If you are not using inverters, plan to start quickly!

My inverter has saved me tons of money in energy cost.

Most people know what inverters are and what they do. In case you missed it, inverters are devices used to convert direct current (d.c) to alternating current (a.c) that is safe for use in majority of equipment used in Nigeria. The regular set up is power is stored in wet or dry cell batteries when there's external power from power distribution companies. These batteries when charged return stored power through the inverter to the household connected during a power outage.

Well, besides the plenty grammar above, you will have power to use when there's no power in your neighbours house next door. And this is done noiselessly and without pollution to the air caused by generator carbon emission.

Why do more people not use inverters?

They are expensive to set up initially. There's no mincing words on that. The average inverter costs about 90k (naira) for a 2.0kva device. This 2.0kva machine can support up to four 200AH batteries. For a household of 5 people in a standard 3 bedroom apartment, 4 batteries can supply power for more than 2 days straight if the load is light. The heavier the load (like 42 inches LED TV, with 1000 watts home theatre, industrial standing fan, multiple 60 watts bulbs), the shorter the batteries will last.

A single 200AH battery can cost up to 120k for either wet or dry cell depending on brand. I have used dry cell and I'm currently using wet cell. Apart from having to store the wet cell outdoors (not inside your living quarters because of the invisible fumes when it's charging), it is better than the dry cell. It lasts longer and when it's storing capacity starts waning, you just change the liquid to get back it's power. Once dry cell weakens, it's gone for good.

How to get into this cost saving thing.

My neighbourhood receives on the average 12 hours public power supply. Most times that's enough to store 24 hours of power in two 200AH batteries if you are not watching a full seasons of your favourite TV shows.

If shelling out 350,000 naira in one swoop is not your cup of tea, you can break down the process into may be 2 or 3 tranches. First, get the invert device (right now prices are down again due to reduced exchange rates - when it was 490k to the dollar, a 2.0kva inverter would easily go for around 150k). Next get batteries. Then get solar panels, if you are adding it to your energy mix (I haven't got panels right now cause I don't find it super necessary right now plus, I'm still in rental).

Note that solar panels will help you charge your batteries even when there's no power or generator. I charge my batteries using a generator when there's a long stretch of no public power supply. The generator has to be a high capacity one if it is to power the inverter.

Once all the pieces are together, you can then install. The truth is that when you have enough public power supply to your home, your set up can easily save you 20,000 a month of generator fuel. That's 100k in 5 months. 200k in 10 months.

If you need to talk to someone about the power solution that will work for you, you can send us an email using our contact form or reach us through any social media channel that we are on.