Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. Just tell us what appliances you use and how long you use them each day — that's it. The calculator handles all the engineering math behind the scenes. That said, if you do know your way around kilowatt-hours, the results will make even more sense to you.

In Step 2, start by selecting a preset profile (e.g. 'Small Home', 'Office') that's close to your situation. Then add, remove, or adjust appliances using the editor. Type any appliance name and our database of 150+ items will autofill typical power ratings. You can override any value.

Leave it — our library contains typical wattages for common Nigerian home and office appliances. If you want more precision, check the label on the back of your device or its user manual.

Not yet — saving requires an account, which is on our roadmap. For now, you can take a screenshot of your results or copy the values. We're working on persistent sessions.

It shows how much energy that appliance consumes per day, calculated as: Power (W) × Hours used per day. The totals row at the bottom sums all appliances, giving you your total daily energy demand — the foundation for all system sizing.

Our sizing uses standard solar engineering formulas — panel derating, battery depth of discharge, inverter efficiency, and a recommended safety margin. Results are comparable to what a professional installer would calculate. Treat them as a reliable planning baseline, not a final specification.

Hybrid keeps you connected to the grid — the solar system supplements grid power and your batteries serve as backup. Off-Grid means your solar + battery system is your only power source. Off-Grid requires more panels and a larger battery bank to ensure you're never without power.

Lithium (LiFePO4) is recommended for most users: longer lifespan (3,000–6,000 cycles), lighter, safer, and more efficient than lead-acid. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper upfront but need replacing every 2–3 years, making them more expensive long-term in most scenarios.

Solar panels only produce their rated output under ideal conditions. In practice, accounting for shading, temperature, dust, inverter losses, and cable losses, effective output is 70–80% of rated capacity. We apply these derating factors automatically to give you a realistic result.

We use average market prices for components (panels, batteries, inverter, mounting, cabling, installation labour) in the Nigerian market, updated periodically. Prices vary significantly by location and supplier — always get at least three quotes from certified installers before committing.

It compares your total solar investment (equipment + installation + maintenance estimates) against what you would have spent on grid electricity over the same 25 years, factoring in electricity tariff inflation. It shows your payback period, total savings, and ROI.

Yes. All cost estimates and projections are denominated in Nigerian Naira (₦). We're building out support for other African currencies as we expand coverage.

Payback depends on your daily energy consumption, the current NEPA/EKEDC tariff you're on, and how much grid electricity you currently buy. Higher electricity spend = faster payback. Enter accurate values in Step 4 for the most meaningful projection.

Your appliance selections are processed entirely in your browser and are not stored on our servers until you voluntarily submit your details in Step 4. We do not sell or share your personal information.

No. The calculator is completely free and requires no sign-up. You only provide your name and contact details if you choose to unlock the full financial report in Step 4.

We are currently calibrated for the Nigerian solar market. We're actively building out coverage for other African markets including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. If you'd like us to prioritise your country, reach out via our contact page.

No. Kilostat is an energy intelligence and tools company. We have no financial relationship with any installer, manufacturer, or product. Our only goal is to give you the information you need to make the best decision.

We'd love to hear from you! Use the feedback button (available at the bottom of any page) or visit our Contact page. Your feedback directly shapes what we build next.