The energy of sun or Solar power system is one
of renewable energy system which uses PV modules to convert sunlight
into electricity. The solar products helps in generating electricity, it can be either stored or used directly, fed
back into grid line or combined with one or more other electricity generators
or more renewable energy source. Opting for solar energy is a wise decision,
solar energy is very reliable and clean source of electricity that can suit a wide range of applications such as residence,
industry, agriculture, livestock, etc.
Main system modules
Structure modules that are involved in solar PV system should
be selected according to your system type, site location and applications. The
elements, which are encompassed in solar PV system, are solar charge
controller, inverter, battery bank, auxiliary energy sources and loads
(appliances).
• Solar photovoltaic system – converts sunlight into DC electricity.
• Solar charge controller – regulates the voltage and current coming from the PV panels going to
battery and prevents battery overcharging and prolongs the battery life.
• Inverter – converts DC output of PV panels or wind turbine into a clean AC current for AC
appliances or fed back into grid line.
• Battery – stores energy for supplying to electrical appliances when there is a demand.
• Load – is electrical appliances that connected to solar PV system such as lights, radio, TV, computer,
refrigerator, etc.
• Auxiliary energy sources - is diesel generator or other renewable energy sources.
Solar PV system sizing
1. Determine power consumption demands
Initial stage in designing a solar PV system is to find out
the total power and energy consumption of all loads that need to be supplied by
the solar PV system as follows:
1.1 Calculate total Watt-hours
per day for each appliance used.
Add the Watt-hours needed for all appliances together to get the total Watt-hours per day which must be delivered to the appliances.