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Recent Work: SolarKobo's Alternative to the MTN Lumos

Project Description

The least inverter rating in the market is 900VA. (The iconic TIGER generator is rated 900VA, sometimes 850VA or 950VA.) It is not rare to get 750VA inverters. But at just 1kVA, a little less than 900VA, this is a rather very small system. It was designed to provide a few hours of backup power for basic home appliances. A 1kVA system can charge multiple number of phones, multiple energy saver bulbs, a home theatre and two or three laptops.


Solar Panels

Just two (2) 100W polycrystalline Joysolar panels were used in designing the system. This places production from the panels at just 200W. (The MTN Lumos is rated at 80W.) A typical laptop is rated 50-60W. This means that when production is from the panels, the system can power at most three laptops. Or a laptop and multiple energy saver bulbs. Or a home theatre and multiple energy saver bulbs.


Batteries

The system incorporated just one 105Ah Ritar AGM battery for storage and self-consumption.


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. At 105Ah, the battery, operating at night when their is no production from the panels can provided a little above 80Wh of storage. This means it can power at least one laptop and multiple energy saver bulbs.


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.


AGM batteries are a staple for SolarKobo clientele 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.


Inverter

The Signal brand of inverter was used in designing this system. At 1kVA, the inverter outsizes both the battery and the solar panels. This gives the owner of the system the chance to add solar panels and extra batteries to the system, to at least 1kVA, without changing the inverter.


Charge Controller

The system incorporates a small Phocos PMW charge controller. The work of charge controllers in a power system is to regulate the charging from solar panels. In other words, they serve as both chargers and voltage regulators. PMW charge controllers are cheaper than their MPPT counterparts. They provide the same value at a cheaper price.


A system of this size is SolarKobo's alternative to the MTN Lumos. Follow the link to find out why.


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.

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