The Hidden Costs of Generators—and the Rise of Solar in Nigeria. Generators have become a staple in Nigerian homes and businesses — but at what cost?With rising fuel prices, frequent breakdowns, and noisy disruptions, more Nigerians are turning to solar inverters. At Greenrise Energy Ltd., we believe it’s time to face the facts: solar is not only cleaner — it’s smarter and more economical.
Let’s break down the true monthly and yearly costs of running a generator vs. switching to solar.
| System Type | Daily Fuel Use | Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Generator (1.2kVA) | ₦3,000 | ₦90,000 |
| Medium Generator (3kVA) | ₦7,500 | ₦225,000 |
| Greenrise Solar Plan | ₦0 | ₦45,000 – ₦105,000 installment |
With solar, your energy comes from the sun. No fuel, no daily expenses, no long queues.
2. Maintenance Costs
Generators need:
- Oil changes (₦3,000–₦5,000 monthly)
- Part replacements (plugs, belts, filters)
- Mechanic fees
Solar inverters, on the other hand, need very minimal maintenance—mostly battery checks and occasional cleaning of panels.
Maintenance Costs Table
| Aspect | Generator | Solar Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime | 2–3 years | 7–10 years |
| Fuel Required | Yes | No |
| Monthly Payment | Always | Installment (then free) |
| Noise | Loud | Silent |
| Emissions | CO₂, fumes | Zero emissions |
3. Noise and Air Pollution
Generators are loud, smoky, and contribute to:
- Air pollution
- Noise disturbance
- Health issues
Solar systems are:
- Silent
- Clean
- Environmentally friendly
4. Initial Setup Cost
- Generator (2.5kVA) = ₦200,000
- Solar inverter system (1.5kVA) = ₦300,000+
At first glance, solar may look more expensive. But with Greenrise EasyPay, you can pay in installments — while you save monthly on fuel.
5. Lifetime Value
- A generator lasts 2–4 years
- A solar system can last 10–15 years
So while a generator seems cheaper, you’re likely to buy 2–3 more in the time it takes one inverter system to reach half-life.
Total Cost of Ownership (5-Year Comparison for example)
| Feature | Generator (₦) | Solar (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | 900,000/year × 5 = 4.5 million | 0 |
| Maintenance | 25,000/year × 5 = 125,000 | ~15,000 |
| Replacement | 2 × ₦200,000 = 400,000 | 0 (lasts 10+ years) |
| Total | ₦5,025,000 | ₦315,000 – ₦500,000 |