Solar for small businesses: shops, salons and offices
Engr. Amaka Obi, Lead Systems Designer, Crestgreen Energy
M.Sc Renewable Energy (UNN), COREN-registered
Updated · 5 min read
The short answer
Most small businesses in Nigeria spend ₦150,000–₦600,000 a month on generator fuel. A correctly sized solar system typically pays back in 12–20 months. Barbers and POS shops need 1–2.5kVA; pharmacies and offices 3.5–5kVA; frozen-food sellers 6kVA or more.
Match the system to the business
Shops differ more by their motors than by their lights. Freezers, AC and pumps drive the size.
| Business | Typical system |
|---|---|
| POS / kiosk | 600Wh portable kit |
| Barbershop | 2.5kVA + 2.56kWh lithium |
| Pharmacy | 3.5kVA + 5.12kWh lithium |
| Office (10 desks) | 5kVA + 5.12kWh lithium |
| Frozen foods | 6kVA + 10.24kWh lithium |
Business payment options
Pay outright, use Pay Small Small, or for larger sites ask about lease-to-own and Power-as-a-Service from Crestgreen.
Work out your own savings
You save from month one
- Monthly saving
- ₦104,763
- Pays for itself in
- 17 months
- Saved over 5 years, after paying for the system
- ₦4,579,750
Assumes solar replaces 85% of generator use. Fuel cost ₦25,000 a week × 4.33 weeks + maintenance.
See the Barbershop 2.5kVA packagePackages mentioned in this guide
- 2.5kVA2.56kWh1.1kWp~6h backup₦1,706,000
or ₦74,366/month
Installed price, inc. hardware and installation
- 3.5kVA5.12kWh2.2kWp~14h backup₦2,989,000
or ₦130,293/month
Installed price, inc. hardware and installation
- 5kVA5.12kWh3.3kWp~9h backup₦3,632,000
or ₦158,322/month
Installed price, inc. hardware and installation
Products in this guide
itel Energy
itel Energy Shop Kit (600Wh + 200W panel)
0.6kWh600WLiFePO4₦410,000or ₦17,872/month
In stock in LagosGrowatt
Growatt SPF 5000 ES 5kVA 48V
5kVA48VOff-grid₦720,000was ₦780,000or ₦31,386/month
In stock in Lagos
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an invoice for my company?
Yes. Add your company name and TIN at checkout and we issue a VAT invoice.