DavidGodwin:

Thank you so much, sir. I'll quote you again when I'm ready.

Yes Bro....Thanks

a1solution:
Buy diesel generator N250k and free yourself from buying solar inverter battery and related headache. The solar that will carry all the load you mentioned will cost over 4 million naira while diesel generator will only take you 4 litters per day and without any repair problem in the first two years.

Are you serious... 4 Litres/day??

inforesource:
I am embarking on ICT training Business, everything is ready but I am stuck in making a good choice among these following Alternative Energy sources:

1. Generator
2. Solar
3. Inverter.

Note: My centre will have 10 PCs, projector, big photocopy machine, and a fridge.

Pls note money is not an issue here. Kindly state why you choose any of the above energy source over another.

Focus: Efficiency, Life Span, Economical, in in short, mid and long term.

Location: Akute. Ogun state.

Thanks.

if cost of procurement is not the issue. Then go for solar. Its the most effective and popular alternative energy source world wide. The beautiful thing is: whether or not it rains, your batteries will charge. Cost of maintenance is minimal because the most expensive units in the whole set up which are the panels and the batteries have a minimum of 50 and 5 years lifespan depending on the number of complete cycles in the case of the batteries which is a function of the usage by the power consumer. For further enquiries... Visit www.nitramfrost.com

NigerianScholar:

Combination of no 2 and 3. Use an inverter that would be charged with electricity and solar power. That is the best. Cos once u pay once. U never have to pay a dime again.


I also stay in akute
I have a similar set up in my house. Do this yourself. Get a good inverter 60-80k
Get a lot of batteries. Up to 10 units ( bigger than car batteries). Then ask an electrician to help you set it up. Thats all

To make you independent from nepa
There is a place before tipper garage where they can help you get and set up the solar panels. Which would charge your batteries. Whether nepa brings light or not.

Can u please give directive 2 the place. I stay around the tipper garage axis.
Thanks

mfm04622:


If your public power supply is relatively stable ( i used to have more than 15 hours a day), you don't need the solar panel. Just batteries and battery banks. i have that now. Your inverter is NOT useless without solar panel. And why insult others to pass across your message?

well I never meant to insult anyone.

well wishing you all the best in your endeavours

Chukzyfcb:
NLders re busy suggesting options that they re familiar with.
Someone should give a well detailed analysis.
1) Cost of generator , cost of fuelling it in a year for 8hrs & cost of maintenance =

Vs

2) Cost of getting an inverter with battery that can last same 8hrs, same with solar.
****************************************
Eg. If it'll cost me 50,000 to buy a gen (2.8kva)
1,000 daily to fuel for 8hrs; 365,000 a year
Cost of maintenance a year = 30,000
Total = 445,000 a year spent on generator,

How much will it cost for a solar or inverter to supply the same 8 hrs in a year. That's the analysis we need here not beer parlour gist

I will attempt to answer this. I have a business that must have power supply 24/7. This is my 6th year and 10th generator (6 petrol, 4 diesel including two 3.5kva, one 5.5 Lister and the biggest is a 15kva diesel.) About a year ago I installed a 5kva inverter coupled to 4 deep cycle batteries and 1.4kw solar panels. This decision I have not regretted as I will analyse below.
First: The CHEAPEST power source in Nigeria is the National grid (Nepa of Old) BUT this is almost always unreliable for business.
Secondly: A good business centre should run from 8am to 6pm or even 8pm if in a school area, increasing the fuel use by 50%.
Thirdly: For his power need he will have to get a bigger gen set than a 2.8kva!!!! Otherwise the generator will be dead in 3 months carrying that load for 8 hours a day. A 5kva gen is more realistic.
Finally: the worth of anything you purchase is more meaningful is considered over a reasonable lifespan. So my calculations will be based over 3 years of usage since the common deep cycle batteries in Nigeria's lifespan is 3 years .
Now to calculations:
Gen 5kva petrol :130-150,000
Fuel@150/L X15L/dayX300 working days per year X 3 years = 2,025,000
Maintenance cost (oil/servicing/parts)@ 50,000X 3= 150,000
Total = @ 2,325,000
That is 2.3 million to provide NOISY power for 12 hours.
////////////////////////////////////////////////
Now to solar - inverter set up that can last for 24 hours or more of heavy usage.
5kva pure sine wave inverter : 200,000
2 X 60amp charge controllers : 200,000
12X 250w Mono solar panels@ 60k: 720,000
8 X 12v 200amp deep cycle batteries : 640,000
Installation costs/ accessories @ 200,000
Total : 1,960,000
That means for the generator person to enjoy 24/7 power over the first 3 years, he will pay 2.3 million X 2 =4.6million compared to solar setup of @ 2 million with change.
Since solar panels can last 25 years or more, the cost benefits keep accumulating yearly. The only component that you need to change as efficiency reduces is the batteries.
The ONLY negative of solar - inverter power system is the INITIAL cost of purchase and installation. After that comes the enjoyment!!

inforesource:
I am embarking on ICT training Business, everything is ready but I am stuck in making a good choice among these following Alternative Energy sources:

1. Generator
2. Solar
3. Inverter.

Note: My centre will have 10 PCs, projector, big photocopy machine, and a fridge.

Pls note money is not an issue here. Kindly state why you choose any of the above energy source over another.

Focus: Efficiency, Life Span, Economical, in in short, mid and long term.

Location: Akute. Ogun state.

Thanks.

If you have the cash, then solar system + inverter and batteries are way to go. My advise, to avoid hassles, go for American products like TriStar, etc. They are expensive but long lasting and efficient. However, if you can't afford them then go for Indian products like Synergy, Luminous or Sukam. There are other ones that might have tempting prices but on the long run, they would neither last nor deliver full capacity. Talking from experience.

Now, on the analysis of what solar system cost will look like, for 10 PCs, we will be talking of at least, 100watts each and a total of 1,000watts, assuming projector is about 100watts, fridge is about 350watts (modern refrigrators hardly exceed that) and photocopy machine is 1,000watts. We will be talking of a total wattage of 2450watts. Assuming you will only need 4 hours of power during evening/night periods (note, didn't include day time because all through the day, while the sun is shining, you will practically be using the inverter and solar panels with less usage of the battery bank), you will actually be looking at

- 3Kva inverter, stands at around 150-300k (was cheaper before the naira fall)
- battery bank of 400 amp hours and a 48V system but you should make it 600ah in case you wish to upgrade your systems/appliances, you can go for 8 of 12V/200ah batteries if you're looking to be at 400ah capacity in a 48V system or 12 of 12V/200ah batteries of you're looking to be at 600ah in a 48V system. Each batteries (note, Indian batteries) will cost around 70 - 100k. My advice, if you're buying them much like that, then approach the companies (e.g. Sukam and some other Indian companies have offices in Nigeria) directly and buy in wholesale prices, posing as if you wanna retail their products. It's cheaper that way, tho you have to be buying certain number to be able to get them to sell to you directly.
- solar array will comprise of about 16 of 300 watts panel and you need to have a good/large space to mount. At around 60-70k pa panel
- I'd advice you go for MPPT (although about 3 to 4 times more expensive than PWM) charge controllers because they are better and more efficient than PWM. Would have told you the current rating of charge controller you need but have little time now. This charge controller will cost about 200 - 400k
- accessories like:
*** flexible wire cost about 700 - 1,200 naira pa yard. If your solar panels won't be far from your inverter/batteries, then you will be looking at 10-15 yards of this.
*** solar rack, you can have a welder fabricate this one for you locally. Cheaper that way (may cost you about 50-100k depending on the quality of steel materials used.
*** battery rack. Have a capentr use strong wood to make this for you. Can't be more than 20k
- installation cost should be around 50k maximum.
A good solar system with quality batteries, inverter and charge controllers will last you up to 5 years or more (the panels alone, can last up to 25 years or more) with little or no maintenance cost. Now compare with a 3kva generator of about 200k (for a quality generator), that you might have to use about 10-15 litres of fuel daily (plus engine oil). Also consider maintenance cost, the fact that fuel may become scarce at any point in time and fact that solar system doesn't emit any form of gases or cause any form of noise pollution. You can check for yourself and then figure out the best alternative.

As for the bolded in post below, do not mind him for it was made out of absolute ignorance. As a matter of fact, solar system is the most sufficient form of energy in Nigeria (especially if you go for quality products) and only one who has not tried it before (or probably bought and used Chinese junks like Mercury) will think otherwise.

EnterPRO:
since money is not an issue, you will need all 3.


generator would have been the best if not for fuel wahala.


the other 2 on their own are not sufficient.

The bolded is just too ridiculous.

@inforesource ; Solar and inverter is far better but I think you shall combine with generator and stay independent of PHCN.

a1solution:
Buy diesel generator N250k and free yourself from buying solar inverter battery and related headache. The solar that will carry all the load you mentioned will cost over 4 million naira while diesel generator will only take you 4 litters per day and without any repair problem in the first two years.

are you for real, 4 litres for a 12 hour period. wow I have nor heard that

inforesource:
I am embarking on ICT training Business, everything is ready but I am stuck in making a good choice among these following Alternative Energy sources:

1. Generator
2. Solar
3. Inverter.

Note: My centre will have 10 PCs, projector, big photocopy machine, and a fridge.

Pls note money is not an issue here. Kindly state why you choose any of the above energy source over another.

Focus: Efficiency, Life Span, Economical, in in short, mid and long term.

Location: Akute. Ogun state.

Thanks.

As you claimed that money is not an issue for you. Go for Solar energy. Every solar panel setup should have a Solar inverter that converts the DC from the solar panels to AC for your home appliances.

Solar energy is free after the initial setup. All you need for your solar setup are;

1. Solar Panel.
Manufacturer: SunPower.
Model: 245-235.
Type: Monocrystalline.
Efficiency: 20.1%.
Warranty: 25 years.
This solar panel is a beast. It's the best in the market right now. Buy one or more panels depending on the stuff you want to power in your home. Don't buy inferior solar panels!

2. Inverter.
There are two types of inverters - Puresine Wave and Modified Sine Wave.
Puresine outputs better quality electricity but more expensive than Modified Sine. Buy Puresine, you won't regret it.
Don't forget to buy the inverter with the capacity that suits your solar panels output.

3. Charge Controller.
There are two types of charge controllers - PWM and MPPT
The MPPT charge controller is the solution of choice for higher power systems but more expensive. The PWM charge controller is a good low cost solution for small systems only, when solar cell temperature is moderate to high (between 45°C and 75°C). Choose the best for you.
Don't forget to buy the Charge controller with the capacity that suits your solar panels output.

4. Battery.
There must be energy storage. There're three types of batteries to choose from;
- Lead acid. Deep-cycle, lead-acid batteries have been employed in renewable energy and reliably used in off-grid applications globally for decades. It's cheap.
- Lithium-ion. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common storage technology, regardless of application. Costs double the price of Lead acid.
- Flow batteries. Redox flow batteries are emerging as another storage option. It's the most mature technology in this area.
For more info. here.

Good luck.

inforesource:
I am embarking on ICT training Business, everything is ready but I am stuck in making a good choice among these following Alternative Energy sources:

1. Generator
2. Solar
3. Inverter.

Note: My centre will have 10 PCs, projector, big photocopy machine, and a fridge.

Pls note money is not an issue here. Kindly state why you choose any of the above energy source over another.

Focus: Efficiency, Life Span, Economical, in in short, mid and long term.

Location: Akute. Ogun state.

Thanks.

pls at least get in touch before you make your choice you'll love the option I'll give you

08035616294 its an awesome well adopted new technology worth trying and cheap and affordable thanks

SincereBigot:
first and foremost, you will have to start by blaming buhari first for this situation we are in.

secondly, I suggest that you go with the solar power and inverter.. I can't be typing or using the computer alongside the terrible noise that emanates from a generator set.

thirdly, I still suggest you blame buhari

lol jahahaha I swear bigot u no well. wen dem release u from quarantine center sef

wellmax:
Since money is not your problem. Go get all three. Call your center "money no be problem cyber cafe"

lolhahaha chisos!!!! ppl dey for dis con3 sha. but guy u well so?

Good-day Sir, please I intend to go into this business when I make my millions. A start with 5PC's, a projector and Photocopy machine- how much do you think it'll cost me?

inforesource:
I am embarking on ICT training Business, everything is ready but I am stuck in making a good choice among these following Alternative Energy sources:

1. Generator
2. Solar
3. Inverter.

Note: My centre will have 10 PCs, projector, big photocopy machine, and a fridge.

Pls note money is not an issue here. Kindly state why you choose any of the above energy source over another.

Focus: Efficiency, Life Span, Economical, in in short, mid and long term.

Location: Akute. Ogun state.

Thanks.

gift01:
Budget for Solar system is on the high side but in the long run its far far cheaper. You don't have to stress yourself. I have a professional for you. He's Eng Tunde on 08059715479- the best I've seen that can do it for you. Doubt he'd be chanced. His 3 houses are fully on Solar. Our residence is also on Solar. Its very stress free and noiseless. Solar is the present and the future. Just close your eyes and do it once and for all. Life span is 5 years at least. Thanks. Hope am not banned. And I'm not Eng. Tunde

I don't mean to pry, but tell me how the solar thing work, do you have light only at "days" or it works at nights too? Does it store power, how guaranteed is it and what about electricity, don't you use one?

I don't have specific prices for those items but from my findings, you can just get items according to your budget. For example; you can get a set of pc @ 20k, another person can go for d one of 30k. Same thing applies to other items. You cut your clothe according to available materials.

Rexceedo:
Good-day Sir, please I intend to go into this business when I make my millions. A start with 5PC's, a projector and Photocopy machine- how much do you think it'll cost me?

inforesource:


Thanks @ExxKay, you mean you prefer Solar to Generator? Can you expantiate

cos if go 4 soler inverter I will be better, lets say u have 72volts battery 24volts soler panel its all done.

MrImole:

I don't mean to pry, but tell me how the solar thing work, do you have light only at "days" or it works at nights too? Does it store power, how guaranteed is it and what about electricity, don't you use one?

The one we have....its main aim is to supply enuf voltage for the batteries to be charged. The solar will charge the battery during the day. Electricity will also charge the batteries if its available. Generator can also do such. The batteries can be used anytime as long as it has enuf voltage. Solar can never charge at night. Our major aim is to get the batteries that power the house fully charged. There's another method for direct solar but that's too tedious for us but maybe when we have our own apartment we can do that

Prince16:


Can u please give directive 2 the place. I stay around the tipper garage axis.
Thanks

Pls quote me at the end of the day. I will have to get a good glimpse so I can describe it

shoyemiayodeji:
Generator.....you don't need to use fuel with your generator again as gas carburetor are now being used in generators ...i.e. You can now use gas to power yor 'Normal' generator.

Bro pls i wana ask, wil d carburetor in my gen need to be changed if i wana stat using gas?

owoshuyi:

Bro pls i wana ask, wil d carburetor in my gen need to be changed if i wana stat using gas?

Yes.

uvalued:


interesting pls educate.

You can go online to read more about it.....

Good day my Bro.

1st, let put things in correct order
> Generator
> Solar system is always complete with inverter.
> Battery Bank with Inverter

Since money is not a constraint, then go for Solar System. Once it is installed you need no maintenance, except cleaning.

Bc you still need light to constantly charge the battery, which generator cannot do

admax:
I will advise you to go for generator and battery/inverter option.

Due to few factors including low solar irriadiance in Ogun state and the fact that you wouldn't be cleaning the panels (People don't know they have to) often to maximise the yield.

Buy a generator to charge the battery for few hours, then run on inverter.

Bad advice.
You can't compare that with solar energy.

mikolo80:
yeah the gas is free of charge,grab it while its hot!!!

The day that gas will explode in their faces, they will have a teachable moment. Everybody turning to gas these days, including careless people. Gas doesn't forgive when it gets angry with your maltreatment. I'm a solar SPECIALIST. Anyone with 50k and above can be accommodated. My methods are detailed and unique and I would have been charging a hell of a lot if only that no one knows me yet. Catch me while I'm yet unknown and without capital to put up a multi-million naira show-off office cos when I do, it will be too late for the average individual. Thank you

shoyemiayodeji:
Generator.....you don't need to use fuel with your generator again as gas carburetor are now being used in generators ...i.e. You can now use gas to power yor 'Normal' generator.

How please? I'm interested to know about this. Can that also apply to small tiger generator?

shoyemiayodeji:


Yes.

Aite. Thanks

Follow this thread if you want a quote www.nairaland.com/3141574/building-house-want-incorporate-solar

Chukzyfcb:
NLders re busy suggesting options that they re familiar with.
Someone should give a well detailed analysis.
1) Cost of generator , cost of fuelling it in a year for 8hrs & cost of maintenance =

Vs

2) Cost of getting an inverter with battery that can last same 8hrs, same with solar.
****************************************
Eg. If it'll cost me 50,000 to buy a gen (2.8kva)
1,000 daily to fuel for 8hrs; 365,000 a year
Cost of maintenance a year = 30,000
Total = 445,000 a year spent on generator,

How much will it cost for a solar or inverter to supply the same 8 hrs in a year. That's the analysis we need here not beer parlour gist

My dear brother, that's an unfair comparison. Solar installations are meant to last over 20 years with little maintenance and repair. At the least, 5 years should be the basis for comparison as you could have to replace batteries after then - which is a big expense. Some well-used batteries can still serve for much longer though.
Ok, strictly solar/gen comparison, I made a calculation a year+ ago which came to less than 5 years inflection point (where the solar then becomes cheaper). Now, fuel was 97 naira then. You know the price now.
The best way to handle solar, if not that we have a failed society is that the banks give you a loan to acquire it and you pay monthly over 5- to 10 years (almost like a mortgage) and the government incentivises it. When Buhari won the election, I contacted someone close to his circle to let him know we can mitigate power problem in this country and create jobs, all within 2 yrs, with a marked improvement in one year. Well, I was ignored and we just "celebrated" one year anniversary of his inauguration with light situation much much worse than when I proposed the idea. With my plan, it actually becomes even cheaper to go solar as you would not need batteries as much as this our present self-contained model
When I say Nigeria is a joke, I know exactly what I'm talking about

bulldoza:

Wu u epp?

Original bad belle...wu u sef epp?

durodee:


I will attempt to answer this. I have a business that must have power supply 24/7. This is my 6th year and 10th generator (6 petrol, 4 diesel including two 3.5kva, one 5.5 Lister and the biggest is a 15kva diesel.) About a year ago I installed a 5kva inverter coupled to 4 deep cycle batteries and 1.4kw solar panels. This decision I have not regretted as I will analyse below.
First: The CHEAPEST power source in Nigeria is the National grid (Nepa of Old) BUT this is almost always unreliable for business.
Secondly: A good business centre should run from 8am to 6pm or even 8pm if in a school area, increasing the fuel use by 50%.
Thirdly: For his power need he will have to get a bigger gen set than a 2.8kva!!!! Otherwise the generator will be dead in 3 months carrying that load for 8 hours a day. A 5kva gen is more realistic.
Finally: the worth of anything you purchase is more meaningful is considered over a reasonable lifespan. So my calculations will be based over 3 years of usage since the common deep cycle batteries in Nigeria's lifespan is 3 years .
Now to calculations:
Gen 5kva petrol :130-150,000
Fuel@150/L X15L/dayX300 working days per year X 3 years = 2,025,000
Maintenance cost (oil/servicing/parts)@ 50,000X 3= 150,000
Total = @ 2,325,000
That is 2.3 million to provide NOISY power for 12 hours.
////////////////////////////////////////////////
Now to solar - inverter set up that can last for 24 hours or more of heavy usage.
5kva pure sine wave inverter : 200,000
2 X 60amp charge controllers : 200,000
12X 250w Mono solar panels@ 60k: 720,000
8 X 12v 200amp deep cycle batteries : 640,000
Installation costs/ accessories @ 200,000
Total : 1,960,000
That means for the generator person to enjoy 24/7 power over the first 3 years, he will pay 2.3 million X 2 =4.6million compared to solar setup of @ 2 million with change.
Since solar panels can last 25 years or more, the cost benefits keep accumulating yearly. The only component that you need to change as efficiency reduces is the batteries.
The ONLY negative of solar - inverter power system is the INITIAL cost of purchase and installation. After that comes the enjoyment!!

That's why ppl shy away from Solar because of the initial cost of purchase....you can only get value for your money in d long run and no one has dat amount of startup capital to purchase say a 10kva solar-inverter power source...otherwise most industries in Nigeria would have gotten it by now....

Most batteries on heavy use are 2 to 3 years then you replace them making the solar/inverter concept not to be so superb. so for me get a brand new diesel generator and regular NEPA.