How Much Solar Power Do You Need for a 2-Bedroom Flat in Nigeria?
If you live in a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria, you’ve probably asked this question more than once: “How much solar power do I really need?”
Not too small to frustrate you. Not too big to waste money.
This guide answers that question clearly, using real Nigerian home usage, not foreign assumptions. By the end, you’ll know:
- The exact appliances to count
- How to calculate your power needs
- What solar generator size or solar setup fits your flat
- Common mistakes Nigerians make (and how to avoid them)
No technical jargon. Just practical guidance you can use immediately.
Why a 2-Bedroom Flat Needs Careful Solar Sizing
A 2-bedroom flat sits in the middle:
- Bigger than a single room or self-contained
- Smaller than a duplex or full house
Most Nigerian 2-bedroom flats typically run:
- Lights in multiple rooms
- Fans (often overnight)
- TV and decoder
- Wi-Fi router
- Charging devices
- Sometimes a fridge
Choosing the wrong size solar system usually leads to:
- Power finishing too quickly
- Inability to run essential appliances
- Needing to upgrade again (extra cost)
Step 1: List Common Appliances in a Nigerian 2-Bedroom Flat
Below is a realistic appliance list for most homes:
Typical Appliances & Power Ratings
| Appliance | Average Power (Watts) |
|---|---|
| LED bulb (each) | 10 W |
| Standing fan | 60 W |
| Ceiling fan | 75 W |
| TV (LED) | 100 W |
| Decoder | 25 W |
| Wi-Fi router | 15 W |
| Laptop | 65 W |
| Phone charging | 10 W |
| Small fridge | 150 W (higher at startup) |
Note: Power ratings vary slightly by brand, but these figures work well for planning.
Step 2: Decide What You Want to Power (Priority Matters)
You don’t need to power everything at once. The smart approach is to focus on essential appliances during outages.
Common Priority Setup
- Living room TV + decoder
- 2–3 fans
- Lights in key rooms
- Router
- Charging phones/laptop
Optional (depending on budget):
- Fridge
Step 3: Calculate Total Power (Watts)
Let’s calculate a typical evening setup:
- TV → 100 W
- Decoder → 25 W
- 2 fans → 2 × 60 W = 120 W
- Router → 15 W
- 6 LED bulbs → 6 × 10 W = 60 W
Total running power = 320 watts
This means your system must support at least 320 W continuously.
Step 4: Calculate How Long You Want Power (Watt-Hours)
Now decide how many hours you want power.
Most households want:
- 6–10 hours in the evening/night
Let’s calculate for 8 hours:
320 W × 8 hours = 2,560 Wh
So, you need about 2.5 kWh (2,500 Wh) of usable battery capacity.
Step 5: What Size Solar Generator Fits a 2-Bedroom Flat?
Option 1: Medium Solar Generator (1,200–1,500 Wh)
Good for:
- TV
- Fans
- Lights
- Router
- Short runtime
Limitations:
- May not last all night
- Not ideal if you add a fridge
Best for: Budget-conscious homes with light usage.
Option 2: Large Solar Generator (2,000–3,000 Wh) ✅ Recommended
Can comfortably power:
- TV + decoder
- Multiple fans
- Lights
- Router
- Charging devices
- Small fridge (managed properly)
Why this is ideal:
- Covers most 2-bedroom flats
- Lasts through the night
- Less stress on the battery
Step 6: Solar Generator vs Full Solar Inverter System
Solar Generator
- Portable
- Easy to set up
- Lower upfront cost
- Ideal for renters
Full Solar Inverter System
- Fixed installation
- Higher capacity
- Can power heavier appliances
- Higher initial cost
For most rented 2-bedroom flats, a large solar generator is usually the best balance.
Step 7: Solar Panels – How Much Is Enough?
Panels determine how fast you recharge, not how much you store.
General Guideline:
- 200–400 W panels → light usage
- 600–800 W panels → medium usage
- 1,000 W+ panels → heavy usage
For a 2-bedroom flat:
- At least 600 W of solar panels is recommended
- This allows daytime charging and prepares you for night use
Nigeria’s sunlight gives you an advantage here.
Step 8: Can a Solar Generator Power a Fridge in a 2-Bedroom Flat?
A small fridge:
- Uses about 100–150 W
- Has higher startup power
To run a fridge:
- Choose a generator with strong inverter surge capacity
- Avoid opening the fridge frequently at night
- Combine with adequate solar panels
With a 2,000–3,000 Wh generator, a fridge can run for several hours alongside other essentials.
Step 9: Common Mistakes Nigerians Make (Avoid These)
- Underestimating night usage
Fans and lights run longer than expected. - Buying too small “to manage”
This leads to frustration and early upgrades. - Ignoring inverter power (W)
Battery size alone is not enough. - No allowance for future needs
Always leave a buffer. - Assuming solar replaces NEPA completely
Think of solar as smart backup, not magic.
Step 10: Recommended Setup for a 2-Bedroom Flat (Summary)
Practical Recommendation
- Battery capacity: 2,000–3,000 Wh
- Inverter power: 1,500–2,000 W
- Solar panels: 600–1,000 W
- Usage: Lights, fans, TV, router, fridge (managed)
This setup covers 80–90% of typical daily power needs in a Nigerian 2-bedroom flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use AC (air conditioner) with solar?
Not with small solar generators. AC requires a much larger solar system and higher budget.
How long will the battery last?
Quality batteries (lead acid or lithium ) typically last 5–10 years with proper use.
Is solar worth it for a rented apartment?
Yes. Portable solar generators are ideal because you can move them easily.
Final Thoughts
So, how much solar power do you need for a 2-bedroom flat in Nigeria?
For most homes, the sweet spot is around 2–3 kWh of battery capacity, paired with sufficient solar panels. This gives you reliable backup power without overspending or daily frustration.
Solar is no longer a luxury — it’s a practical response to Nigeria’s power reality.
