting exhaust gases.

A solar system does none of those things. Your Honda is an excellent generator. It just isn't evidence that generators, as a class, have a lower lifetime cost of ownership than a well-engineered solar system.

Well, I have absolutely done a detail arithemetic before deciding upon retaining what works for me, efficiently and not joining the solar rave. I have no problem with storing fuel, switching gen on, etc. They are none issues as I have a security at the gate who does all that. Fuel is stored at the gen location far off my flat. It's only to send the aboki a msg on whatsapp to switch on the gen and he does that when there's no electricity. When we are asleep and power is off, he does the same. There's always fuel in the gen. Its very efficient. All of what you said are none issues frankly. A well engineered solar system using LiFePo4 batteries as you have mentioned, of the same apparent power rating as the generator I use, will even costs more, close to 5m or above that, for you to get over 5k+ charge/recharge cycles and deliver pure sine wave of 50Hz without significant erosion of its efficiency within 8years. So there's no savings on that on the long run FOR ME. I am not the typical Nigerian that jumps into the bandwagon. I do my personal evaluation to determine if the 'general trend/direction' is applicable to me and makes sense. It makes no logical sense for me to invest in an inverter of equivalent capacity as my gen when I still pay for PHCN. Meaning that I already have a source of power and the generator is a backup. Thats all. What do I need an inverter for again when I am not off grid? From my personal assessment, to get the same equivalent value I am getting with my gen, I will need a set up what will cost me no less than 5m for genuine panels, DC batteries, inverter, etcetera just to reiterate. It has been more economical for me to work with my Honda generator. But again, this is peculiar to me due to the nature of the generator I am using which gives me immense value for money. I would agree with u if i am making expensive repairs every now and then which would eat deep into my pockets. But I am not. I am chilling. Someone's at the gate who puts the gen on, buys the fuel, etc. I have no issues. With regards to inflation impacting on my rates negatively, well, it doesnt. There are different instruments available to fix rates within a duration. Do your research. This is how I fund my fuel cost for my gen and oil changes by the way. That's all. I designed what works for me as an engineer. If it fails and costs me more after my evaluation, I can then see a genuine NEED for an inverter. For now, its more efficient for me to run with my gen. This may not apply to others however.

Your comment is based on outdated assumptions about what modern solar systems can do.

silibaba:
Solar is for light and little gadgets.

That may have been true 15 to 20 years ago. It certainly isn’t true today.
People are running entire homes on solar, including:
- Air conditioners
- Borehole pumps
- Refrigerators and deep freezers
- Washing machines
- Electric ovens
- Induction cookers
- Water heaters

The limiting factor isn’t that “solar can’t power them.” It’s whether the system was designed with enough inverter capacity, battery storage and solar panels.

silibaba:
Solar is not reliable during the rainy season.

A properly engineered solar system is designed around the worst solar months, not the best. Installers use historical solar irradiation data when sizing the battery bank and PV array. That’s why quality offgrid systems continue to work throughout the rainy season.

silibaba:
Can solar power factories?

Absolutely. Many factories around the world already operate partly or entirely on solar power. In Nigeria, numerous manufacturing companies have installed multi megawatt solar plants to reduce diesel consumption. Even telecom towers, which require extremely high uptime, are increasingly powered by solar-hybrid systems.
If solar couldn’t power industrial loads, there wouldn’t be utility-scale solar farms producing hundreds of megawatts and feeding national grids around the world.

Okay. The moment i see commercial bank installing it at their branche, i will likewise embrace it.

Barezzi:
Your comment is based on outdated assumptions about what modern solar systems can do.


That may have been true 15 to 20 years ago. It certainly isn’t true today.
People are running entire homes on solar, including:
- Air conditioners
- Borehole pumps
- Refrigerators and deep freezers
- Washing machines
- Electric ovens
- Induction cookers
- Water heaters

The limiting factor isn’t that “solar can’t power them.” It’s whether the system was designed with enough inverter capacity, battery storage and solar panels.


A properly engineered solar system is designed around the worst solar months, not the best. Installers use historical solar irradiation data when sizing the battery bank and PV array. That’s why quality offgrid systems continue to work throughout the rainy season.


Absolutely. Many factories around the world already operate partly or entirely on solar power. In Nigeria, numerous manufacturing companies have installed multi megawatt solar plants to reduce diesel consumption. Even telecom towers, which require extremely high uptime, are increasingly powered by solar-hybrid systems.
If solar couldn’t power industrial loads, there wouldn’t be utility-scale solar farms producing hundreds of megawatts and feeding national grids around the world.

silibaba:
Okay. The moment i see commercial bank installing it at their branche, i will likewise embrace it.

I have seen banks with solar setup Access Nd fcmb..