Description
This project was designed primarily to power a 253W chest freezer for at least 20hours, that is, assuming at least 5 hours peak sunlight daily and an average of 14 hours daily grid power. In addition to 3 standing fans, a 42-inch LED TV with decoder, a laptop, multiple energy-saving lights and cell phones--for at least 6 hours.
Solar Panels
Six (6) 330W Era Solar monocrystalline solar panels with an expected net output of 1980W was used in designing the system.
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, Charge Controller and Batteries
A 5kVA Tribal inverter and four Solarkobo™ batteries were used in the installation. A pure sine wave that produce clean, noiseless and completely non-hazardous electricity for appliances that use them, it was used in designing the system both for the sake of price but also because of the rugged power environment under which the system is to be operated.
The system incorporated a 60A Fangspun MPPT charge controller. 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.
The batteries, charge controller and inverter installed in a non-living but easily accessible area of the house.
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.
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 everywhere in Nigeria figure out their power needs and make the best possible choice of all solar products including batteries, solar panels and charge controllers. We also have university-trained engineers who provide the best possible installation services on order.