- How to calculate your home’s power needs
How to calculate your home’s power needs
- 2 mins read
- Electricity & Power in Nigeria
1. The Reality Check: Why “kVA” Isn’t the Only Number That Matters
“Most people ask for a ‘5kVA system’ because their neighbor has one. But did you know that two 5kVA systems can perform completely differently depending on the batteries and panels attached? Before you buy, you need to know your Wattage Load.”
2. Step 1: The “Appliance Audit”
List every item you want to power during a blackout. Look at the back of your appliances for the “W” (Watts) rating.
Pro-Tip: Pay attention to “Surge Appliances” like pumping machines and fridges. They need 3x more power just to start up than they do to run.
3. Step 2: The Math (Don’t Panic, It’s Simple)
To find your total load, multiply the Watts by the number of hours you use them.
Example: * 5 LED Bulbs (10W each) x 10 hours = 500Wh
1 Standing Fan (60W) x 8 hours = 480Wh
1 Smart TV (100W) x 5 hours = 500Wh
Total Daily Requirement: 1,480Wh (or 1.48kWh)
4. Step 3: Sizing the Battery and Inverter
The Inverter: Must be higher than your “Peak Load” (everything turned on at once). If your peak is 800W, a 1.5kVA inverter is perfect.
The Battery: Must be large enough to store that 1,480Wh of energy for nighttime use.
5. Common Mistake: The “Phantom Load”
“Don’t forget the small things! Phone chargers, DSTV decoders, and microwave clocks stay on 24/7. We call these ‘Phantom Loads,’ and they can drain a small battery faster than you think.”
