3.5 kVA Inverter Enough for Your Nigerian Home?

In Nigeria, inverters have become a reliable and cost-effective alternative to noisy, fuel-consuming generators. With more homes adopting solar energy, the 3.5 kVA inverter has emerged as one of the most popular mid-range options.

But the big question remains:

What exactly can a 3.5 kVA inverter power in your home or office?

What Does 3.5 kVA Mean?

A 3.5kVA inverter provides approximately 2,800 to 3,000 watts of usable power, depending on its efficiency (usually around 80–85%).

• kVA (kilovolts-ampere) is the apparent power rating

• kW (Kilowatts) is the actual usable power

• For a typical 3.5 kVA inverter:
  3.5 kVA × 0.85 (efficiency) = ~2.97 kW

This is enough to comfortably power a moderately sized Nigerian home, especially when energy usage is optimized.

What Can a 3.5 kVA Inverter Power in Nigeria?

Here’s a list of appliances that can run on a 3.5 kVA inverter, either individually or together in balanced combinations:

Appliance	Estimated Wattage
6 Energy-Saving Bulbs	60W
3 Ceiling or Standing Fans	150W
1 Flat-Screen TV	100W
1 Decoder	20W
1 Wi-Fi Router	15W
1 Laptop	60W
1 Small Refrigerator (Inverter Type)	150–300W
1 CCTV System	100W
1 Washing Machine (low-load use)	500W
1 1HP Inverter Air Conditioner	800–1000W (intermittent)

Total Load (Balanced Use): 2000W–2500W
Tip: Avoid turning on all heavy-duty appliances at once to prevent overload.

What Not to Power with a 3.5 kVA Inverter

Avoid using the following unless temporarily or separately managed:

• Electric cooker / hot plate (1000–2000W)

• Microwave (1000–1500W)

• Electric iron (1000–1200W)

• Water heater (1500–3000W)

These appliances consume too much power for regular use on a 3.5 kVA inverter and may drain your battery quickly or damage the system.

Ideal Battery and Panel Configuration (for Solar Users)

For solar users, the inverter alone isn’t enough—you’ll need a suitable battery bank and solar panel array.

Recommended Setup:

• Battery Bank: 2 × 200Ah 12V deep cycle batteries (or 1 × 24V 200Ah)

• Solar Panels: Minimum of 4 × 300W = 1.2kW array

• Charge Controller: 40A MPPT recommended for optimal charging

This setup ensures 8–12 hours of power supply, depending on usage and sunlight availability.

Who Should Use a 3.5 kVA Inverter?

This inverter size is ideal for:

• Urban households with moderate power needs

• Small offices running essential devices (PCs, fans, lights, routers)

• Places of worship (lights, mics, fans, CCTV)

• Rental properties and short-let apartments

• Student hostels or staff quarters

It’s a step up from entry-levelvel 1.5 kVA–2.5 kVA inverters, offering more flexibility while still being affordable and easy to install.

Where to Buy a 3.5 kVA Inverter in Nigeria

At Solar Depot Nigeria, we offer:

• Trusted inverter brands (Victron, Growatt, Anern, Dyness)

• Installation-ready solar kits

• Lithium and AGM battery options

• After-sales support, maintenance & upgrades

Visit our Abuja, Lagos, or Ibadan office or contact us to request a FREE consultation today.

Final Tips for 3.5 kVA Inverter Owners

• Use energy-efficient appliances

• Track your daily load to avoid overuse

• Maintain batteries with proper charge-discharge cycles

• Invest in quality installation and wiring

With proper use, your 3.5 kVA inverter can serve your energy needs for 5–10 years without stress.