Introduction

Many Nigerians complain that their solar backup doesn’t last long.
But in most cases, the problem is not the inverter or the battery — it is certain high-watt appliances that drain solar systems extremely fast.

Whether you’re using tubular or lithium batteries, these 5 appliances can cut your backup time by half if not managed properly.

In this guide, Solarzone Nigeria reveals the top culprits and what you can do to protect your solar investment.

⭐ 1️⃣ Electric Pressing Iron

One of the BIGGEST enemies of solar power.

Wattage:

❌ 800W – 2,000W

A pressing iron consumes power equal to:

• 10× fans combined

• 8× TVs

• 30–40 LED bulbs

Why it drains solar:

• High heat load

• Instant power surge

• Rapid battery discharge

What to Do:

✔ Use it only when PHCN is available
✔ Iron once weekly to save energy
✔ Avoid ironing at night

Solarzone does NOT recommend running pressing irons on small or medium solar systems.

⭐ 2️⃣ Electric Kettle / Boiler

Another heavy appliance that shocks homeowners.

Wattage:

❌ 1,500W – 2,200W

Even 1–3 minutes of use can drop battery voltage significantly.

Why it drains solar:

• Heats water rapidly using high wattage

• Batteries cannot sustain the load

• Inverter may shut down or trip

What to Do:

✔ Boil water using gas
✔ Use small manual kettle
✔ Use solar kettle only on large systems

⭐ 3️⃣ Water Pumping Machine

Water pumps pull massive surge power during startup.

Wattage:

❌ 750W – 1,500W
❌ Surge load: up to 2,500W

Why it drains solar:

• High starting current

• Strains inverter and batteries

• Reduces backup time

What to Do:

✔ Pump water during sunny hours only
✔ Use a low-watt DC pump
✔ Avoid pumping at night
✔ Install more panels to support daytime pump usage

Solarzone installs solar-friendly pumps for homes with boreholes.

⭐ 4️⃣ Refrigerators & Freezers (Old Models)

Old fridges/freezers can be extremely inefficient.

Wattage:

❌ 150W – 350W running
❌ Surge: Up to 1,000W

They pull power multiple times per hour.

Why it drains solar:

• High surge load

• Poor energy efficiency

• Increased compressor cycles

• High night-time consumption

What to Do:

✔ Switch to inverter refrigerator
✔ Keep the fridge door closed longer
✔ Place fridge in a cool area
✔ Add more solar panels

An inverter fridge can save up to 60% solar energy.

⭐ 5️⃣ Air Conditioners

Even energy-saving ACs consume a lot of power.

Wattage:

❌ 700W – 1,500W
Surge load: 2,000W+

Why it drains solar:

• High continuous load

• Long cooling cycles

• Heavy battery drain at night

What to Do:

✔ Use AC only during the day on large systems
✔ Use inverter AC (highly recommended)
✔ Ensure proper insulation
✔ Increase panel capacity
✔ Switch to lithium batteries for AC load

Solarzone designs solar-AC compatible systems for homes with cooling needs.

⭐ Bonus Appliances That Also Drain Solar

Though not as heavy, these also reduce backup if mismanaged:

❌ Microwave
❌ Blender (old type)
❌ Electric frying pan
❌ Vacuum cleaners
❌ Old plasma TVs
❌ Desktop computers

Replace with:
✔ Low-watt blender
✔ Inverter microwave
✔ LED TVs
✔ Laptops instead of desktop PCs

⭐ Why Heavy Appliances Drain Solar Systems Fast

These appliances demand:
✔ high wattage
✔ high surge current
✔ long runtime
✔ instant power delivery

Solar batteries (especially tubular/gel) cannot sustain such loads continuously.

Lithium does better but still requires proper sizing.

⭐ How to Protect Your Solar System From Heavy Loads

Here’s how Solarzone recommends managing heavy appliances:

✔ 1. Run heavy loads during the day

Sunlight + solar panels = less battery drain.

✔ 2. Upgrade to lithium battery

Longer backup, faster charging, better surge handling.

✔ 3. Increase number of solar panels

More panels = more power during the day.

✔ 4. Add a backup charging source

PHCN or low-watt generator for battery support.

✔ 5. Install correct inverter size

Under-sized inverters strain batteries and shut down.

✔ 6. Use energy-efficient appliances

Modern low-watt appliances strengthen your solar system.

🛠️ Why Choose Solarzone for Solar Optimization?

Solarzone provides:

⭐ Proper solar system sizing
⭐ AC-compatible solar design
⭐ Lithium battery upgrade
⭐ MPPT controller upgrade
⭐ Load balancing
⭐ Solar panel expansion
⭐ Complete system rewiring
⭐ Annual solar maintenance

We make sure your solar system performs at maximum efficiency — without draining fast.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Solar power is reliable, efficient, and cost-saving — but only when you use it the right way.
Heavy appliances drain batteries fast, reduce backup time, and cause system failure if not properly managed.

By avoiding or managing these appliances correctly, your solar system will:

✔ Last longer
✔ Deliver longer backup
✔ Save more money
✔ Become more stable and reliable

Let Solarzone Nigeria help you build a strong, durable, and efficient solar setup.

💥 Call to Action

⚡ Want longer backup and better solar performance?
Contact Solarzone Nigeria for system upgrades and optimization.

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 09091394722