In Nigeria, power outages are common, and a suitable inverter and battery can be invaluable during such times. When you are watching your favorite TV show and all of a sudden the screen goes dark, it can be incredibly frustrating.
You may have an uninterrupted power source without the noise and pollution of a generator by using an inverter and battery. However, how can you pick the best ones? Which elements must be taken into account while purchasing inverters and batteries in Nigeria?
On the Nigerian market, there are countless branded inverters and batteries. You risk creating an expensive problem if you select an inverter and battery set with the incorrect parameters for your use case.
Read through this article to know the meaning of inverters, what they do, the type you need and the top solar companies in Nigeria where you can buy inverters.
What is an inverter?
An inverter is one of a solar energy system’s most important parts. It is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into the alternating current (AC) electricity required by the electrical grid.
Read- Green steel making.
What does an inverter do?
Alternating current (AC) power, which almost all household appliances and other electrical fixtures and equipment run solely on, is supplied to industry and dwellings by the major power distribution corporations. Batteries, however, can only store direct current (DC);
An electrical device known as an inverter transforms direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC). When grid power is inaccessible or unwelcome, you can utilize an inverter system in your house or workplace to provide continuous power.
Read- 25 Solar power dealer companies in Lagos.
What type of inverter do you need?
Modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters are the two main varieties on the market in Nigeria.
Modified sine wave inverters offer a low-cost alternative for powering typical home appliances including lights, TVs, fans, and laptop computers. However, they are louder and less effective than pure sine wave inverters.
You should purchase a pure sine wave if you want to power bigger appliances like a refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, or medical equipment.
For pricey appliances, pure sine waves are best since they produce little to no noise and offer higher-quality electricity. They can cost up to twice as much as modified sine wave, though.
Note: Sensitive medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, lift chairs, or ventilators, could overload and malfunction if modified sine wave is utilized with them.
Read – Geothermal Heating.
What size inverter do you need?
Calculate the combined wattage of all the electrical devices you intend to use with the inverter before selecting the size that would best suit your needs. By looking at the power rating label that is displayed on each item or by reading the user manual, you can determine the wattage of your appliances.
It is advised to only use your inverter for critical items if you want to keep your overall costs low. An illustration is as follows:
Common energy consumption in watts
- Standing Fan 50W
- Appliances
- Laptop 60W
- DSTV 20W
- 50-inch 150W television
- 10x 9 watt Energy Efficient Bulbs 90W
TOTAL 370W
In order to have extra capacity and avoid overloading, we advise that you choose an inverter that is double the size of your overall energy needs.
You can utilize an inverter of 800 watts or more for a total load of 370 watts.
Read- Plastic Recycling.
3 Types of inverters
There are types of power inverters you should know.
Today, an inverter is a common appliance. An inverter is essential to ensuring that your life and work continue as usual in areas with regular power outages. As a result, inverters are available in a range of configurations to suit various equipment and applications. They include:
- Sine wave inverters
- Modified Sine wave inverters
- Solar inverters
1. Sine Wave Inverters
Sine Wave inverters, which are the most basic kind, aid in producing an output that is comparable to what one might anticipate from a regular electrical supply. For running delicate appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, televisions, refrigerators, and computers, they are among the most widely used inverters. These inverters ensure a seamless experience and are incredibly dependable.
2. Modified Sine Wave Inverters
Microwave ovens, light bulbs, and other low-tech electronics can all be operated using modified sine wave technology. The technology entails converting power from a 12-volt battery and replenishing it using solar-powered generators. Compared to real Sine Wave technology, these inverters are more cheap. These cannot, however, be utilized to drive machinery that requires motor speed control.
3. Solar inverters
Solar inverters are energy-efficient designs that harness the sun’s energy as a source of power. The inverter harvests solar energy during the day and converts it into useful electrical energy that may be used later in the day. These inverters are affordable, but more significantly, they are environmentally friendly.
Where to buy power inverters in Nigeria
You can buy a power inverter at physical stores and online stores. There are some online stores that sell and deliver power inverters to your doorsteps. Some of these online stores include:
- Greenage Technologies Power Systems Limited
- Jiji
- Konga
- Jumia
- Kara
- Prag
Can an inverter power a Fridge?
Manufacturers of refrigerators have developed a Smart Inverter technology that enables you to run your refrigerator using a household inverter. This technology is quite cool since it can keep your food fresh even during lengthy power outages that last for hours at a time.
What size of inverter is okay for a house?
For households, inverters with a power range of 756–1000 W are ideal. Based on capacity, inverters come in a variety of additional forms.
Conclusion
In Nigeria, the usage of high-quality inverters has advanced significantly and become crucial for power storage.
The development and widespread use of this technology demonstrates that a substantial portion of the populace choose to use inverters to alleviate the excruciating problem of power outages in the nation.
