Energy & Solar · Compare

Generator vs Solar vs Grid: Prices Compared

Grid power on Band B is the cheapest at about ₦22,500–₦27,000 a month for this load, and solar with lithium costs about ₦8,300–₦17,900 a month in battery wear once installed. A petrol generator is the dearest at about ₦296,000–₦413,000 a month in fuel alone.

Updated October 20266 optionsLow confidenceestimated monthly running cost, 1.5kW load × 8h/day (360kWh/month)

Quick answer · October 2026

Cheapest: Solar + lithium battery (5kVA) at ₦8,292 – ₦17,900. Priciest: Petrol generator (≈3.5kVA) at ₦295,704 – ₦413,280. (estimated monthly running cost, 1.5kW load × 8h/day (360kWh/month))

Price comparison

Option	Typical price	Unit
Solar + lithium battery (5kVA) Cheapest	₦8,292 – ₦17,900	estimated monthly running cost
Grid electricity (Band B)	₦22,493 – ₦27,000	estimated monthly running cost
Solar + tubular batteries (5kVA)	₦30,778 – ₦72,500	estimated monthly running cost
Grid electricity (Band A)	₦75,420	estimated monthly running cost
Diesel generator (≈5kVA)	₦228,000 – ₦339,360	estimated monthly running cost
Petrol generator (≈3.5kVA) Priciest	₦295,704 – ₦413,280	estimated monthly running cost

Typical retail ranges in Nigeria, October 2026, sorted cheapest first. The bar shows each range against the most expensive option.

Compare two side by side

FirstSecond

Each option at a glance

Petrol generator (≈3.5kVA)

Priciest

₦295,704 – ₦413,280

estimated monthly running cost

Lowest upfront cost
Power on demand

Dearest to run by far
Noise, fumes and frequent servicing

Best for: Short, occasional backup only

Diesel generator (≈5kVA)

₦228,000 – ₦339,360

estimated monthly running cost

Lower fuel use per hour than petrol
Built for long daily running

Diesel price surged in 2026
High purchase cost

Best for: Long daily runs and bigger loads

Solar + lithium battery (5kVA)

Cheapest

₦8,292 – ₦17,900

estimated monthly running cost

Very low running cost
Silent, no fuel runs

Highest upfront cost
Cloudy days or heavy night use need backup

Best for: Homes planning to stay 5+ years

Solar + tubular batteries (5kVA)

₦30,778 – ₦72,500

estimated monthly running cost

Cheaper batteries per unit
No fuel cost

Batteries wear out in 2–3 years
Water top-ups and ventilation needed

Best for: Lower-budget solar with light night use

Grid electricity (Band A)

₦75,420

estimated monthly running cost

No equipment to maintain
Most hours of supply

High tariff
Outages still happen

Best for: Homes on reliable Band A feeders

Grid electricity (Band B)

₦22,493 – ₦27,000

estimated monthly running cost

Cheapest per kWh of all options
No fuel or batteries

Fewer supply hours
Needs backup for outages

Best for: Pairing with a small solar or inverter backup

Specifications compared

Feature	Petrol generator (≈3.5kVA)	Diesel generator (≈5kVA)	Solar + lithium battery (5kVA)	Solar + tubular batteries (5kVA)	Grid electricity (Band A)	Grid electricity (Band B)
Upfront cost	₦200,000–₦450,000 (2–3.5kVA)	Not found for 5kVA (20kVA from ₦2.8M)	₦3.6M–₦5.7M (5kVA hybrid, ≈5kWh lithium, panels)	Not found as a full-system quote	Prepaid meter (price not found)	Prepaid meter (price not found)
Running-cost basis	Fuel only at ₦1,369–₦1,435/litre	Fuel only at ₦1,900–₦2,020/litre	No fuel; battery wear spread over 10 years	No fuel; battery replacement spread over 2–3 years	₦209.50 per kWh	₦62.48–₦75 per kWh
Supply hours	Whenever fuelled	Whenever fuelled	Day solar + evening battery	Day solar + evening battery	About 20 hours promised	About 16 hours promised
Main assumption	0.9–1.2 litres/hour × 240 hours	0.5–0.7 litres/hour × 240 hours	5kWh lithium ₦995k–₦2.15M replaced after 10 years	4 × 12V 220Ah (₦277k–₦435k each) replaced every 24–36 months	360kWh × ₦209.50 (energy charge only)	360kWh × Band B rate (energy charge only)

Swipe sideways on a phone to see all options.

What to check before you buy

Work out your real load in watts before sizing a generator or solar system.

Get at least three written solar quotes that list panel, battery and inverter brands.

Add generator servicing and oil changes to fuel costs; they are not included here.

Confirm your DisCo band and supply hours on your token receipt.

Related price guides

All prices

Buying generator vs solar vs grid in bulk?

Tell suppliers the brand, quantity and delivery location. Compare real Quotes or Offers through Finelib Match.

Get quotes

Frequently asked questions

Is solar cheaper than a generator?

Over time, yes. Running a 1.5kW load for 8 hours a day costs about ₦296,000–₦413,000 a month in petrol, so a ₦3.6–₦5.7 million solar system can pay back in roughly 1–2 years.

Should I choose lithium or tubular batteries for solar?

Lithium costs more upfront but lasts about 10 years. In our estimate its wear costs ₦8,300–₦17,900 a month, against ₦30,800–₦72,500 for tubular batteries replaced every 2–3 years.

How were these monthly costs estimated?

We assumed 1.5kW for 8 hours daily (360kWh a month), October 2026 fuel prices, current Band A/B tariffs, and generator fuel use of 0.9–1.2 litres/hour petrol or 0.5–0.7 litres/hour diesel.