Description
This project was for a system that would power one refrigerator, two standing fans, one 42-inch LED TV with decoder, a laptop, multiple energy-saving bulbs and cellphones. Estimated daily grid power available to this client was estimated at eleven hours at the minimum. The system was designed to provide a five-hour offset at the least.
Solar Panels
Three (3) 350W monocrystalline all-black Era Solar were connected in a single string of three panels.
In an all-black cell, the electrical contacts that connect the cells to each other and to the modules terminals, otherwise called fingers and busbars are generally not visible on the surface. They are installed on the rear side of the panel. They are much easier to visually integrate into roofs. This not only brings more effective power generation area to users, but also helps to improve power generation efficiency. Also, with a crisp appearance and an all-black aesthetic, IBC solar panels are by far the most beautiful of the different designs. Learn more here.
Mounting
Designed with building space in mind, the solar panels were mounted on the roof. Solar panel modules require a special way of attaching them to surfaces and holding them in place. They are not weldered, soldered or hammered as they contain delicate parts that would be destroyed in the process. A solar mounting system is a metal structure or parts that are used to secure solar panels to structures. Since majority of solar panels are manufactured to be installed on rooftops, solar mounting systems are metal parts that are used to secure solar panels to rooftops in most cases. They are often an integral part of the entire solar electricity system design for retrofitting onto rooftops. More here.
Inverter
An 2kVA Signal inverter was used. A pure sine wave that produce clean, noiseless and completely non-hazardous electricity for appliances , it was used in designing the system both for the sake of price but also because of the harsh power environment under which the system is to be operated.
Batteries
Two (2) SolarKobo AGM batteries, at 48V each were used in the system design. The role of the batteries in the system is to provide backup power at night in the absence of sunlight from the panels or grid power. AGM batteries are leak-proof. Also, AGM batteries are the safest battery design. They emit gases only when severely overcharged. Maintenance-free for life, they eliminate worries about explosions and constant maintenance and the additional costs and potential hazards that come with it.
Battery Monitor
A distinctive feature of this installation is the battery monitor. A battery monitor is a standard requirement by SolarKobo for an inverter and battery warranty.
A battery meter or monitor can help users keep track of the battery performance to maximize efficiency. They can also be used to remotely configure the battery system. Learn all about battery monitors here.
Charge Controller
A 40A Epever MPPT charge controller was added to the installation as a solar charger between the panels and the inverter. The work of charge controllers in a power system is to regulate the charging from solar panels. In other words, they serve as voltage regulators.
The MPPT solar charge controller is the ultimate in solar controllers. Though relatively very expensive and larger in size than their PWN counterparts, they can help users save considerable money on larger systems since they provide 10 to 30% more power to the battery than the PWM and have efficiencies reaching up to 98%. More here.
Epever is a Chinese brand. Epever advertises their controllers for high MPPT efficiency rating of no less than 99.5% making them the king of controllers. With supreme technology, Epever adds a second attraction to their controllers, they are very cost-friendly. This is often the case with Chinese brands.
Protection Features
In addition to the protection features provided by the inverter against reverse current, overload and overcharge, the system incorporates extra protection features including AC and DC circuit breakers and surge adapters. They offer additional protection to the client's investment. They also make it easy and safe to disconnect the system from the panels in the case of emergencies like lightning that could damage the inverter or solar panel fires.
SolarKobo helps its clients in Lagos and elsewhere in Nigeria make the best possible choice of all solar products including solar panels, batteries and charge controllers that meet their peculiar power needs and fits their budgets. We also have university-trained engineers who provide the best possible installation services on order.