For a renewable energy of Solar Inverter and Battery mix, my research revealed the current cost is N250 per WattHour. Otherwise N250,000 per kWH
So, when you need a backup of 1kW for 18hours, it implies, we need a backup battery time of 18kWH.
Cost by rule of thumb from my research indicates that the Total cost will be around N250,000 x 18kWH = N4.5M for ensuring long battery life.
For standard basic battery life, it is 25% less cost with fewer batteries.
When solar panels are not required because generator is available as alternative to public power, take away 30% which is the cost of the solar panels, wirings and protection
You can therefore take a shot at knowing what your renewable energy package will cost.
- check the wattage rating on the side of the appliances and multiply by how many of such are to be powered.
- multiply the sum by the number of hours you intend to use the appliances
- the value is xw x yhours...that is what we called the watthour.
- do the same for other appliances you intend to support from the renewable energy Solution.
Add all the sums together that is for example
1. 5nos 10W led light bulbs for 10hours is
5nos x 10watt x 10hours
= 500watthour
2.2nos 32inch Tv 50watt x 10hours
= 1000watthour
Total for the loads identified above is 1500watthour.
The cost of the solar inverter system with batteries will be N250 per watthour x 1500watthour = N375,000.00
Solar content in the mix is 30%
And the minimum investment will be 25% less but it is not advisable on the batteries. For batteries to last their designed numbers of cycles, they must not be discharged below 70% of their backup storage capacity.
If one can however afford to stretch the investment, lithium batteries are advised as they have no limit to their discharge and that does not impact the lifecycle. Lithium will make up for extra cost with lifecycles upto 10years as against 2-3years cycle for Lead acid range except the flooded battery types.
As against N250 per watthour with Lead acid batteries use N350 per watthour for lithium batteries.
