Solar Energy Glossary: Terms Explained for Nigerian Homeowners

This glossary explains the solar terms you’ll actually run into while shopping for a system in Nigeria — in plain English, grouped by what they’re used for.

Sizing and Power Basics

• kVA (kilovolt-amp) — measures a solar inverter’s total power capacity. Most residential systems in Nigeria range from 1kVA to 10kVA depending on household needs. See how to size a solar system

• kW (kilowatt) — measures the actual power being drawn or produced at a given moment. Rarely used alone in Nigerian listings — almost always paired with a kVA figure.
• kWh (kilowatt-hour) — measures a quantity of energy used or stored over time. Used to describe a household’s daily consumption or a battery’s storage capacity.
• kWp (kilowatt-peak) — measures the maximum output a panel array can produce under ideal sunlight. Often used interchangeably with panel wattage in local listings.
• Backup hours — how long a battery can power your home before it needs to recharge. Depends directly on system size and the appliances connected.

System Types

• Off-grid solar system — runs entirely independent of the national grid.
• On-grid solar system — stays connected to the national grid and can feed power back into it.
• Hybrid solar system — combines a grid connection with battery backup. See on-grid vs off-grid vs hybrid solar systems
• Mini-grid — a small independent local grid serving multiple homes or a community. In Nigeria, this type of setup falls under NERC’s mini-grid regulation
• SHS (Solar Home System) — a compact, standalone solar kit sized for one household’s basic needs. A common format for pay-as-you-go offers.

Core Components

• Solar panel (module) — converts sunlight into electricity.
• Inverter — converts DC power from panels or batteries into the AC power your appliances use.
• Pure sine wave inverter — an inverter type that produces clean power, safe for sensitive electronics. See pure sine wave vs modified sine wave inverters
• Modified sine wave inverter — a cheaper inverter type that’s less compatible with some appliances.
• Battery — stores electricity for use when the sun isn’t shining.
• Charge controller — regulates the flow of power between the panels and the battery, preventing overcharging.
• MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) — a more efficient type of charge controller. See MPPT vs PWM charge controllers
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) — a simpler, less efficient type of charge controller.

Battery Chemistry and Specs

• Lithium-ion / LiFePO4 — a battery chemistry known for a longer lifespan and lighter weight. See lithium vs lead-acid batteries
• Lead-acid / AGM / gel — an older, cheaper battery chemistry.
• Ah (amp-hour) — measures a battery’s storage capacity. Used to compare batteries of the same chemistry.
• DoD (Depth of Discharge) — how much of a battery’s capacity can safely be used before recharging. Directly affects how much usable backup you actually get day to day.

Buying and Business Terms

• Installer / EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) — the company that designs and installs your system. In Nigeria, the choice comes down mostly to service area and reliability, not just the price quoted.
• PAYGo (Pay-As-You-Go) — a payment model where customers pay in installments via mobile money instead of the full amount upfront.

Certification and Regulation

• SONCAP — the certification program that imported electrical equipment must pass to be sold in Nigeria, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. See solar regulation in Nigeria
• NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission) — the body that regulates Nigeria’s electricity sector, including solar mini-grids.
• REA (Rural Electrification Agency) — the agency running Nigeria’s national rural electrification and mini-grid program, largely through solar.