🔌 Choosing the Right Size Inverter for Your Solar System
🧠 First: What Does “Sizing” Mean?
Your inverter size (in kW or kVA) should match the amount of power your solar panels can produce — and what your home actually uses.
But here’s the trick:
Sometimes a smaller or bigger inverter than your panel array makes more sense. It depends on:
Your daily usage pattern
Battery system (if any)
Time of day you use the most power
Budget
Long-term goals
📉 Undersizing an Inverter (e.g., 3kW inverter for 4kW panels)
✅ Pros:
Lower cost (smaller inverter = cheaper system)
Better efficiency at low loads
Great for homes that:
Use more power in the morning/evening
Have limited battery capacity
❌ Cons:
Wastes some energy during peak sun hours (inverter caps at 3kW)
Can’t scale up easily
Jeho Ashar recommends mild undersizing (10–20%) if you’re on a budget but still want solid performance.
📈 Oversizing an Inverter (e.g., 5kW https://abujasolar.com/product-category/inverters/inverter for 3.5kW panels)
✅ Pros:
Leaves room for future panel expansion
Handles surge loads from ACs or pumps better
Keeps inverter cooler and more durable
❌ Cons:
Higher cost
May run less efficiently if panel input is always low
May void warranty if oversizing exceeds panel voltage/current ratings
This is great for hybrid solar + grid setups, where your inverter also manages NEPA and generator loads.
📊 What’s the Sweet Spot?
Here’s what we usually recommend:
| System Type | Inverter Sizing Strategy |
|---|---|
| Small Home Solar (no battery) | Inverter = 80–100% of panel rating |
| Solar + Battery (day use focus) | Inverter = 75–90% of panel rating |
| Hybrid System (solar + NEPA + gen) | Inverter = Equal to or slightly bigger than panel size |
| Off-Grid Cabin or Farm | Slightly undersized inverter for steady loads |
🏡 Real-Life Example from Jeho Ashar Energy
Client in Lagos:
6 × 550W panels (3.3kW)
Installed with a 3kW inverter
Slight undersizing saved ₦150,000
Customer uses most power in the morning and evening → system performs perfectly
🔧 Key Factors Jeho Ashar Considers
Your load profile
Your location (sunlight hours)
Room for future expansion
Your budget and backup needs
We never guess inverter sizes — we use software + years of experience to custom-fit every system.
🔚 Final Word
There’s no one-size-fits-all in solar inverter sizing.
The “secret sauce” is in smart system design — and Jeho Ashar Energy helps you pick the setup that saves you money now AND later.
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