Off-Grid Solar System Calculator for Ghana: Sizing Guide 2026
How to size an off-grid solar system in Ghana. Panel, battery, and inverter sizing guide with Accra sun hours, GHS pricing, and a free online calculator.
SolarDecide Team
Based in Abuja, Nigeria
A properly sized off-grid solar system can fully replace grid dependency in Ghana, providing reliable power even during ‘dumsor’ load shedding periods. Ghana receives 5.0-6.0 peak sun hours daily — excellent conditions for solar energy.
This guide covers the exact sizing methodology for Ghanaian homes, with local pricing in GHS and a link to our free online calculator that handles all the maths for you.
Ghana Solar Market Overview (2026)
Ghana’s solar market has grown rapidly due to:
- Recurring ‘dumsor’ (load shedding) episodes affecting businesses and homes
- Electricity tariff increases from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)
- Decreasing solar component prices (30% drop since 2023)
- Growing dealer networks in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale
Peak Sun Hours in Ghana by Region
| Region/City | Peak Sun Hours | Solar Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East (Bolgatanga) | 5.8 | Excellent |
| Upper West (Wa) | 5.7 | Excellent |
| Northern (Tamale) | 5.5 | Very good |
| Ashanti (Kumasi) | 5.2 | Good |
| Greater Accra | 5.0 | Good |
| Western (Takoradi) | 4.8 | Adequate |
| Volta (Ho) | 5.0 | Good |
Source: Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) solar irradiance data
Sizing a Solar System for a Typical Ghanaian Home
Step 1: Calculate Daily Energy Load
Common Ghanaian household appliances and their wattages:
| Appliance | Watts | Typical Hours | Daily Wh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1HP Air Conditioner | 900W | 6 hrs | 5,400 |
| Ceiling Fan (×3) | 75W | 10 hrs | 2,250 |
| Refrigerator | 150W | 24 hrs | 3,600 |
| TV (LED) | 150W | 6 hrs | 900 |
| Decoder | 30W | 6 hrs | 180 |
| LED Bulbs (×6) | 9W | 8 hrs | 432 |
| Phone Charger (×2) | 20W | 3 hrs | 120 |
| Laptop | 65W | 6 hrs | 390 |
| Total | 13,272 Wh ≈ 13.3 kWh |
Step 2: Size Solar Panels
For Accra (5.0 peak sun hours):
Panel Watts = (13.3 kWh ÷ (5.0 × 0.75)) × 1000 = 3,547W → 3,600W
Panels needed = 3,600 ÷ 400 = 9 panels (400W each)Step 3: Size Battery Bank
For 1 day of backup with lithium batteries:
Battery Wh = (13.3 × 1) ÷ (0.8 × 0.85) = 19,559 Wh
Battery Ah = 19,559 ÷ 48 = 407 Ah → 500 AhStep 4: Size Inverter
Peak surge watts = ~8,400W (including AC startup surge)
Inverter VA = 8,400 ÷ 0.8 = 10,500 VA → 10 kVAFor a more modest home without AC, a 5kVA system with 2,400W panels and 200Ah batteries is sufficient.
Ghana Solar System Pricing (April 2026)
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kVA Hybrid Inverter | GHS 5,500 | GHS 8,000 | GHS 10,000 |
| 200Ah Lithium Battery (48V) | GHS 5,000 | GHS 6,500 | GHS 8,000 |
| 2,400W Solar Panels | GHS 6,000 | GHS 8,000 | GHS 9,600 |
| Installation | GHS 1,500 | GHS 2,000 | GHS 3,000 |
| Total | GHS 18,000 | GHS 24,500 | GHS 30,600 |
Prices in Ghana Cedis (GHS). Exchange rate: approximately $1 = GHS 15.5 (April 2026)
Ghana vs Nigeria Solar Comparison
| Factor | Ghana | Nigeria |
|---|---|---|
| Average sun hours | 5.0-5.5 | 4.5-6.5 |
| System cost (5kVA) | GHS 24,500 (~$1,580) | ₦2,220,000 (~$1,405) |
| Electricity tariff | GHS 1.5-2.0/kWh | ₦50-225/kWh |
| Main driver for solar | Dumsor reliability | Fuel cost savings |
| Popular brands | Felicity, Luminous | Luminous, Felicity, Growatt |
Calculate Your Solar System for Ghana
SolarDecide’s free calculator includes Ghana-specific settings: Ghanaian regions with accurate sun hours, GHS currency display, and local pricing estimates. Select your appliances and get your exact system size in seconds.
Related articles:
- Solar vs Generator Cost Comparison — Full cost analysis methodology
- How to Calculate Inverter Size — Step-by-step sizing guide
- Solar Payback Period — When does solar pay for itself?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar system cost in Ghana?
A complete 5kVA off-grid solar system in Ghana costs GHS 25,000-45,000 (approximately $1,600-$2,900 USD) in 2026, depending on battery type and brand. This includes inverter, batteries, panels, and installation.
How many peak sun hours does Accra get?
Accra, Ghana receives approximately 5.0 peak sun hours per day on average. Northern Ghana (Tamale, Bolgatanga) receives 5.5-6.0 peak sun hours. This is comparable to central Nigeria.
Is solar worth it in Ghana?
Yes. With electricity tariffs rising and frequent 'dumsor' (load shedding) episodes, solar provides reliable power and significant long-term savings. Most Ghanaian households see payback within 2-3 years.
What is the best solar inverter brand in Ghana?
The most popular solar inverter brands in Ghana are Luminous, Felicity, and Growatt — the same brands popular in Nigeria. Felicity has a strong dealer presence in Accra and Kumasi. Local brand Must Solar is also gaining market share.
Can solar power an air conditioner in Ghana?
Yes. A 1HP air conditioner requires approximately a 3kVA inverter, 200Ah batteries (48V), and 1,600W of solar panels as a minimum. For reliable AC operation, a 5kVA system is recommended.
Calculate Your Solar System Size
Use our free solar calculator to find the exact inverter, battery, and panel sizes for your home.
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