ABSTRACT

In solar energy, solar panel produces direct electricity with the help of electrons that are moving from negative to positive direction. Solar panel when used with inverter converts the variable direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV)  panel into a utility frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical component in a photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. The aim of this project is to design and implement a solar panel of 1600W (40A). The device was designed and implemented with other hardware which includes charge controller, dc-ac inverter and battery in other to generate a renewable alternating current (AC). The designed system is very functional, durable, economical, and realizable using locally sourced and affordable components.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                        INTRODUCTION

1.1                                           BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Photovoltaic solar systems can be divided into two basic categories – grid connected and off- grid (also called stand alone or isolated) solar systems. The grid connected systems feed the electricity produced by solar panels to the grid using an inverter. When the electricity is needed during night or periods with little sunlight, the energy is taken back from the grid. In isolated systems, the excess electricity is usually stored in batteries during the day and batteries are used to power the appliances in times when photovoltaic panels do not produce enough energy. Solar regulators (also known as charge controllers) play an important role in isolated solar systems (Korenčiak et al, 2011). Their goal is to ensure the batteries are working optimally, mainly to prevent overcharging (by disconnecting solar panels, when batteries are full) and to prevent too deep discharge (by disconnecting the load when necessary). Battery lifetime reduces drastically due to overcharging and deep discharging. Battery is a very expensive component of a Solar Home System; hence it is necessary to protect batteries from being over charged or deeply discharged. In this regard, a charge controller plays a vital role to protect the battery (Ashiquzzaman et al, 2011).

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations in Nigeria, is through Solar Home System (SHS). The system consists of photovoltaic panel, inverter, battery, and a solar charge controller. Solar energy is stored into batteries. A solar charge controller regulates the voltage and current that is coming from the solar panels and going to the battery (Neha, 2013). The charge controller is a switching device that controls the charging and discharging of the battery. This will protect the batteries from damage and hence prolong the lifespan of the battery (Kondracki et al, 2014).

1.2                                                  PROBLEM STATEMENT

If there is one factor that has perpetually maintained the status of Nigeria as a less developed country, it is its electricity sector. Till date, many households and industrial businesses cannot be guaranteed of 24 hours supply of electricity from the National grid. At this stage of Nigeria’s social and economic development, the country cannot deliver sufficient energy to the citizens despite huge financial resources that have been expended in the sector.

Using mains supply as a means of powering or charging our devices at homes or in offices is unreliable because of the inconsistency of power supply in Nigeria. In order to solve this problem a renewable energy source is used which involved using solar panel to generate a constant dc supply.

1.3                                  AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

The aim of this project is to design and implement a solar panel of 1600W (40A). The objectives are:

1. To interface solar panel with a rechargeable battery thereby providing a renewable power supply.
2. To reduce load on the National grid that turn to be reduce the overall energy consumption dependency on the main energy supply in the country

• To have a source of generating electricity that has no negative effect on the environment (i.e. no greenhouse effect).

1. To provide a source of electricity power with low maintenance cost and zero fuel cost.

1.4                                          APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

The method of using renewable energy (solar) as charging source is found useful in appliances such as:

1. Solar Inverter
2. Solar Cell phone charger

• Rechargeable lantern and many other portable devices.

1.5                                                   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Basically, solar power source makes it possible to provide a clean reliable and quality supply of alternative electricity free of surges or sags which could be found in the line voltage frequency (50Hz). The scope of this work covers designing and implementing a solar panel of 1600W (40A) which can be utilized as a regular power source for private individuals in the office or at home. This project involves the designing and implementing a solar panel of 1600W (40A) hybrid Solar PV (photovoltaic) system which involves a solar panel, battery and an inverter.

1.6                                          SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The solar panel is the second most significant (and second most expensive) component of a solar PV system. It’s important because it converts the raw Direct Current (DC) solar power that is produced by the solar panels into Alternating Current (AC) power that comes out of the wall sockets outlet. Inverters also have technology that maximizes the power output of that DC energy.

The use of solar power has many advantages. Firstly, the energy from the sun is free and readily accessible in most parts of the world. Moreover, the sun will keep shining until the world’s end. Also, silicon from which most photovoltaic cells are made is an abundant and nontoxic element (the second most abundant material in the earth’s crust).

Secondly, the whole energy conversion process is environmentally friendly. It produces no noise, harmful emissions or polluting gases. The burning of natural resources for energy can create smoke, cause acid rain and pollute water and air. Carbon dioxide, CO2, a leading greenhouse gas, is also produced in the case of burning fuels. Solar power uses only the power of the sun as its fuel. It creates no harmful by-product and contributes actively to the reduction of global warming.

1.7                                                         PROJECT ORGANISATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuss the introductory part of the work,   chapter two presents the literature review of the study,  chapter three describes the methods applied, chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.