SLC21/WK5: Introduction to Basic Solar Power
Many Nigerians have switched to solar because the area they are don't generate much money for electricity, I feel solar is more reliable but it proficiency has led the increase in price to afford you need some investment, recently we witness a light out in my community and a notice was distributed that there be no light for further notice, some people like my barber who has solar wss not affected and light was always constant in his place.
Share your knowledge about solar power with us by reading our lesson |
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Solar panels works on the principle of heat to generate heat, you can try it by placing the panel closer to fire to see it light a bulb, I did some practical as a kid and the idea is still stocked in my brain, we were also taught energy conversion and we know that heat energy is converted to light energy using the solar.
To be sure solar electricity is fixed in our premises all we need is a solar panel, DC or AC solar panel, know the type of solar watt for the connection.
In setting up a solar all we is a solar panel, a mounting system, inverter is important for converting direct current power to alternating current, battery bank store energy.
Write three important differences between AC solar and DC solar systems. (as learned from our lesson) |
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Speaking of the cost DC is cost less, while AC cost more
In the AC circuit since the current is passed through the inverter before entering the house the is a reduce risk of electrical shock, but in a DC the direct current leads to a higher risk of electric shock.
AC solar system makes it easy to store energy while in a DC storage of energy is difficult due to the requirement like battery type, voltage comaptibilty and lots more and this can make storage very difficult.
Calculate your home's electrical load and share it with us. Follow our lesson as an example |
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I discovered from the lesson that after the load has been calculated we should ensure that while connecting the solar panel, we should make sure the power should at lest be 20% of the power. I would prefer making a connection with AC solar panels in my home, so that I can have more power storage.
My connection at home
| Electrical element | Rating | Quantity | Total power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulbs | 60 watt | 6 pcs | 360 watts |
| Ceiling fans | 100 watt | 3 pcs | 300 watts |
I would have include an electric iron or a fridge but appliances like the electric iron is not frequently used so I go with basic appliances like the electric bulb.
| Solar Material Name | Quantity | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Panel | 10 Pcs | 100 W each (1000Watt) |
| Inverter | Pcs | 1000VA |
| Battery | Pcs | 2000 AH |
I didn't indicate the pieces of battery but a battery of this range could be used
Prepare a DC solar project specification for a customer's home to use four 5-watt lamps and three 20-watt fans |
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| Electrical Elements Name | Rating | Quantity | Total Power |
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| Light | 5 Watt | 4 Pcs | 20 Watt |
| Fan | 20 Watt | 3 Pcs | 60 Watt |
| Solar Material Name | Quantity | Range |
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| Solar Panel | 1 Pcs | 150 W |
| Charge Controller | 1 Pcs | 10 A |
| DC Light | 4 Pcs | 5 Watt |
| DC Fan | 3 Pcs | 20 Watt |
| Battery | 1 Pcs | 150 AH |
Prepare specifications for a customer's AC solar system to drive a water pump motor of 1 HP or 746 W and write the function of each device |
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AC Solar Specifications
- Solar Panels: Approximately 1500W, 5 panels, 300 W EACH remember it must be higher than the load.
- Inverter: 1500W 95% efficient, 230 VAC output
- Water Pump Motor: 1HP/746 W,
Devices and their function
- Solar Panels: As I said earlier the solar panel purpose is converting sunlight/heat energy to DC/AC electricity
- Inverter: Helps convert direct current to alternating electricity for the water pump and for there to be a control in the amount of energy flow.
- Water Pump Motor: is like a kind of long appliances buried on the ground to pump out water using AC electricity
- Battery Bank: Preserve excess energy for future use.
I would love to see entries from my friends @whizzbro4eva @bossj23 @alli001 in this contest