Design, implementation and performance analysis of an off- grid solar powered system for a Nigerian household

Solar panel converts direct current obtained from the sun into an alternating current which is often used in various applications. Photovoltaic (PV) power generation technology is used as a stand-alone system to bridge the power demand requirement due to increasing energy consumption. This paper aimed at presenting the design, implementation, and performance analysis of an off- grid solar power system for a Nigerian household. A comprehensive design was done on Solar PV systems, parts and components, and the principle of operation. Average solar irradiance of the location was obtained from data collation center at Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The method utilizes the development of block diagram which shows the component layout and their connections and a flowchart which shows the procedure of achieving the objectives of the research. Battery efficiency, PV current measurement, current profile display and commissioning of the installed PV system formed the results. Thereafter, Implementation and performance analysis was carried out. The load demand assessment shows that power required was 23,820 Wh per day at maximum and 11,260 Wh per day when diversity factor was applied (Table 1). Consequently, a 3500VA inverter was selected with a battery size of 800AH.The test result showed that with a load of 11,260 Wh the device supplied energy for about 24hours uninterrupted. Therefore, off grid arrangement reduces the dependency on grid and allows users to derive maximum satisfaction without having relied on public power utilities. •Obtaining annual solar radiation data from NiMet and determine the load estimation.•Set up experiment that determine; Battery efficiency, solar panel required and connection mode suitable to achieve the desired current rating, Inverter rating, Charge controller as well appropriate protective devices.•Installation of project compartments and the commissioning tests by categories of load injection.