FAQs

Got a question about how our solar solutions work, payment options, after-sales care, or anything else?

Here you will find practical information on Sun King’s products, including installation, financing and purchase options, and the benefits of solar!

For more information, or if you have queries that aren’t answered here, please contact us for more details.

Topic

Understanding How Solar Energy Works

Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days or during periods of low sunlight, though at a reduced efficiency. At night, they do not produce electricity. Instead, power comes from stored energy in batteries charged during daylight hours.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels function by converting solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This electricity can either be stored in batteries for later use or, if equipped with a solar inverter, converted from DC to alternating current (AC), allowing it to power typical household AC appliances, such as standard televisions, fans, and refrigerators.

By harnessing solar energy, a sustainable and emission-free power source, we reduce our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, thereby protecting the environment. This shift improves air and water quality, fostering a healthier environment.

Solar panels can overheat in extreme temperatures, impacting their performance. However, proper installation and ventilation can help mitigate this risk.

Solar panels generally have a 25 to 30-year lifespan, although they can last longer with proper maintenance. Over time, solar panels naturally degrade, losing approximately 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency each year. Replacement may be required if panels degrade significantly or sustain irreparable damage.

Yes, all our systems, from basic solar systems, such as the Home 500X and Home 200X, to powerful rooftop solar systems, such as the PowerHub range, continue to operate during power outages. Our PowerHub and PowerPlay solar inverter systems, along with all other powerful rooftop solar systems, are designed as hybrid systems. This means they can draw power from both solar energy and the electrical grid. In the event of a grid outage, they automatically switch to using solar energy and stored battery energy, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

About Sun King

Sun King’s solar products can be found in over 40 countries around the globe, across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Incorporated in 2009, Sun King has been in operation for 15 years.

Sun King is on a mission to power access to brighter lives. Sun King designs, distributes, installs, and finances solar home energy products for the 1.8 billion people currently living without reliable energy access.

Impact on Your Electricity Bill

Bills are typically based on electricity consumption and charged at a certain rate of Naira per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Pre-paid electricity tariffs allow users to purchase electricity credits in advance, enabling them to use power until these credits are depleted. Post-paid electricity is billed based on actual consumption or estimated consumption of electricity, with meter readings taken to calculate charges at the end of each billing cycle.

If you are on a pre-paid tariff, please monitor your usage by checking your total electricity purchase slips for the month.

If you are on a post-paid agreement, please check your electronic or mailed electricity bills.

Installing a Sun King solar inverter system, such as our PowerHub and PowerPlay systems, could greatly reduce your electricity bills. Your electricity provider’s service charge is typically mandatory.

Please use our solar inverter system recommendation tool to find out how much you could save with Sun King.

Choosing the Right Solar Powered Solution for You

Sun King’s approach starts with a detailed analysis of your energy requirements. We examine your monthly electricity, generator usage, and pinpoint periods of highest energy load. This step helps us identify the appropriate size and capacity for the inverter, solar panels, and batteries, allowing us to identify the system that meets your energy needs efficiently.

To aid in selecting the right solar inverter system for you, Sun King employs a system sizing tool that analyses your electricity bill data. A Sun King representative will visit to check that your building or facility can accommodate a solar system and perform an energy audit on your electrical system and appliance usage. Should you choose to proceed, Sun King’s Solar Advisors will review this data to confirm the recommended system and configuration aligns well with your needs.

Solar home systems, such as the HomePlus and Home 500X, offer a budget-friendly option for powering specific requirements, including lighting, mobile phone charging, and the operation of direct current (DC)-compatible devices such as fans and televisions. However, Solar Home Systems are not capable of powering appliances that require alternating current (AC), such as standard computers and televisions.

Conversely, a solar inverter system – such as our PowerHub and PowerPlay systems – transform DC electricity generated by the system’s solar panels into AC electricity. This conversion makes it possible to power standard household and business AC appliances, providing an alternative to reliance on the electrical grid.

All of Sun King’s solar inverter systems use a hybrid inverter. Hybrid solar inverters can draw power from both solar energy and the electrical grid.

Operating a Sun King Solar Lantern or Solar Home System

You must connect your solar panel to the lantern or solar home system to receive a charge. The Sun King Pico lantern has an in-built solar panel.

Assuming the solar panel is exposed to direct sunlight, the battery indicator light on the lantern or home system control panel will start blinking; this is an indication that it is charging.

Our line of solar lanterns and their solar panels are water-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about ruining your lantern if it is exposed to a small amount of water.  That said, since sunlight is often blocked by clouds during rain, your lamp might not charge as effectively as on bright sunny days.

Solar home system solar panels can be roof-mounted and are also water-resistant.

Sun King solar lanterns and home systems are designed to charge a range of devices, but all have different charging capabilities. Our lanterns are only able to charge basic feature phones, whereas some of our solar home systems can charge smartphones and even DC appliances. Please visit the respective product pages on this website to understand what types of devices a particular Sun King product can charge.

Please note that you should never try to charge a device or appliance directly with a solar panel. Although some devices may appear to charge when connected to a solar panel, the battery won’t actually charge effectively, and some devices might get damaged in the process.

All our lanterns and home systems use a high-quality Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery. Our lantern batteries are expected to last for five years. Our new solar home system range, HomePlus, contains a battery expected to last for up to ten years.

Spare wires and panels are available for purchase through your local Sun King representative, dealer, or distributor.

If your product is still covered by warranty, Sun King will replace or repair the product free of charge.

No! Sun King lanterns and home systems are designed to be charged using the accompanying solar panel only.

All Sun King products are covered under a limited, time-bound warranty. Please see the warranty card supplied with your product or contact Sun King, your local distributor, or sales agent for details.

Operating the Sun King Pedestal Fan

The fan uses a brushless motor that runs on the DC current supplied by higher-power solar home system. Please ensure that your solar home system can power a pedestal fan before buying. It can also operate on AC current, so can be plugged into the mains electricity in your building.

Yes, unless you are already a Home 500X owner, in which case you can purchase a pedestal fan as an expansion to your existing system. Not all solar home systems can power the pedestal fan.

You can purchase the fan as an add-on by visiting Sun King stores across the country, by submitting the contact us form our website, or by calling our toll-free number  08007865464 between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The fan’s brushless motor operates extremely quietly, with little to no noise.

The pedestal fan has three modes of operation. Each mode of operation requires a different amount of power to operate:

Low Mode: 850 RPM (5 W)

Normal Mode: 1010 RPM (8 W)

Turbo Mode: 1140 RPM (10 W)

The pedestal fan can rotate up to 90°.

You can purchase the fan by visiting Sun King stores across the country, by submitting the contact us form our website, or by calling our toll-free number  08007865464 between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The pedestal fan’s blades have a 16 inch diameter.

The pedestal fan provides a maximum of 5 metres per second of airflow reach.

12 V/1.5 A, AC to DC adaptor, with 1.5 m cable with 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm connector.

1.5 m DC-to-DC cable, with dual 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm connectors.

The warranty period lasts for one year. For information on your warranty please read the warranty card supplied with the product.

17 inch grill diameter, and an adjustable height of 110 cm – 130 cm.

Operating the Sun King HD TV

The TV is available in 24” and 32” sizes.

Yes, unless you are already a Home 500X owner, in which case you are able to purchase a TV as an expansion to your existing system.

You can purchase the HD TV as an add-on by visiting Sun King stores across the country, by submitting the contact form on our website, or by calling our toll-free number 0800 786 5464 between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm, Mondays to Fridays or 8 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The Sun King HD TV is a digital wide-angle picture view HD TV which comes with an in-built decoder. The default setting of the TV displays free-to-air channels.

Digital LED display screen, with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Yes. The HD TV features a CI slot to enable satellite pay TV. If you subscribe to the pay TV service, you will get one CI module (the bigger card), along with a smart card (the smaller card). Insert this CI module into the CI slot to watch the related pay-to-view channels.

Yes you can, the TV is HDMI-enabled and has an HDMI socket.

The TV has stereo sound audio speakers. There are three sound modes to choose from:

  • Standard: Suitable for watching movies, news, drama, etc.
  • Music: Suitable for watching music programmes.
  • Sports: Suitable for watching sports.

There are four picture modes to choose from. Each draws a different amount of power, which impacts the total runtime when powered by the Home 500X battery.

  • Low-light (long runtime): Only recommended to maximise runtime.
  • Standard (standard runtime): Suitable for watching the TV in the evening.
  • Daylight (short runtime): Suitable for watching the TV during the daytime.
  • Superlight (very short runtime): Suitable for watching the TV in direct sunlight.

There are 11 on-screen display languages: Amharic, English, French, German, Hindi, Russian, Rwandan, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrigna, and Ugandan.

You can purchase the HD TV as an add-on by visiting Sun King stores across the country, by submitting the contact form on our website, or by calling our toll-free number 0800 786 5464 between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm, Mondays to Fridays or 8 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Yes, the TV has a media player slot which is a USB Port, supporting MP3 and MP4 file formats.

Yes, you can plug earphones into the TV. The TV has a 3.5 mm jack port for earphones.

Two years. For information on your warranty please read the warranty card supplied with the product.

1 power cable

1 IR remoter with 45 keys (2 AAA batteries)

2 stands

1 f-connector

Operating the Sun King Solar Fan

The Sun King Solar Fan uses a brushless motor that runs on the DC current supplied by the solar panel supplied with the fan.

The Sun King Solar Fan operates extremely quietly, with little to no noise.

The Sun King Solar Fan has a lightweight, foldable design, making it easy to transport with or without its solar panel.

The Sun King Solar Fan has three operating modes. The total run time depends on the mode that is being used. On a single charge, the Sun King Solar Fan offers the following runtimes:

  • Low power mode (800 RPM)18 hours
  • Normal mode (900 RPM)14 hours
  • Turbo mode (1300 RPM)7 hours

The Sun King Solar Fan can rotate up to 90°.

You can purchase the Sun King Solar Fan in Sun King stores across the country, by filling out the contact form on our website, or by calling our toll-free number 0800 786 5464 between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays.

The Sun King Solar Fan has three modes of operation:

  • Low power mode (800 RPM)
  • Normal mode (900 RPM)
  • Turbo mode (1300 RPM)

It has a maximum of 6.2 metres of airflow reach.

The 20 W, 16 V polycrystalline solar panel supplied with the Sun King Solar Fan should be used to power it.

Please note: you should not use other DC or AC power sources to power the fan. This may result in damage and void your warranty.

It has an in-built 5100 mAh, 11.1 V Lithium-ion NMC battery.

Two years. For information on your warranty please read the warranty card supplied with the product.

Understanding the Capability of a Sun King Solar Inverter System

Sun King’s range of solar inverter systems such as our PowerHub and PowerPlay systems, comprise solar panels, LFP battery storage, and one or more hybrid solar inverters. A solar inverter plays a crucial role in a solar energy system, acting as a bridge between the solar panels, the battery, and the building or facility’s electrical infrastructure. It converts direct current (DC) electricity, generated by solar panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC electricity is compatible with the electrical grid and can power standard household appliances, ranging from standard televisions, computers, and refrigerators, as well as other devices. Additionally, hybrid solar inverters can draw power from both solar panels and the electrical grid, ensuring a reliable power supply.

The solar panels harness sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. The panel-generated DC energy is then transformed into AC electricity by the inverter, making it suitable for everyday household use. Lastly, the Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LFP) battery stores not only solar-generated energy but also energy from the grid, ensuring that appliances can be powered continuously, even when the sun isn’t shining.

Animated GIF explaining how a solar inverter functions.

Each solar inverter system is carefully designed to meet the needs of different households and businesses. We offer custom packages for people whose needs aren’t met by our standard bundles, and each system can be expanded post-purchase.

Yes. To operate independently of the grid, a system must include battery storage to hold surplus energy when sunlight is unavailable. Sun King provides off-grid solutions equipped with battery storage, catering to areas with no access to the grid.

The maximum power output and battery capacity of our inverter systems differ from system to system. However, all systems are capable of providing a continuous power supply if charged correctly. During the sizing process and when your system is installed, Sun King will provide guidance on the type and number of appliances that your system can power, and for how long.

For more information, please visit this page.

Each solar inverter system is carefully designed to meet the needs of different households and businesses. We offer custom packages for people whose needs aren’t met by our standard bundles. Many systems can be expanded post-purchase to include additional solar inverters, batteries, or solar panels. Please contact us for more details.

The durability of a solar inverter system is influenced by its quality, how it’s used, and the maintenance it receives. Sun King provides a three-year warranty for solar inverter systems. Solar panels have a life expectancy of up to 25 years. The lifespan of the inverter is dependent on proper maintenance and care. The battery is expected to last up to ten years under normal working conditions.

Through regular maintenance and prompt repairs, the lifespan of the solar inverter system can be extended.

Impact of Weather on Solar Performance

If you reside in a windy area, rest assured that Sun King’s installations are designed to withstand such conditions. Our systems are installed by trained and qualified professionals who use proper installation techniques and secure mounting systems. This ensures that the panels remain stable and secure, even in high winds. Additionally, wind can benefit the system by cooling the panels, which can potentially increase their efficiency. Sun King prioritises the resilience and performance of your solar installation in all weather conditions.

Solar panels can generate electricity even in indirect sunlight. While bright sunlight optimises performance, panels still produce power on cloudy days.

Suitability and Eligibility of Your Home for a Solar Inverter System

A suitable roof should have adequate space, strong structure, minimal shading, and a favourable orientation towards the sun. This also depends on the kind of solar solution you’re looking to buy. Sun King will assess your roof’s suitability during the pre-purchase consultation.

For larger solar panels like the ones used to power inverter systems, if your roof is in good condition, the panels can typically be installed without replacing it. In some cases, roof repairs or reinforcement may be necessary to support the weight of solar panels.

Solar home systems, such as the HomePlus and Home 500X, come with smaller panels which are less likely to require specific types of roofs or a certain level of robustness.

Solar installations in apartment buildings are possible, often through shared or community solar arrangements. Consultation with building management, landlords if renting, and compliance with local regulations is essential.

Installing solar panels in a rented building will require permission from the landlord or property management. Portable or removable solar solutions like Sun King’s solar home systems may be good options for renters.

Solar Inverter System Installations

Yes, Sun King conducts thorough site visits to assess various factors such as roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and the power requirements of the appliances to be powered.

Preparation requirements can vary. The Sun King team will arrange a call with you before their visit. In most cases, you only need to agree on a date and time for the delivery and installation. All necessary details will be explained during the call prior to the team’s visit.

Before installation, the products will be delivered to your building or home. On installation day, Sun King’s technicians will mount panels, connect the inverter, and integrate the system with the circuits powering your building. They conduct tests and provide guidance on system operation, payment, and maintenance.

With Sun King, the cost of installation is included, eliminating the need for you to undertake the installation yourself or seek out a third-party installer. We despatch trained and certified professionals for the installation of your solar inverter system, underscoring our commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. DIY installations are not recommended, as they pose safety risks and could potentially invalidate your warranty. Our team of experienced professionals ensure a safe and efficient installation process.

Available Payment Options

All of our products are available to purchase upfront or via our EasyBuy financing service. Financing terms are similarly determined by credit assessments, system size, and contract length.

Learn more about our financing options here.

Sun King Products Available Through EasyBuy Finance Service and How It Works

In Nigeria, all of Sun King’s products are available via EasyBuy financing.

Our EasyBuy service enables customers to spread the cost of specific products over time. Customers leave a small deposit and pay the remainder of the product’s cost off via small, manageable instalments over a period of one to two years. After completing the payment plan, customers own the product.

Eligibility for financing requires submission of certain documents, including national ID. The finance team at Sun King will assist you throughout the application process, detailing any specific documents or information needed to proceed.

If you wish to cancel your contract with Sun King, you should contact the support team here or phone our toll free number: 08007865464.

If payments are delayed, the EasyBuy technology disables the system until the next payment is made. If successive payments are not made, then Sun King can repossess the equipment.

If you’ve made a payment but your product is not working, you must contact Sun King’s support team immediately to report the issue. Please call us on our tollfree number, 08007865464, or contact us here.

Post-Installation Support and Care

For any questions or concerns after your Sun King solar system installation, you can reach our support team by filling in this form or contacting our support team on 08007865464. Alternatively you can speak to Aiva, our WhatsApp chatbot, on 08179466478.

Please note that we run a reduced service during national or public holidays.

All Sun King systems come with a detailed user manual explaining their components, operation, and monitoring features. Our support team is always happy to answer your questions and provide additional information.

You can reach our support team by filling in this form or contacting us on 08007865464. Alternatively you can speak to Aiva, our WhatsApp chatbot, on 08179466478.

Regular maintenance is essential for maximising the performance and lifespan of solar inverter systems. Key recommendations include visual inspections for damage, temperature monitoring, performance tracking, and scheduling professional inspections with Sun King every year.

If your solar inverter system is still under warranty, Sun King provides annual check ups on the system. Sun King proactively reaches out to customers to schedule the system’s annual maintenance. If you have any questions about your annual service, please contact us here.

If you’re not satisfied with the service, contact Sun King’s customer service team on our toll free number 08007865464 or fill out the form on this page.

They will address your concerns and work to resolve any issues promptly.

To make complaints, reach out to Sun King’s customer support team via phone, 0801229090, or through this form. They will investigate your concerns and ensure a satisfactory resolution. You can also report your grievances here.

Sun King provides annual maintenance for solar inverter customers who purchased the product but are still under warranty. As part of this service, Sun King cleans customers’ panels. Customers should avoid putting themselves in danger by climbing onto roofs or equivalent spaces to clean the panels without proper safety equipment and know-how.

Solar home system customers should contact their local Sun King sales agent or local Sun King shop to request a visit to help clean and maintain their solar panels.

It’s recommended to clean your solar panels periodically to maintain efficiency.

Warranty, Troubleshooting, and Reporting Issues

If your product stops working, contact Sun King’s support team immediately by calling 08007865464 or filling out the form here. They will assist you in troubleshooting the issue and arrange for repairs or replacements as necessary.

Yes, you can still receive technical support from Sun King even if your warranty has expired. Additional fees may apply for service and repairs outside the warranty period, but Sun King’s support team will assist you with any technical issues you encounter.

You can reach our support team by filling in this form or contacting us on 08007865464. Alternatively you can speak to Aiva, our WhatsApp chatbot, on 08179466478.

 

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