How Many 180W Solar Panels and What Size Inverter You Need for 2×220Ah Batteries (With Prices in Nigeria)
As solar energy continues to gain popularity across Nigeria, many people are investing in solar systems for their homes and businesses. A common question is: “How many 180-watt solar panels can I use with two 220Ah batteries?” and “What size of inverter do I need?”
If you’re planning your solar setup or have already purchased some components, this post explains everything you need to know, with estimated market prices in Nigeria for 2025.
Understanding Your Battery Capacity
If you own two 220Ah batteries, each rated at 12V, you can configure them in two ways:
- Parallel: Voltage remains 12V, capacity doubles to 440Ah
- Series: Voltage doubles to 24V, capacity stays at 220Ah
For a more efficient and future-ready system, it’s better to connect the batteries in series to achieve 24V.
Total energy capacity = 24V × 220Ah = 5,280 watt-hours (Wh)
That’s 5.28kWh stored in your battery bank.
Estimated price for 2×220Ah deep cycle batteries in Nigeria:
₦350,000 – ₦500,000 depending on brand (e.g., Felicity, Mercury, Sukam, etc.)
How Many 180W Solar Panels Do You Need?
If you already have eight 180W solar panels, your total solar capacity is:
- 8 × 180W = 1,440W (1.44kW)
With an average of 5 peak sun hours per day in Nigeria:
Daily generation = 1.44kW × 5 = 7.2kWh/day
This is more than enough to recharge your 5.28kWh battery bank, even after accounting for 15–20% loss due to inverter inefficiency, temperature, and wiring resistance.
So YES — your 8 × 180W panels are well-matched for charging two 220Ah batteries.
Current price of one 180W solar panel in Nigeria (2025):
₦45,000 – ₦55,000 per panel
Total for 8 panels: ₦360,000 – ₦440,000
What Size Inverter Do You Need?
To choose the right inverter, you must estimate the total wattage of the appliances you’ll be powering. Here’s a sample breakdown:
| Appliance | Power (W) |
| LED TV | 100W |
| Small Fridge | 150W |
| Fan | 70W |
| Laptop | 50W |
| Light Bulbs (5) | 60W |
| Water Pump (intermittent) | 750W |
| Total Load | ~1,200W |
To power this safely, you’ll need an inverter that can handle at least 1,500–2,000W, and allow for surge loads (e.g. from fridges or pumps). So the best match is:
- Inverter size: 2.0kVA to 2.5kVA
- Voltage input: 24V
- Type: Pure Sine Wave Inverter (Hybrid is even better)
Estimated price of a 2kVA–2.5kVA pure sine wave inverter in Nigeria :
₦150,000 – ₦250,000 (brands like Luminous, Mercury, Felicity, or Blue Gate.
Read Also: How Much Does AEDC Charge Per Unit?
Summary of Full Solar Setup with Prices
Here’s a summary of what you’ll need and what it may cost you:
| Component | Quantity | Price Range (₦) |
| 180W Solar Panel | 8 pcs | ₦360,000 – ₦440,000 |
| 220Ah 12V Battery (Deep Cycle) | 2 pcs | ₦350,000 – ₦500,000 |
| 2.5kVA 24V Inverter (Pure Sine Wave) | 1 unit | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 |
| MPPT Charge Controller (Optional if not built-in) | 1 unit | ₦60,000 – ₦120,000 |
| Solar Accessories (Mounts, Breakers, Cables, Fuses, etc.) | 1 set | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Estimated Total | – | ₦970,000 – ₦1,410,000 |
Prices may vary by location, seller, and quality. Always buy from trusted solar dealers.
How Long Will Your Batteries Last on Full Charge?
Let’s say your battery bank is fully charged at 5.28kWh. If your daily power consumption is about 1,200W, then:
Backup duration = 5,280Wh ÷ 1,200W ≈ 4.4 hours
If solar is also charging during the day while you’re using power, you could enjoy nearly continuous supply during daylight, with battery backup at night.
Installation Tips
- Connect batteries in series (24V) for better inverter efficiency
- Use a hybrid inverter with built-in MPPT to simplify your system
- Ensure proper wiring size (e.g., 6mm or 10mm cable for DC connections)
- Install panels at 20–30° tilt, facing south for max sun exposure in Nigeria
- Use DC breakers, fuses, and lightning arrestors for safety
- Hire a qualified solar technician for professional installation
Can You Expand Later?
Yes! Your system is expandable:
- Add more batteries if you need longer backup
- Upgrade to 3.5kVA or 5kVA inverter for higher load
- Add more solar panels (if the inverter or charge controller allows)
Just ensure you plan for roof space, inverter capacity, and charge controller input limits.
Final Thoughts
With 8 × 180W solar panels and 2 × 220Ah deep-cycle batteries, you have a solid and balanced solar power system. Pairing it with a 2.5kVA 24V pure sine wave inverter gives you reliable power for daily essentials — from fans and TVs to small fridges and laptops.
Whether you’re living in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, or any other Nigerian city, this system is perfect for off-grid or backup power solutions. And with total costs between ₦970,000 – ₦1.4 million, it’s an affordable way to gain energy independence.
