Want 24-hour power during NEPA blackout? Stop guessing. This is the only 2025 guide that shows you exactly how to calculate solar battery capacity using real Nigerian load profiles, 2025 battery prices, and zero math stress.
We’ve included:
- Step-by-step formula (with examples)
- Free Excel calculator (auto-generates perfect size)
- 2025 street prices for Lithium vs Tubular vs Gel
- Ready-made tables for 1–10 bedroom homes
Why 95% of Nigerians Get Battery Sizing WRONG in 2025
Real story from Surulere, Lagos (Oct 2025): Mr. Emeka spent ₦2.8M on 8 tubular batteries. After 3 months → only 3 hours backup. Why? He forgot Depth of Discharge (DoD), inverter efficiency, and night-time AC.
Common Mistakes:
- Using “Ah × Voltage = Wh” without DoD
- Ignoring inverter 85–92% efficiency
- Forgetting fridge runs 24/7
- Using 2023 prices (batteries dropped 38% in 2025!)
This guide fixes all that.
Step-by-Step Formula (Works for Lithium, Tubular, Gel)
Step 1: Calculate Total Daily Energy Need (Wh)
| Appliance | Watts | Hours | Daily Wh |
| LED Lights (15) | 150 | 6 | 900 |
| Fans (6) | 450 | 12 | 5,400 |
| 1.5HP AC × 2 | 2,400 | 8 | 19,200 |
| Fridge + Freezer | 300 | 24 | 7,200 |
| TV + Decoder | 250 | 6 | 1,500 |
| Water Pump | 750 | 0.5 | 375 |
| Subtotal | 34,575 Wh | ||
| + 20% System Loss | +6,915 Wh | ||
| TOTAL ENERGY NEEDED | 41,490 Wh ≈ 41.5 kWh |
Step 2: Apply Inverter Efficiency (85–92%)
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Actual battery output needed = Daily Wh ÷ Inverter Efficiency= 41,490 Wh ÷ 0.90 (Felicity/Growatt average)= 46,100 Wh
Step 3: Choose Depth of Discharge (DoD)
| Battery Type | Safe DoD | Usable Capacity |
| Tubular Lead-Acid | 50% | 50% |
| Gel | 70% | 70% |
| Lithium LiFePO4 | 90–95% | 92% (2025 avg) |
Step 4: Final Battery Capacity Formula
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Total Battery Capacity (Wh) = Actual Output ÷ DoDFor Lithium (92% DoD):= 46,100 Wh ÷ 0.92 = 50,109 Wh ≈ 50.1 kWh For Tubular (50% DoD):= 46,100 Wh ÷ 0.50 = 92,200 Wh ≈ 92.2 kWh
Convert to Ah (48V system):
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Ah = Wh ÷ VoltageLithium: 50,100 ÷ 48 = 1,044 AhTubular: 92,200 ÷ 48 = 1,921 Ah
Ready-Made Battery Sizing Table (2025 Nigeria)
For 48V systems (most common in 2025)
| House Size | Daily Load | Lithium Needed | Tubular Needed | Gel Needed |
| 1 Bedroom | 8–12 kWh | 15 kWh (3×5kWh) | 30 kWh (12×200Ah) | 20 kWh |
| 2 Bedroom | 15–22 kWh | 25 kWh (5×5kWh) | 50 kWh (20×200Ah) | 35 kWh |
| 3 Bedroom | 30–45 kWh | 50 kWh (10×5kWh) | 100 kWh (40×200Ah) | 70 kWh |
| 4 Bedroom | 45–60 kWh | 75 kWh | 150 kWh | 100 kWh |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 60–90 kWh | 100–120 kWh | 200+ kWh | 140 kWh |
2025 Battery Prices (Alaba + Jumia Verified – 15 Nov 2025)
| Type | Model | Capacity | Street Price (₦) | Price per kWh |
| Lithium LiFePO4 | Felicity LPBF48100 (Wall) | 5.12 kWh | 1,480,000 | ₦289,000 |
| Pylontech US5000 | 4.8 kWh | 1,650,000 | ₦344,000 | |
| Kartel 10.24 kWh All-in-One | 10.24 kWh | 2,950,000 | ₦288,000 | |
| Tubular Lead-Acid | Luminous 220Ah 12V | 2.64 kWh | 295,000 | ₦112,000 |
| Felicity 250Ah Tall Tubular | 3.0 kWh | 335,000 | ₦112,000 | |
| Gel | Eastman 200Ah Gel | 2.4 kWh | 380,000 | ₦158,000 |
Winner 2025: Felicity LPBF48100 – ₦289k/kWh + 5-year full replacement warranty
Lithium vs Tubular vs Gel – 10-Year Cost Comparison (3-Bedroom 50 kWh)
| Type | Upfront Cost | Lifespan (Cycles) | Replacements Needed | Total 10-Year Cost | Cost per Day |
| Lithium | ₦14,800,000 | 6,000+ | 0 | ₦14.8M | ₦4,055 |
| Tubular | ₦11,800,000 | 1,500 | 3× | ₦47.2M | ₦12,932 |
| Gel | ₦15,833,000 | 2,200 | 2× | ₦47.5M | ₦13,014 |
Exact Battery Configurations for 24-Hour Backup (202105 kW Solar System)
Option 1: Budget Tubular (₦11.8M batteries only)
- 40× 220Ah Luminous Tubular (10 parallel × 4 series)
- Usable: 52.8 kWh (50% DoD)
- Weight: 2.8 tons
- Space: 3-room needed
- Lifespan: 4–5 years
Option 2: Best Value Lithium 2025 (₦14.8M)
- 10× Felicity LPBF48100 (5S2P)
- Usable: 47.1 kWh (92% DoD)
- Weight: 480 kg
- Space: 1.5m × 1.5m wall
- Lifespan: 15+ years
- Bonus: Built-in BMS + Bluetooth + 4G monitoring
Option 3: All-in-One Wall Unit (₦16.5M)
- 4× Kartel 10.24 kWh + built-in 8kW inverter
- Plug-and-play (install in 2 hours)
- Perfect for estates with no space
Real Installation Photos (Nov 2025)
Before: 40 tubular batteries → 3 rooms occupied After: 10 Felicity lithium → mounted on wall behind TV
Space Saving Infographic (Side-by-side: Tubular = 18m² vs Lithium = 2m²)
Common Myths Busted (2025 Edition)
Myth 1: “More Ah = more backup” Truth: Only if same voltage + DoD. 200Ah tubular = 100Ah usable. 100Ah lithium = 92Ah usable.
Myth 2: “Lithium explodes” Truth: LiFePO4 (not Li-ion) used in solar = zero fire incidents in Nigeria 2023–2025.
Myth 3: “Tubular lasts 10 years” Truth: Only if discharged <30% daily. Real life: 4–5 years max in Nigeria heat.
FAQs – Solar Battery Capacity 2025
1. Can I use car batteries for solar power?
No, never use car batteries for solar systems. They are designed for short bursts of power, not continuous discharge. In solar setups, car batteries usually fail within two weeks. Always use deep-cycle or lithium batteries designed specifically for solar energy storage.
2. How many batteries do I need for a 5kW solar system to last 24 hours?
To run a 5kW solar system for a full day (24 hours), you’ll need either:
- 10 units of 5.12 kWh lithium batteries, or
- 40 units of 220Ah tubular batteries.
Lithium batteries are more efficient, charge faster, and require less space.
3. Can I mix lithium and tubular batteries in one system?
No. Mixing lithium and tubular batteries is strongly discouraged because they have different voltage levels and charging curves. Combining them can damage both the inverter and the batteries.
4. What happens if NEPA restores power at night?
If you’re using a hybrid inverter, it will automatically switch to grid power once NEPA returns. Your batteries will rest and recharge, extending their overall lifespan and improving performance.
5. What is the best lithium battery brand in Nigeria in 2025?
The Felicity LPBF Series remains the top-rated lithium battery line in Nigeria for 2025.
- Price: ₦1.48 million per unit
- Cycle life: Up to 6,500 charge cycles
- Made in: Lagos assembly plant
These batteries offer excellent durability, smart BMS protection, and are widely available with local support.
Final Checklist Before Buying Batteries
- Calculate exact Wh (use our Excel)
- Choose lithium if budget >₦10M
- Buy from vendors with active BMS demo
- Get 5+ year full replacement warranty
- Install with communication cable (for accurate SOC)
- Add cooling fan in battery room (₦15,000)
Conclusion: Stop Under/Over Buying Batteries
In 2025, lithium is no longer luxury — it’s the smart choice. One 50 kWh lithium bank = ₦32M saved vs tubular over 10 years.
Share this guide — help someone avoid ₦5M mistake! ⚡️
