Project Description
This was a medium-sized system. Like most systems of this size, the chief design consideration was a system that would provide a significant quantity of backup power to a sizeable quantity of grid-power per hour.
Solar Panels
Four (4) 340W traditional monocrystalline Era Solar panels were used in designing the system. They were connected in two strings of two panels each. The traditional mono and poly panels are slowly leaving the market but in the mean time, they are great cost-effective options especially for small and medium-size systems.
Inverter
A 3.5kVA Cobalt™ inverter was used in designing the system. A SolarKobo staple brand for good reasons, the Cobalt™ brand of inverters is made in the United Kingdom. They are built for rugged power and physical environments.
At 3.5kVA with input from solar panels at 1.36kVA, this system can be described as 'oversized'. This means that the user can conveniently add extra solar panels and increase their production without having to upgrade his inverter or batteries or charge controller.
The Cobalt™ inverter features the following:
It incorporates a battery charger and an automatic voltage regulator.
It is a pure sine wave inverter.
It has hybrid capabilities, thus, it can be used with a battery pack, solar panels and grid power. As an intelligent inverter fitted with an in-built automatic transfer switch, the cobalt inverter able to automatically select the preferred source and switches the load accordingly.
It incorporates a smart charger. It is sold as an inverter/charger.
It has displays that show the state of the inverter.
The Cobalt™ inverter come in black metallic casing built to complement both interior home, office and exterior factory designs.
The Cobalt inverter is noiseless and emits no fumes.
It is made to be mounted on walls so floor space can be maximized.
Batteries
Four (4) Ritar AGM batteries were added to the solar for storage and self-consumption. Ritar batteries are highly regarded by installers, users and marketers. They are designed to operate under very tough power requirements.
The most important feature of all Ritar batteries is that they are valve-regulated. VRLA batteries are batteries constructed to eliminate the need for constant checks and to eliminate the emission of fumes or gases on a continuous basis and the attending dangers. They are completely sealed and therefore eliminate the risk of acid spillage during transportation. For this same reason, they can be mounted in any orientation.
The role of batteries in a solar power system is provide the DC that is to be converted to AC by the inverter for use in appliances and to store energy produced from solar panels for later use especially in the absence of sunlight and grid power.
SolarKobo often recommends AGM batteries to its clients because they are by far the safest battery technology. They can be installed even in living areas and in office corners. They emit gases only when severely overcharged. They eliminate worries about explosions, spillage and constant maintenance. They are also maintenance-free for life and do not require constant maintenance.
Charge Controller
The system incorporated a 60A Fangspun MPPT charge controller.
As to the choice of charge controller technology, 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%.
The Fangspun is a direct clone of the Outback FLEXmax. Built for high performance, it can handle high amounts of DC volts and convert them to 12V to 60V for battery banks. It comes with a very high maximum input voltage capacity, up to 80A, making them perfect for large-scale installations. Learn more 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 elsewhere in Nigeria figure out their power needs and make the best possible choice of all solar products including batteries, solar panels and charge controllers that meet their peculiar power needs and fit their budgets. We also have university-trained engineers who provide the best possible installation services on order.