Best Alternative to MTN Lumos Solar Electricity
Are you in need of a portable solar or an inverter to power your home or office? MTN Lumos has been people’s choice for a long time now but not everyone can afford the monthly charges. In today’s post, I will be sharing some of the best MTN Lumos mobile Solar Alternatives that are more affordable and reliable.
MTN mobile solar or yellow box as well call it is more like hire purchase partnership between you and MTN because when you get the solar system you will continue to pay for it until 5 years through an installment payment plan. However, you might choose to pay for the whole 5 years which is totaling 240k plus or less depending on the subscription plan you choose.
The amount you spend on MTN mobile solar system can be up to 300k within the 5 years installment payment plan depending on the payment plan you choose, if you pay monthly then you will be spending more compared to those who pay quarterly or yearly. To learn more read this post: MTN Solar Mobile Electricity Reviews, Price and how it works
Why you should consider other Alternatives
Below are some reasons why you should go for MTN Lumos alternative
Price (Unfavorable Subscription plans)
To be honest, the amount you will spend subscribing to MTN solar system is enough to build a standard solar and Inverter with more power. The bottom line here is that you might not have up to 200k plus for the solar project instead, you go for MTN Lumos and pay like N4,800 plus monthly.
However, if you can afford between N150,000 to N300,000 then I strongly suggest you go for some reliable alternatives which I will differently show you before the end of this post. MTN mobile solar is also not for those who can not afford to fuel their generators because you need to pay for subscription fees to use it.
Low capacity (carries lesser loads)
Yes, I know exactly how MTN mobile solar system works because I own one myself which I bought specifically to ensure that my laptop and phone don’t go off. Some of my readers asked a series of questions on this post where I first reviewed MTN mobile solar. I saw some questions such as.
- Can it work with a 12 inches flat-screen TV
- how long does it last with a laptop at night?
- How well does it work during the rainy season and night
- can LUMOS power my 55″ LG UHD LED TV
- Can it power 43 inches led tv and rechargeable fan
More questions are coming in from my readers but the truth is, the solar can only carry few loads like low voltage LED Tvs, at least it powers my 32 inches LG LED TV but using it with an LCD Televisions might be a problem. When I plugin my Laptop and Phone then nothing else can be plugged because it can’t carry more loads.
Also, the MTN Lumos struggles to power my 32 inches LED with Strong satellite decoder, sometimes it trips OFF and ON. You can’t do much with MTN Yellow box apart from lighting your home or shops, charging your laptops, and phones. The alternatives that I will be shared with you will have the capacity to do more.
Not Expandable (Can’t add more batteries or solar panels)
Another problem with MTN Lumos solar is that it’s not expandable, you can’t add more batteries or solar panels to generate more sustainable power but a normal standard solar system will allow you to generate more energy by adding extra batteries and solar panels but with MTN Lumos you are restricted permanently.
Most of the available MTN solar alternatives will allow you to expand the capacity of the solar system when you want and how you want but not with Lumos solar.
Advantage of MTN Lumos over other alternatives
Before we proceed with MTN solar alternatives, I will like to tell you some outstanding benefits you will enjoy while using Lumos solar system.
5 years of maintenance Guaranteed.
MTN takes care of the maintenance of the solar system during the 5 years term until it becomes permanently yours. The maintenance includes replacing the indoor solar units, solar panel, and inverter. You don’t have anything to worry about if the system suddenly stops working. they will send their agent to check and fix the system or replace the system when necessary.
Portability (can be carried around)
The MTN solar has everything packaged in one small yellow box which makes it easy to be carried around. You can set it in your house and then unplug the solar panel wire and take the box to your shop but be careful to avoid spoiling the wire which costs up to 10k.
Best MTN Lumos Solar Alternatives
Thanks for reading to this end, it’s time to check out good alternatives to MTN Lumos solar electricity.
This solar package includes two 100Amps batteries and a Mercury inverter and to make it complete you need to add a solar panel to be able to charge it using the solar panel and as well with Nepa.
This Inverter is far better than MTN solar because what MTN box is either 50 or 100Amps battery capacity while you have a total of 200Amps capacity coming from the 2 100 Amps batteries. It can power your TVs, Fans, Laptops, and light your home for a couple of hours.
With ₦116,000 you can make it yours. Buy it from Jumia Here
2. Mercury Inverter With 2 200Amps Batteries
If you want more power then go for this Mercury Inverter With 2 200Amps Batteries and There is good news for Mercury Radiant Inverters consumers who know they deliver top-level performance at incredibly low purchase costs: Kobian Pty, producers of the Mercury inverter series, retained their revolutionary thrust and revamped the products.
The new models, including the Mercury 2400VA (2.4kva/24V), now include an extremely valuable digital display to help users track their equipment’s output and status. Even, they were re-engineered for better performance. To make it a fully functional system you need to add some solar panels.
Specifications
- 20 Hour Rate 100AH
- 10 Hour Rate 92AH
- 5 Hour Rate 80AH
- Overvoltage Restoration 41AH
- Internal Resistance Fully Charged Battery 4.5m
- Self Discharge :
- Capacity after 3 Month Storage 91%
- After 6 Month Storage 81%
- Capacity after 12 Month Storage 60%
- Max Discharge Current 800A (5S)
- Terminal M3
- Cycle Initial Charging Less than 30A
- Float Voltage 14.4 ~ 14.7V/77°F (25°C)
- Voltage 13.5 ~ 13.8V/77°F (25°C)
- Dimension (WxDxH) mm 208 X 407 X 174
- Net Weight (kg) 30
Price: ₦260,000 See offers here
3. D.Light X1000 Solar Fan (SF21) Home System
This solar system is similar to the MTN mobile solar system, the difference is that you don’t have to pay for a monthly subscription to use it. At full charge, the d.light X1000 Solar Fan Home System (Chiller Combo) provides light for up to 18 hours* for 5 rooms and 8 hours of refrigeration in your home or business.
The 14-inch Solar Fan comes with a dedicated 16-watt solar panel, built-in LED light, cooling timer, 5 air-cool fan blades, and 6-speed modes to ensure optimal cooling specifications for children in particular.
Also, you can charge 3 mobile phones to stay connected to family and friends at the same time. The X1000 control box with DC power input can also support energy-efficient DC LED TVs (20W max) and DStv Zapper or GOtv decoders (24W max). Our 24-and 32-inch Solar TVs are highly recommended, in addition to HDMI and USB inputs, they use only 13W of power to deliver Full HD content for your viewing pleasure.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- unit SF21 Solar fan
- 16W Solar Panel
- unit X1000 Power Box
- Tube Light (fluorescent light) with an extension box
- 4 LED Bulbs with extension boxes
- Smart Radio
- Torch with LFP Battery
- 2 USB Charging Cables
- 3 Mobile Charging Adapters
- 1 40W Solar Panel
- Installation Manual
- Customer Agreement Form
Price: ₦204,800 you can buy from Here
4. MacPower Portable Solar Inverter With Battery
Do you need constant electricity to power your laptop, television, fan, or other home appliances? MacPower M42 has come to rescue you. The MacPower M42 is a 100-watt inverter with a lithium-ion battery packed into 42,000mah, all bundled together. In case of power loss, MacPower M42 provides you with several hours of electricity.
MacPower M42 saves you the cost of fueling your generator at least N300 per day, thus paying for itself in less than 6 months. It is lightweight, noiseless, has enormous battery capacity, can be recharged with solar panel, wall socket (NEPA / Generator), or lighter port for car cigarettes.
KEY FEATURES
- Charges your phones indefinitely
- Powers your laptop for long
- Gives you steady light for days
- Powers your TV for hours
- Sustains your Public Address System
- Powers your fan for hours
Price: ₦52,000, Buy it from Jumia here
5. Solar Inverter Power Bank With 4 Super Bright Bulbs
This solar system looks and works like the MTN Lumos but costs lesser. the system is packed with 100watt solar panel, 300watt Sinewave inverter + solar generator with 4 super bright LED bulbs. The system can power most of the appliances such as LED lights, mobile phones, 32-inch LED TV, Standing fans (Not OX fan), and other DC electronics. It can backup your laptop without interruption for long hours. It can be charged to PHCN or generator using the charging adapter included in the package and lots more.
Price: ₦87,000 Available on Jumia
6. Qasa Solar Power Generator QPG-500 & QSP-100W18
SOLAR POWER GENERATOR QPG-500 & QSP-100W18 combines all in one Inverter, Stabilizer, UPS, and Battery. All you need to do is Plug and Play, no installation or engineering works are needed. It generates pure sine wave electricity to carry less than 300W of any electronics and home appliances, such as lights, TV, setup box, audio, electric fan, blender, 100L refrigerator, computer, medical and life support equipment. It’s smart and compact.
It can also be moved around various rooms within your house, or warehouse, even in hospitals. For emergency use, it provides safe and quiet electricity. It is downloadable. When not in use, free recharging can be connected to the solar panel during the daytime or it can be connected to PHCN Power Supply for quick recharging. It is incredibly unique, robust, and affordable.
SPECIFICATION:
Input Voltage: DC 12V, AC 180V-240V
Output Voltage: AC 230V, DC 12V, USB 5V
Inverter Capacity: 300W
Battery Capacity: 70Ah
Solar Panel: 100W/18V
Price: ₦160,000, See offers
7. Roy Solar ROY SOLAR (SHS12100W) AC SOLAR KITS.
This solar generator comes with a built-in battery inside it just like MTN yellow box along 2 solar panels and lots more. This system is more reliable and can power more electrical appliances compared to MTN solar system. It can be charged with solar panels and Nepa.
What is the box
- Polycrystalline solar panel 18V 200Wp
- 1unit solar battery build inside 12V 100Ah
- Solar PWM charge controller 12V 30A
- 1unit pure sine wave inverter 12V 500W
- 1 unit * DC output 5V 1A x 2; 12V
Price: ₦285,000 See offer
8. Prag 1.2 KVA SOLAR INVERTER
This inverter solar system uses (deep cycle) battery with a year warranty design to offer you constant electricity. It powers different types of electrical appliances and suitable for low grid areas
It can power LED lights, 1 TV-Home Theater 2 Fans, 2 Laptop Phones Charging No more PHCN’s faulty power supply. You can now enjoy the self-generated 24/7 power supply.
It is free from smoke, free from sound, and free from maintenance.
No cost of petrol/diesel.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
1 × 1.2 Kva PRAG inverter
2 × 200-watt Solar panel
1 × 12V 200AH Deep Cycle Battery
1 × 12/24/36/48V 30A MPPT Solar Charge Controller
Price: ₦310,000 See offers
Conclusion
There are more alternatives available both online and offline but I will end my list here, however, you can find other solar products here. If you need a good solar for your home, you can contact me for other suggestions.
10 Comments
Collins pls i need to connect a mains charger to my mtn yellow box.Advice pls
Kindly explain what you wanted to do with your MTN solar in a way I can understand.
Your post was very informative, thanks. Please, I need solar energy for a small shop, 3 bulbs, a charging point for phones and a solar powered fan. I don’t have any other source of energy and I want something cheap but efficient.
Please can you advise me?
Thanks.
Any of the affordable alternatives will work or better still for MTN lumos if you wish
Hello Collins, thank you for this pieces of info.please I need your advice on a product I saw on jumia with this specification.
Inverter…300w
Battery…100AH
Charge controller… 20A/12v
Solar panel… 100w and charges with only solar .
My purpose of buying is to help me keep my laptop on for at least 8hrs a day with a fast charging of replacing used energy. Please am I on track . this product cost 120k if there is other or better alternative within this price range please help me out. I am scared of buying a fake product that wont work for this purpose. Mtn yello box is not an option at all , I have how they change their terms everytime and the higher purchase price on their products.
I thank with such specifications it can serve you but what i cant determine is the hardware quality,I mean the quality of the products used to build the solar system
hello collins, what inverter would you recommend i buy for 5fans,1 fridge,7bulbs and 2 TVs
What you want is not impossible but you will spend a lot more to power those appliances you listed above.
Thank you Collins for your informative blog.
I have a series of questions on the MacPower Portable Inverter
1. Do I need to connect to any form of battery or it is a stand alone system?
2. How my hours can the charge last if I am charging just 1 laptop ?
3. Can I charge the inverter with a generator?
4.Can I charge the inverter directly with NEPA/PHCN?
5. Can I plug my laptop directly to the inverter?
6. Where can I purchase it in Abuja?
I am not sure that this product is still available, I have found the best alternative that i am going to share with you soon