Nigeria is at the crossroads of an energy revolution, with power backup systems playing a vital role in off-grid power consumption. In a country where power outages are a daily reality, the combination of Solar Energy and Tubular Battery systems is rewriting Nigeria’s energy story. 

Unreliability of grid power is one of the significant reasons behind Nigeria’s growing demand for energy independence. Installing a solar power system enables Nigerians to receive a consistent power supply and lead an uninterrupted lifestyle. But, inverter users often question, “Why tubular batteries?”, “How to choose the right solar power system?”, “How to match a battery with a solar power system?”

To answer all of your questions, we have presented them in this article. At Star Plus Battery, we aim to help you choose a sustainable and reliable energy backup system. Explore how tubular battery-powered solar systems work and the benefits they bring to you. 

Solar Power Usage in the Nigerian Landscape 

Nigeria’s grid has approximately 16W of total installed capacity, yet production is about only one-third of it. More than 80 million people across Nigeria still lack a stable electricity supply. Owing to this problem, solar power-based energy independence has gained popularity. 

As of 2024, Nigeria has around 385.7 MW of installed solar capacity, putting the country fourth in solar power usage across Africa. The rising demand for solar batteries for the home has paved the way for innovation in inverter, battery, and solar power manufacturers. 

A typical solar power system includes: 

• Solar panels that capture sunlight to generate DC electricity. 
• An inverter that converts DC to AC power for homes. 
• A racking mounting system to hold the panels. 
• Wiring and electrical components to connect everything. 
• A charge controller 
• A battery bank for energy storage

Among the significant components of a solar power system, batteries play an essential role in determining the capacity of the power supply. Here’s why choosing the right battery type matters for solar power systems. 

Role of Batteries in Solar Systems 

In a solar power system, the panels generate electricity. Solar panels generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where photons from sunlight strike semiconductor PV cells (typically made of silicon), freeing electrons to create an electric current. This Direct Current (DC) is channelled by wiring in an inverter, which transforms it into Alternating Current (AC) to power up homes. 

The batteries used inside the solar inverters store the excess energy generated by the solar panels. This excess energy can be utilised during cloudy weather, at night, or during power outages, thereby increasing energy independence. 

However, as easy as it may sound, finding the correct solar battery to power a house can be difficult. Especially when it comes to choosing from multiple inverter battery types available across Nigerian markets. 

Among the various batteries sold, Tubular Inverter Batteries are most preferred for powering solar power systems. Let’s delve into how exactly a tubular battery can pair up with a solar power system to charge the panels. 

Why Tubular Batteries Pair Well with Solar Panels

Nigerians opting to shift towards solar power usage often raise questions like, “Which Solar Battery is the best in Nigeria?”  Addressing this common question, we bring forward our Tubular Inverter Battery. 

Tubular batteries are a good match for a solar power system, due to their advanced design. Our tubular inverter batteries offer excellent deep cycling capability, leading to a longer lifespan essential for storing intermittent solar energy.

Unreliability of the Nigerian grid system has further encouraged users to choose tubular batteries, which can store a significant amount of energy. 

Learn how the correct tubular battery can enhance a solar power system, ultimately providing a reliable power supply. 

Benefits of Solar + Tubular Battery Systems

Renewable energy solutions are crucial for a green future. Therefore, it is about achieving energy independence to lead a more uninterrupted lifestyle. Pairing a tubular battery with a solar power system can benefit you in the following ways: 

1. Reliability With Durable Design 

Tubular inverter batteries are known for their high durability and superior design. Our batteries feature thicker tubular plates, enabling them to operate for 1,200 cycles at an 80% depth of discharge (DOD). These features allow our tubular batteries to withstand high temperatures, harsh climates, and intense power usage, particularly at night or during periods of cloudy weather. 

2. Emergency Backup Power 

When it comes to emergency power backup, tubular inverter batteries have become the first choice among Nigerians. Our tubular batteries have higher capacity compared to standard batteries. Their thicker plates enable them to withstand frequent deep discharge without reducing their performance. 

However, many battery users often question, “Can a solar battery explode?” when using it to power homes during prolonged power outages. To which we would say that our tubular batteries are built with additional protection. 

3. Cost savings

Utilising solar energy can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Many utilities have higher electricity rates during peak demand hours. With a tubular battery, you can store lower-cost solar energy during the day and save it during expensive peak times. 

The long-term investment factor helps Nigerian users realise that the upfront cost pays off over time through ongoing energy savings and a solid return. With rising fuel costs, choosing a high-storage tubular battery can help you drastically reduce your energy costs. 

4. Eco-friendliness

If you want to know whether a solar battery can charge an EV or not, select tubular batteries as an answer. Solar power systems are designed to optimise the use of renewable energy. When paired with tubular batteries, they are compatible primarily with sustainable energy usage.

The longer energy-storage feature of tubular batteries enables you to fruitfully use the stored power during cloudy days and at night. Our tubular batteries, if paired up perfectly, can fully charge your EV (if you have an in-built charging centre at your home). 

5. Independence from grid failure

Grid failure across Nigerian cities has caused significant disruption in the household, commercial, and industrial sectors. You can retrieve the stored energy as needed and power up your homes, offices, shops, and even schools. 

For businesses that rely on emergency services and those committed to sustainability, utilising solar power systems is the best option. Not only will tubular batteries power up your business nonstop, but they will also help you reduce your carbon footprint to a great extent. 

Factors to Check Before Choosing the Right Solar Tubular Battery 

Whether you need a solar battery to run an AC or one to charge your phone, selecting the correct solar tubular battery is essential. Check the following factors to choose the correct tubular battery for your solar power system:

1. Capacity of the Battery

Calculate your daily power consumption. Ensure that the battery can store enough power every night and during prolonged periods of cloudy weather. 

2. Power Rating 

Ensure that your tubular battery has a high power rating, which is essential for powering multiple electric appliances. 

3. Depth of Discharge

The Depth of Discharge (DOD) of a battery determines how much of the battery’s capacity you can safely use before it needs to be charged. Tubular batteries with higher DOD allow you to utilise more of the stored energy without damaging the battery. 

4. Round-Trip Efficiency 

This ratio indicates the amount of energy you retrieve from the battery compared to what you initially stored. A higher efficiency means less energy is lost during charging and discharging.

5. Lifespan and Warranty 

Users often question us, “How long can a solar battery power a house?” To address this, we suggest constantly checking the battery’s lifespan and the warranty provided. 

Our tubular solar batteries can last without interruption for 5 years, and if maintained properly, may last up to 7 years. With a 24-month warranty, you can stay tension-free and power up your homes, schools, and offices in a go. 

7. Compatibility and Scalability

Now comes the question of compatibility and scalability. How to know? Consult with your battery providers regarding how many cycles a battery can endure and at what DOD. A 1200-cycle system with 80% DOD is highly scalable with solar power systems, focusing on providing non-stop power. 

8. Brand Reputation and Cost 

Selecting a battery from a reputable brand is essential to ensure high functionality over a longer timeframe. At Star Plus Battery, we not only support our customers with professional installation but also guide proper maintenance techniques.  

How Many Tubular Batteries are needed for a Solar Power System

Selecting the right tubular inverter battery is not all that’s needed. Choosing the right number matters too. The number of batteries you choose should always match the capacity of your solar inverter. 

When adding batteries to an existing solar panel system, it is essential to consider the power generation capacity. Before you decide on the battery quantity, consult your solar panel or system providers about the power generation capacity of the solar arrays. 

Here’s how you can determine the correct number to match your solar battery with a panel: 

1. Calculate your total energy consumption

The first step is to calculate the total energy you consume each month. It will include a number of electrical appliances, specifying the wattage of each appliance and the hours required for energy consumption. 

2. Determine the number of hours of backup you will require

Determine the number of hours of power backup you will need during cloudy days. Multiply your total daily energy consumption by the number of days you want a backup.

3. Calculate the total storage capacity you have and what you need

This figure is your total required energy storage in Watt-hours (Wh).

4. Determine individual battery capacity

You need to calculate the capacity of each tubular battery chosen for your solar power system. Suppose your battery is of 220ah, the nominal voltage is 12V, and it can discharge up to 80%, the total adequate capacity is: 

12V X 220ah = 2.64kWh

2.64kWh x 0.08 = 2.11kWh usable

5. Divide to find the number of batteries 

Now you have to divide the total storage capacity by the individual battery capacity. Suppose your total storage capacity is 10kWh and your battery capacity is 2.11kWh; then, approximately 5 batteries will be required. 

Comparison with Other Battery Options in Solar

As a customer, you may want to consider alternative options for your solar battery systems. Other options available on the market include Flat-plate batteries and Lithium-Ion Batteries. But are they equally effective to support solar battery systems? Let’s find out: 

Whether you choose a flat-plate battery or a lithium-ion battery, the risks of weak compatibility with solar inverter and panels remain. Either they are cheaper, however high frequent care is needed. On the other hand, if they are of zero-maintenance, then quality is comprised. 

That’s why, our experienced users would go for a tubular battery as the most compatible solar battery with inverter installed in their solar power system. However, certain challenges and misconceptions continue to exist. Here’s what you need to be aware of to prevent certain mistakes. 

Challenges and Misconceptions about Solar Battery Systems 

Challenges and myths revolving around tubular battery used as solar batteries. The common challenges of choosing tubular as solar battery systems:

• Initial high upfront investment combining solar power system and tubular batteries
• Total battery storage costs 
• Battery degradation and decrease in energy storage capacity
• Inadequete storage without expecting the power to be used.  

In some cases, challenge faced by the users becomes difficult to resolve, due to the present of misconceptions. Here are the common misconceptions about pairing a tubular battery with a solar power system: 

• Solar system and tubular batteries don’t work on cloudy days or at night. 
• Solar batteries are inefficient and unreliable. 
• Solar energy is too expensive
• Solar panels require constant maintenance 
• Solar panels are harmful

Owing to the existing misconceptions associated with solar power system and inverter batteries, we have presented certain facts of how our batteries can help you. 

Why StarPlus Solar + Tubular Systems Stand Out

At Star Plus Battery, we offer our users with devices that not only have high longevity but can support multiple power requirements. Apart from offering high-backup, offering constant support and functioning in extreme temperatures, certain features make them stand out. 

1. Additional Fluidic Headspace

Solar power usage is targeted for a sustainable approach of energy generation. We have included additional fluidic headspace in our tubular batteries. The headspace above the battery plates increases the wearing intervals and lessens the requirement for frequent topping up.

2. Electrolyte Indicator 

If you are still wondering, “which type of battery lasts longer?”, then we would like to let you know about our electrolyte indicator. Lowering of electrolyte levels in the battery cells are a major concern for tubular battery users, especially during excessive heat. 

Our electrolyte indicators are specially designed to depictthe  electrolyte level in each battery cell. Once the electrolyte level is indicated, the need for frequent maintenance decreases. 

3. Less Footprint 

Unique design of our battery container, with a smaller base occupier lesser space than bulkier batteries. Thus, floor space is less required. As a result, the storage space will also be required less, letting you store our tubular batteries even in a small space. 

4. Fume Arrestor 

We have included a Fume Arrestor that prevents any flame or spark from entering the battery. This ensures complete safety and reduces the risk of explosions. It also helps by letting the gases escape into the atmosphere. 

5. Advanced Tubular Plates 

Our tubular plates are made from HADI machine at 150 bar pressure. This feature makes them super strong and prevents the battery from going from deep discharge. 

6. Higher of Ribs 

Higher number of ribs present in our tubular batteries keeps the acid channel open for faster and better electrochemical reactions. 

7. Advanced Grid Design 

What we focus on is designing tubular batteries with advanced grids. Our grids contain a mode of selenium or low antimony alloys with grain refiners for water loss. This design helps in reducing corrosion and increases longevity. Alongside, our micro porous vent plugs can reduce environmental pollution and contribute to the sustainable initiative. 

What to Expect in the Future 

Solar power usage across Nigeria is growing rapidly and is expected to rise even further in the coming years.  As a part of the nationally determined contribution, the country targets a 20% of emissions reduction by 2030. 

Nigerian Government’s Energy Transition Plan outlines the net goal by 2060. The goal leans on future expansion on renewable energy. Supporting this initiative, choosing solar power for your homes and offices can be highly efficient. 

Meeting the Government’s initiative might help you financially, with documentation and assistance in sourcing, installing, and maintaining. 

Final Thoughts 

Searching for the best solar battery to power your house? We can help you. At Star Plus Battery, we are here with tubular batteries that are designed to support all of your power appliances. Combined with solar power, our tubular batteries can serve your requirements without faltering. 

However, if you face any problem, we are always here to help. Connect with us for any product-related queries. Let us know about all your installation, repair, replacement, bulk orders, dealing, distributor, and other similar needs in the comments below. 

Solar + Tubular Battery Systems FAQs