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Sizing it Right: A Zimbabwean Homeowner's Guide to Choosing the Perfect Solar System Capacity (5kVA vs. 8kVA vs. 10kVA)
So, you've decided to invest in a solar system. It's a fantastic decision and now is the best time to invest in solar for energy independence. But now you face the most critical question: "What size system do I need?" Choosing between a 5kVA, 8kVA, or 10kVA system can feel daunting. Go too small, and you'll face frustration when the system can't power what you need. Go too big, and you'll have overspent on capacity you'll never use.
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| A 10kVA system is a serious power plant for your home or small business. It's designed for those who want to run nearly their entire household without compromise. |
This guide will demystify the numbers and help you understand which capacity is the right fit for your Zimbabwean home. As your premier solar solutions partner, Sona Solar is here to ensure you get the perfect solution, tailored to your lifestyle.
Before You Begin: The Quick Home Energy Audit
The "kVA" rating on an inverter (roughly equivalent to kW) indicates the maximum amount of power it can deliver at any one moment. To choose the right size, you first need to know what you want to power simultaneously. Think about a typical evening during load shedding. What MUST be on?
Common loads: Lights (50-100W), Wi-Fi Router (10W), TV (100-200W), Fridge/Freezer (200W when running), Laptop Chargers (65W each).
Heavy loads: Borehole Pump (1,000-2,000W), Microwave (1,200W), Kettle (2,000W), Stove Plate (1,500W).
The 5kVA System: The Essential Powerhouse
A 5kVA system is the most popular entry point for residential solar and for good reason. It’s the perfect solution for covering the essentials and ensuring your daily life continues without a hitch.
- What it Powers: A 5.2kVA solar system package can comfortably run all your essentials at once: all your lights, the TV, a Wi-Fi router, a fridge/freezer, and charge multiple phones and laptops.
- Who it's for: It's ideal for small to medium-sized families, townhouses, and anyone looking for a cost-effective way to beat load shedding. It's particularly popular with women in business running home offices. A reliable Must 5kVA inverter is often at the heart of these setups.
- Limitations: You'll need to be mindful of heavy loads. You generally cannot run a kettle, microwave, and borehole pump at the same time.
The 8kVA System: The All-Rounder for Modern Living
Stepping up to an 8kVA system is a genuine lifestyle upgrade. This is where you move from just "covering the basics" to "living normally."
- What it Powers: Sona Solar's 8kVA solar system is a game-changer. It handles everything the 5kVA can, but with enough extra capacity to run one or two heavy appliances simultaneously, like a borehole pump and a microwave, or using an iron without worry.
- Who it's for: This is the sweet spot for medium to large families with more demanding energy needs, or those who want the convenience of not having to think about what's switched on. It's perfect for solar-powered homes looking to enhance convenience and safety.
The 10kVA System: The Path to Total Energy Independence
A 10kVA system is a serious power plant for your home or small business. It's designed for those who want to run nearly their entire household without compromise.
- What it Powers: This system is for powering large-scale residential needs. It can handle multiple heavy loads at once – think air conditioners, a swimming pool pump, and major kitchen appliances (though electric stoves are still very demanding). It's the closest you can get to a completely off-grid solar system experience in Zimbabwe.
- Who it's for: Large households with high consumption, homes with multiple geysers and pumps, or small commercial operations. The cost of a 10kW or 10kVA solar system reflects its immense capability.
The Sona Solar Difference: A Custom Solution
While this guide provides a good overview, the perfect system is always a custom one. That's what you see when you follow a day in the life of Sona Solar Zimbabwe. Our team, driven by leaders like marketing maven Faith Mahachi, will perform a detailed assessment of your property and energy needs to recommend the perfect fit. Check out our general solar system packages and prices, and maybe even catch a Back to School Solar Special. Contact us today to get a quote and size your system right, the first time.
David (Sales)