TOPIC:
SOLAR INSTALLATION, DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE
DATE: 27 AUGUST, 2021
th
VENUE:
PROJECT PROCUREMENT CONSULTANTS LTD.
Prepared by:
HASSAN, Mustapha
Tel: +2348 037 312 098
Email: hassanmustie84@[Link]
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION OF THE KEY TERMS
• Solar Energy Systems: Use the sun’s rays for Electricity or Thermal energy. There are two ways to harness Solar Energy;
i. Passive Systems: Are structures whose design, placement, or materials optimize the use of heat or light directly from
the sun.
ii. Active Systems: Use devices to convert the sun’s energy into a more usable form, such as hot water or electricity.
• Energy: Is the ability or capacity to do work. The S.I unit is Joules. Energy comes in several forms viz; Light, Electrical,
Mechanical, Thermal (Heat), Chemical, Sound etc. and they can all be classified into: Kinetic and Potential Energy.
• Power: Is the rate or amount of energy used or extended per time. The S.I unit of power is Watt or Watt-Hr. The difference
between Power and Energy is; Power is transferable whilst energy is not – Using Cables; Energy Can be stored but Power
cannot – In batteries, Capacitors etc.
• Electricity: Is the presence and flow of electrons in a circuit.
• Ohms Law: States that “the voltage (V) or potential difference between two points in a circuit is directly proportional to the
current (I) passing through the circuit and resistance (R)”. Mathematically; V = IR
• Voltage: Potential difference between two points in a circuit. It’s the pressure that makes electrons flow.
• Current: Is the presence of electrons in a circuit.
• Resistance: is the opposition to the flow of electrons in a circuit.
• Components of electricity: Resistor; Capacitor; Inductors; Switch; Fuse; Motor; Relay; Transistor; Diode; Circuit breaker etc.
COMPONENTS OF A SOLAR SYSTEM
1. Solar module
2. Charge controller
3. Inverter
4. Deep cycle battery
5. Auxiliary components
Solar Module: Is a device used in trapping sun energy and convert it into electricity (Photovoltaic cells) – Solar panel. The
solar module is usually in the following rates; 30w, 50w, 80w, 100w, 150w, 180w, 200w, 250w, 320w etc.
ORIENTATION AND ANGLE OF PLACEMENT
• The orientation in Nigeria should be; Due North and Due South.
• Angle of Placement; 15 – 20 degree
TYPES OF SOLAR MODULE
• Mono crystalline
• Poly crystalline
• Amorphous
TYPES OF SOLAR MOUNTINGS
1. Pole mount
2. Roof-top mount
3. Ground mount
4. Floating mount
Charge controller: Is an electronic device that is used in controlling or regulating the rate at which the battery is charging
and discharging. They are rated in terms of Voltage and Current. E.g.; 12V/30A, 12V/40A, 24V/50A, 36V/60A, 48V/60A, 96V/80A,
360V/80A etc.
TYPES OF CHARGE CONTROLLER
• Maximum power point tracking (MPPT)
• Pulse width modulation (PWM)
CLASSIFICATION OF CHARGE CONTROLLER
• Digital
• Analog
Inverter: Is a device used in converting direct current to alternating current. (DC to AC). Inverters are rated in terms of voltage and
power capacity e.g. 12v/800w, 24v/2500w, 48v/3500w, 36v/2500w, 96v/5000w etc.
TYPES OF INVERTER
• Pure sine wave inverter
• Modify sine wave inverter
• Square wave inverter
CLASSIFICATION OF INVERTER
• Grid tie inverter
• Off grid inverter
• Hybrid inverter
Deep cycle battery: Is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy. They are rated in voltage and amps hour. E.g. 2v/300Ah,
4v/350Ah, 6v/500Ah etc.
TYPES OF BATTERY
• Lead sealed acid battery
• Lead sealed flooded battery
• Absorbed glass mat battery (AGM)
• Gel battery
BATTERY SAFETY
i. Depth of discharge
ii. State of charge
iii. Days of autonomy
Auxiliary components: these are; Circuit breaker, Surge arrestor, ELCB, Air terminal, Earth rod, Fuse, Cables and connectors etc.
TYPES OF CONNECTIONS
iv. Series connection
v. Parallel connection
vi. Series/Parallel connection
Series connection: Is the process of connecting the Negative terminal of a device A to the Positive terminal of a device B. In series
connection the voltage (V) is increased while the current (I) remains constant.
Parallel connection: Is the process of connecting the Negative terminal of a device A to the Negative terminal of a device B, and
connecting the Positive terminal of a device A to the positive terminal of a device B. here, the current (I) is increased while the
voltage ( V) remains constant.
Series/Parallel connection: This is a combination of both series and parallel connection in a system.
Example;
Connect the following batteries in series, parallel and series/parallel connection;
i. 12V/100AH – 2 sets
ii. 12V/200AH - 4 sets
iii. 12V/150AH – 6 sets
SOLAR SAFETY AND EQUIPMENTS
Safety: Is a precautionary measure taken to protect yourself, others, environment, tools, equipment and machines against
harm, danger and accidents. Etc.
Tools for solar installation; drivers, pliers, multi-meter, cable-stripper, Jack-knife, soldering iron, battery-tester etc.
SOLAR DESIGN AND COSTING
Solar Design:
Load analysis;
S/N Appliances Quantity/Nr Wattage Hours Watt-Hr
1 Fans 2 60 6 720
2 Bulbs 7 18 6 756
3 Printers 1 1 440 1 440
4 Printer 2 1 570 1 570
5 Printer 3 1 337 1 337
6 Photocopier 1 1200 .3 360
7 Computers 10 50 3 1500
8 Miscellaneous - 100 3 300
Total Watt-hr 4983 wh
