Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Solar Inverter Size for Your Home in Nigeria
One of the most common questions we get is "what size inverter do I need?" Here's a practical way to work it out — plus which Cworth inverter sizes we actually stock, so you know exactly what's available before you decide.
Step 1: Add up what you want to power
Start by listing every appliance you want the inverter to run at the same time, not everything you own. Most household appliances list their wattage on a label or in the manual. As a rough guide for common items:
- LED bulb: ~10–15W each
- Standing or ceiling fan: ~50–75W
- LED/LCD TV: ~60–150W depending on size
- Refrigerator: ~100–800W depending on size and type (fridges also draw a brief startup surge higher than this)
- Laptop charger: ~45–90W
- Air conditioner (1HP): roughly 750–900W running, with a higher startup surge
- Water pump: varies widely by motor size — check the nameplate
These are general, approximate figures for illustration — always check the actual rating on your own appliances, since models vary.
Step 2: Match your total to a real Cworth inverter size
Here's what we actually stock, and the kind of household or business each size typically suits:
| Inverter | Typical fit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8kVA (12V) | A few lights, fans, TV, phone/laptop charging — small room or personal setup | ₦235,000 |
| 4kVA (24V) | Small home: lights, fans, TV, fridge, modest daily use | ₦380,000 |
| 6kVA (48V) — ECO or Standard | Full home or small office: fridge, TV, multiple fans/lights, general appliances | ₦480,000 – ₦575,000 |
| 12kVA (48V) | Larger homes, offices, shops, or setups including AC or water pumping | ₦1,130,000 |
What if my calculated load falls between two sizes?
This happens often — for example, if your total comes out around 2.5kVA–3.5kVA, or 8kVA–10kVA. We don't currently stock every capacity in between, so in practice most customers in that gap are matched to the next size up (e.g., 4kVA instead of 3kVA, or 12kVA instead of 8kVA) rather than under-sizing and risking overload. It's a larger upfront cost, but it avoids a system that trips constantly or can't be expanded later.
Step 3: Battery capacity matters too
The inverter handles how much power you can draw at once; the battery determines how long you can run it without grid or solar input. A correctly sized inverter paired with too small a battery will still leave you without power once the battery drains. See our current battery prices across 12V, 24V and 48V systems to match battery capacity to your inverter.
Not sure? Skip the maths
If you'd rather not calculate this yourself, that's completely fine — just tell us what you want to power on WhatsApp and we'll recommend a suitable inverter and battery combination based on your actual appliances.
Help Me Choose My Inverter SizeWhat's the difference between kVA and kW?
kVA (kilovolt-amps) is the total "apparent power" an inverter can supply, while kW (kilowatts) is the real, usable power. For most home inverters the two numbers are close, but the kVA rating is what's used to size the inverter itself — it's the number you'll see on our price list.
Can I upgrade my inverter size later?
Generally yes, though it usually means purchasing a new inverter rather than modifying the existing one. If you expect your power needs to grow soon, it can be more cost-effective to size up now. Message us your situation and we'll give honest advice either way.
Wattage figures above are general estimates for common appliance types, not specifications for any particular product. Always check your own appliance's actual rating, and confirm final sizing with us on WhatsApp before ordering.