A 5kVA inverter is the most commonly searched solar inverter size in Nigeria because it sits at the middle ground between affordability and performance. It is often marketed as a “full-house solution,” but in reality, its effectiveness depends heavily on battery capacity, solar panel size, and usage discipline.
This guide explains the real 5kVA inverter price in Nigeria, what is included in that cost, what a 5kVA system can and cannot power, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause early system failure.
How Much Does a 5kVA Inverter Cost in Nigeria?
A complete 5kVA solar inverter system in Nigeria costs between ₦1.6 million and ₦3.2 million as of 2026.
This price range includes:
- The inverter
- Batteries
- Solar panels
- Basic accessories and installation
Prices vary depending on battery type, number of panels, cable quality, and installation standard.
👉 For a full comparison across all inverter sizes, see our solar inverter price in Nigeria guide.
What Is Included in a 5kVA Solar Inverter System?
Many people assume the inverter itself is the most expensive part. That is incorrect.
A typical 5kVA system includes:
- 5kVA inverter (hybrid or off-grid)
- Battery bank (tubular or lithium)
- Solar panels (usually 4–8 panels depending on wattage)
- Charge controller (often built into hybrid inverters)
- DC and AC cables
- Circuit breakers and protection devices
- Installation and system configuration
In most cases, batteries alone account for 40–60% of the total cost.
5kVA Inverter Price Breakdown (Nigeria)
Typical Cost Components
| Component | Price Range (₦) |
| 5kVA inverter | 600,000 – 1.2 million |
| Batteries | 800,000 – 1.8 million |
| Solar panels | 400,000 – 900,000 |
| Installation & accessories | 150,000 – 300,000 |
⚠️ Any quote far below this range usually involves undersized batteries, poor wiring, or used components.
What Can a 5kVA Inverter Power in Nigeria?
A properly configured 5kVA system can power:
- TVs and home entertainment systems
- Lighting (LEDs throughout the house)
- Fans
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines (intermittently)
- One or two air conditioners (with adequate batteries)
What it cannot reliably power:
- Multiple ACs running simultaneously
- Large pumping machines
- Industrial equipment
Performance depends more on battery size and panel capacity than the inverter alone.
Can a 5kVA Inverter Run an Air Conditioner?
Yes — but with conditions.
A 5kVA inverter can run:
- One 1HP or 1.5HP inverter AC
- For limited hours
Only if:
- Battery capacity is sufficient
- AC usage is controlled
- Other heavy appliances are managed
This is where most Nigerian installations fail: installers oversell the inverter without upgrading batteries.
Battery Options for a 5kVA Inverter
Tubular Batteries
- Lower upfront cost
- Require maintenance
- Lifespan: 2–4 years if used properly
Lithium Batteries
- Higher upfront cost
- Minimal maintenance
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
- Better performance in daily cycling
If your budget allows, lithium batteries reduce long-term replacement costs significantly.
Solar Panel Requirements for a 5kVA System
A 5kVA inverter without enough panels becomes a glorified UPS.
Typical configurations:
- 4–6 panels for light usage
- 6–8 panels for moderate to heavy usage
Panel wattage (e.g., 450W vs 550W) affects how many panels you need.
Common Mistakes People Make with 5kVA Inverters
- Assuming 5kVA equals “24-hour power”
- Undersizing batteries to reduce cost
- Ignoring cable quality
- Overloading the system with ACs
- Believing extremely cheap quotes
These mistakes usually lead to:
- Inverter shutdowns
- Battery failure within 12–18 months
- Poor user experience
Is a 5kVA Inverter Worth It in Nigeria?
A 5kVA inverter is worth it if:
- You manage appliance usage
- You invest in adequate batteries
- You understand its limits
It is not a miracle solution — but when properly designed, it offers a quiet, fuel-free alternative to generators for most households.
Generator vs 5kVA Solar Inverter (Cost Reality)
Generator vs 5kVA Solar Inverter: 10-Year Lifetime Cost Comparison
Assumptions used (clearly stated for credibility):
- Average daily energy demand: 12–15 kWh
- Generator runtime: 6–8 hours/day
- Petrol price average: ₦750/liter
- Generator fuel consumption: ≈1.0 liter/hour
- Solar system size: 5kVA
- Solar system installed cost: ₦2.5 million
- Battery replacement:
- Tubular batteries replaced every 3–4 years
- Lithium batteries last 8–12 years
- Exchange rate effects excluded for simplicity
10-Year Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component (10 Years) | Petrol Generator (5–6 kVA) | 5kVA Solar Inverter |
| Initial equipment cost | ₦450,000 – ₦700,000 | ₦2,300,000 – ₦2,800,000 |
| Fuel cost | ₦12,000,000 – ₦18,000,000 | ₦0 |
| Engine oil & servicing | ₦600,000 – ₦1,000,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| Major repairs / overhaul | ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000 | ₦0 – ₦200,000 |
| Battery replacement | N/A | ₦800,000 – ₦1,800,000 (tubular) |
| Noise / downtime cost | High (unquantified) | None |
| Estimated 10-year total | ₦13.5m – ₦20.9m | ₦3.2m – ₦4.7m |
Technical Interpretation
Over a 10-year period, a petrol generator typically costs 3–6× more than a properly designed 5kVA solar inverter system. The majority of generator expenditure is fuel-driven, making total cost highly sensitive to fuel price increases.
By contrast, solar inverter costs are front-loaded and predictable. Once capital expenditure is recovered (typically within 24–48 months), ongoing electricity production occurs at a very low marginal cost.
This cost predictability is the primary reason solar inverter systems outperform generators economically under Nigerian power outage conditions.
Over a 10-year period in Nigeria, a petrol generator can cost ₦13–21 million to operate, while a properly designed 5kVA solar inverter system typically costs ₦3–5 million, including battery replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 5kVA inverter cost in Nigeria?
A fully installed 5kVA solar inverter system in Nigeria typically costs between ₦1.6 million and ₦3.2 million, depending on battery capacity, solar panel size, and installation quality.
Can a 5kVA inverter power a full house?
A 5kVA inverter can support a full house only if electrical loads are managed carefully and the system is paired with sufficient battery storage and solar capacity.
How many batteries are required for a 5kVA inverter?
Battery requirements vary based on desired backup duration and load profile, but most 5kVA systems require multiple batteries to provide stable and reliable power.
Can a 5kVA solar system be upgraded later?
Yes. A 5kVA system can be expanded in the future if provisions for additional batteries and solar panels are incorporated during the initial installation.
Final Advice
Do not choose a 5kVA inverter based on price alone.
Battery capacity, panel size, and installation quality matter more than the inverter brand.
For a broader comparison across all system sizes and prices, see our solar inverter price in Nigeria pillar guide.
