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Frequently asked questions

Solar, inverters, batteries and installation, explained simply.

  • Solar basics
  • Inverters
  • Batteries
  • Products & warranty
  • Installation
  • Costs & quotes
  • Safety

Solar basics

How does a solar power system work?

Solar panels turn sunlight into DC electricity. A charge controller (often built into the inverter) uses it to charge your batteries, and the inverter converts battery or solar power into the 220V AC your appliances use. When the sun is down, the batteries power your home; when NEPA is available, a hybrid inverter can also charge the batteries from the grid.

What is the difference between on-grid, off-grid and hybrid systems?

Off-grid systems run entirely on solar and batteries. Grid-tie (on-grid) systems feed solar power alongside the grid but usually have no battery backup. Hybrid systems combine both: they use solar first, store energy in batteries, and can also charge from NEPA or a generator. Most homes in Nigeria choose hybrid systems.

Monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels: which is better?

Monocrystalline panels are more efficient, so you need less roof space for the same power, and they perform slightly better in heat and low light. Polycrystalline panels are a little cheaper. For most new installations we recommend monocrystalline.

How many solar panels do I need?

It depends on how much energy you use each day and how much of it should come from the sun. Use our Load Calculator: add your appliances and hours of use, and it estimates the number and size of panels, the inverter and the batteries you need.

Will solar work during the rainy season or on cloudy days?

Yes, but output drops on heavily overcast days. We size systems with a safety margin, and a hybrid inverter can top up your batteries from NEPA or a generator when solar alone is not enough.

How much roof space do I need?

A typical 550W panel is about 2.3m x 1.1m (around 2.5 square metres). A system with 8 panels needs roughly 20 to 25 square metres of unshaded roof. If roof space is limited, panels can also be mounted on a car park structure or on the ground.

Inverters

What size inverter do I need? What is kVA vs kW?

kW is the real power your appliances use; kVA is the inverter's apparent power rating. A rough rule is kW = kVA x 0.8. Add up the wattage of appliances that run at the same time, add a safety margin and allow for the start-up surge of fridges, freezers, ACs and pumps. The Load Calculator does this for you.

What is a pure sine wave inverter and why does it matter?

A pure sine wave inverter produces clean power like the grid. Motors, compressors and sensitive electronics run cooler, quieter and longer on it. All inverters we recommend for homes and offices are pure sine wave.

Can an inverter power my air conditioner, fridge or pumping machine?

Yes, if it is sized for them. These appliances draw a surge of 2 to 3 times their running power when they start, so the inverter must handle that surge and the batteries must be large enough to run them for the hours you need. Inverter-type ACs and fridges use much less energy and are a good match for solar.

What is an MPPT charge controller?

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers get up to about 30% more energy from your panels than older PWM controllers, especially in hot weather. Most modern hybrid inverters have MPPT controllers built in.

Can my inverter work with NEPA and a generator?

Yes. Hybrid inverters accept an AC input from NEPA or a generator to charge the batteries and power the house. We install a changeover so that switching between sources is safe.

Batteries

Lithium or tubular battery: which should I buy?

Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries cost more upfront but last much longer (typically 4,000+ cycles, often 8 to 10 years), can be discharged deeper, charge faster and need no maintenance. Tubular lead-acid batteries are cheaper but usually last 2 to 4 years, need topping up with distilled water, and should only be discharged to about 50%. Over the life of the system, lithium usually costs less per year.

How long will my batteries last?

There are two answers. Backup time depends on battery capacity and how much power you are using, and the Load Calculator estimates it. Lifespan in years depends on the battery type, how deeply it is discharged each day and temperature. Ask us for the manufacturer's cycle-life figures for any battery we sell.

What is depth of discharge (DoD)?

DoD is how much of a battery's capacity you use before recharging. Lithium batteries can safely use 80 to 90%; lead-acid batteries should stay around 50% to avoid shortening their life. That is why a lithium battery delivers more usable energy than a lead-acid battery with the same rating.

Can I add more batteries later?

Usually yes, if your inverter supports the extra capacity. It is best to add identical batteries; mixing old and new or different types of batteries reduces performance and lifespan. Tell us if you plan to expand so we can size the inverter for it.

How do I maintain my batteries?

Lithium batteries need no routine maintenance beyond keeping them cool, dry and ventilated. Tubular batteries need their water level checked and topped up with distilled water regularly, and their terminals kept clean. Avoid running any battery completely flat.

Products & warranty

Does Yusra Energy make the products it sells?

No. Yusra Energy is a retailer and installer. We sell and install products made by established manufacturers, and each product page shows the manufacturer and their published specifications.

What warranty do I get?

There are two separate warranties. The product warranty is provided by the manufacturer, and we handle claims with them on your behalf. The installation (workmanship) warranty is provided by Yusra Energy and covers the work our team does. The terms for each product are shown on its page and on your quote.

Installation

How long does installation take?

Most home systems are installed in 1 to 2 days after the site survey. Larger systems, car park structures and commercial installations can take longer.

Do you do site surveys?

Yes. Before final pricing we visit to check your roof or installation area, cable routes and existing wiring. Contact us to book a survey.

Which areas do you cover?

We are based in Abuja and deliver products and install systems nationwide. Delivery and installation transport costs depend on your location and are included in your quote.

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Most roofs are: aluminium, long-span and stone-coated roofs, and concrete decks. We check the structure, direction and shading during the site survey. Bungalows, duplexes and storey buildings need different access and mounting work, which is reflected in the installation price.

Do you offer maintenance and after-sales support?

Yes. We can clean and inspect panels, check connections and battery health, and update settings. Contact us for a maintenance visit.

Costs & quotes

How much does a home solar system cost?

It depends on your energy needs, battery type and installation site. Use the Load Calculator for an indicative system and price, then request a quote. Final prices are confirmed after a site survey.

How do I get a quote and pay?

Add products to your quote basket or use the Load Calculator, then submit a quote request. Our team will confirm availability and final prices and arrange payment with you directly.

How quickly will solar pay for itself?

If you currently spend a lot on generator fuel, savings can be significant. The payback period depends on your fuel spend, system size and battery type. Ask us and we will work through the numbers with you.

Safety

Why do I need SPDs, breakers and earthing?

Surge protection devices (SPDs) protect your equipment from lightning and grid surges. Breakers and isolators let you switch off and protect each part of the system safely. Proper earthing protects people and equipment. All are part of a safe installation.

What is an AVR or stabilizer, and do I need one?

An AVR (automatic voltage regulator) keeps voltage within a safe range when the grid supply is too high or too low. Many inverters already regulate their output, but an AVR can still protect the inverter input or appliances that run directly on NEPA.

Is it safe during thunderstorms?

A properly installed system with surge protection and earthing is designed to handle storms. Avoid touching panels, cables or the inverter during a storm.

Still have a question?

Talk to our team. We're happy to help you choose.

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YusraEnergy

Solar panels, inverters, batteries and accessories from trusted manufacturers, professionally installed. Based in Abuja, delivering and installing nationwide.

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  • Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
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  • 0808 686 9286
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Yusra Energy is an independent retailer and installer. We do not manufacture the products we sell. Product names, logos and trademarks belong to their respective owners and are used only to identify the products. Specifications are as published by each manufacturer.

Prices shown are indicative; final prices are confirmed in your quote.

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