CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Educational Background

After finishing my secondary school education in 1998, I commenced my studies

in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State
in February 1999. My O.N.D programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
was concluded in 2002. Thereafter, I proceeded to University of Ibadan in the year
2004 where I was admitted through direct entry to read Electrical and Electronic
Engineering and graduated in 2008 with B.Sc in Electrical and Electronic
Engineering (Power Option). I attended Loughborough University, Leicestershire,
UK between 2009 and 2010 from where I bagged an Masters Degree in
Renewable Energy Systems Technology.
1.2

PROJECTS HANDLED IN SCHOOL

1.2.1 National Diploma

In partial fulfillments of the award of the OND certificate, the project that I
handled was Construction of a 250W Loudspeaker. The objective of the project
was

to

apply

the

basic

theoretical

knowledge

of

electronics

and

telecommunication engineering in constructing a loudspeaker for use as a public

address system in the department of Electrical and Electronic.
1.2.2 Bachelors Degree

My final year project was on Design and Construction of 200W Wind Generator.
The aim of the project was to produce a prototype energy-conversion system to
demonstrate how wind energy could be converted into electrical energy. The
project involved: the construction of wind blades, design of inverter and autoreversal polarity system and battery.
1

1.2.3 Masters Degree

The project that I handled for my Masters Degree programme was on solar cell
manufacturing and the topic was Passivation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells by
Thin Amorphous Layer. The objective of the project was to: simulate the silicon
solar cell, make deposition of the thin amorphous layer by sputtering technique at
different gas and bias power and measure the level of passivation by QSS
photoconductance method. The overall aim was to improve the performance of
the solar cell by increasing the lifetime of the electron-hole carriers.
1.3 INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
I had a number of industrial training or attachments in different technical
establishments. Described below are the places where I had the training and the
skills acquired.
1.3.1 Gafot Engineering & Construction Limited (Apr-Jul 2001)
After the N.D 1 of my Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme in Osun
State Polytechnic, I had my compulsory four month Students Work Industrial
Experience Scheme (S.I.W.E.S) at Gafot Engineering and Construction Limited,
Surulere, Lagos. This organization specializes in electrical services in buildings. The
project handled during the training programme was the refurbishment of New
World hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. I learnt how piping and wiring in a conduit
system are done. Also, I acquired skills in cabling for lighting and power circuit.
1.3.2 Chidi Intl Technical Co. (Apr-July 2002)

Immediately after my O.N.D programme, I started a year industrial training at

Chidi International Technical Company, Diobu, Port-Harcourt. This technical
organization specializes in the installation of street lighting and transformers. The
project that was handled during the training programme was the construction of
perimeter/flood lights at Shell Producing Development Company (SPDC), Agbada
2

1 Flowstation. I learnt the skills of cabling, layout and installation for 16 units of
500W halogen lamps for the perimeter of the flowstation. Moreso, I was involved
in providing earthing system for the installation and how photocell is applied to
control the switching of the lamps.
1.3.2 Adewale Electrical Services (Aug 2002 Feb 2003)

This technical organization based in Agbado, Ogun state specializes in electrical

installation in buildings and industrial places. I worked with a number of
electricians from whom I learnt some electrical installation tips. These involved
lighting and power circuits in buildings especially for domestic and small industrial
loads.
1.3.3 UI Ventures Mechanic Garage (Feb-Apr 2005)

After my 200Level programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at

University of Ibadan, I had a compulsory Eight (8) weeks industrial attachment at
University of Ibadan Ventures Mechanic garage. During the training programme, I
worked on battery charging and maintenance work.
1.3.4 Gafot Engineering and Construction Limited (Feb-May 2006)

After my 300Level programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at

University of Ibadan, I had a compulsory Twelve (12) weeks industrial attachment
at the above-mentioned organization based in Surulere, Lagos. The project
handled during the training programme was the Electrical Services for Hotel
Support in Mogambo, Maryland, Lagos. In the course of the programme, I
acquired skills in cabling and installation for lighting, TVs, Water heater and A/Cs.
Also, I learnt how to connect a distribution board and channel each circuit to its
different way on the distribution board. I also learnt how to balance loads on a
distribution board.
3

1.3.5 Starcomms Plc (Nov 2006- Jan 2007)

I started my 400Level Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme (S.I.W.E.S) at

Starcomms Plc situated at Victoria Island, Lagos. After two (2) weeks of
orientation, I was posted to Starcomms call centre, Ogudu, Ojota Lagos. I worked
as a customer care officer. I handled difficulties encountered by Starcomms
customers in accessing their internet subscriptions and also helped them to
resolve their voice and data issues.
1.3.6 TOPTECH Engineering Limited (Jan-Jun 2007)

In continuation of the compulsory 400Level industrial work experience, I worked

with TOPTECH Engineering situated at Gbagada, Lagos. TOPTECH Engineering
specializes in Power solution for domestic and industrial applications. During the
programme, I l acquired skills in site preparation and power audit. I also learnt
how cabling for central UPS are done for computers (workstations) in banks, oil
companies etc. I learnt how to make clean and effective earthing systems in
buildings and for industrial installations. More so, how protective equipment like
surge suppressor is incorporated in an installation was also acquired as skills.
1.4 YOUTH SERVICE
1.4.1 ASK Electrical Limited (Nov May 2009)

After graduation, I was first posted to ASK Electrical Limited, Ikeja where I served
as a Technical Trainee during the execution of Street Lighting project at Pinnock
Estate, Lekki, Lagos. My role was to assist the site Engineer in the coordination of
day-to-day activities on the construction site and also in the preparation of
progress report on the project. I was involved in the laying and termination of
armoured cables for the feeder pillars and the (290) street lighting fittings.

1.4.2 Royalty Baptist Academy (Jun-Sep 2009)

I was reposted to this school situated in Ikorodu, Lagos by NYSC and my

responsibility was teaching SS (1-3) Physics and preparing the students for
SSCE/GCE.
1.5 WORK EXPERIENCE
The role of practical experience in building a pragmatic Engineer cannot be overemphasized. With practical exposure, a University graduate who has had a formal
Engineering education can prove his worth in handling a particular practical
problem and proffering solution to it. Described below are the experiences gained
after graduation.
1.5.1 Adewale Electrical Services (Jul-Oct 2008)

Immediately after the final release of my Bachelors Degree result by UI Senate, I

worked at Adewale Electrical as a site Engineer. The project handled was the
Electrical Services for a 4- bedroom flat at Oke- Aro, Agbado, Ogun State. My duty
was supervision of all conduit piping, wiring and cable termination in the site. I
ensured that the works were neatly done and in accordance with standards and
best practice and also hold daily safety briefs with the Technicians before
activities are carried out on the site. Weekly progress reports were submitted to
the Technical Manager.
1.5.2 Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (Jun-Sep 2010)

The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) is a research-based

centre situated in Loughborough University, UK. I was involved in a research work
conducted on enhancing the performance of Silicon solar cell. My role was to
preparate literature review on the effect of deposition of Amorphous Silicon
5

Hydride (a-Si:H) on crystalline silicon substrate, and to simulate the solar cell by a
solar technology software called Pc1D. I participated in the deposition of the
amorphous hydride layer (order of micron) on the silicon wafer and its
characterization. Other activity that I engaged in was the measurement of
reflectance and tranmittance on the solar cell by using spectrophotometer. The
measurement of thickness of the wafer was also carried out by using Ellipsometry
Spectroscopy.
1.5.3 Akinconsult Energy Limited (Jan-Apr 2011)

In this organization, I hold the position of a Renewable Energy Engineer. One

significant project that I handled in February 2011 was the Design and Installation
of 1.36kW Solar PV system for powering eight (4) lighting fittings, one (1) LCD, one
(1) laptop, one (1) DC fridge and two (2) fans at Dr. Adeolas house in Igbogbo
Baiyeku, Lagos. The Design was done to provide energy for the appliances for six
(6) hours per day. The detail design and installation of this system is shown in the
next chapter.
1.5.4 National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure - NASENI
(May 2011 till date)

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), a

parastatal of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) was established
by Decree 33 of 1992. The Agency has the mandate of developing and providing
infrastructure to enable the practice of endogenous (home grown & home
initiated) technology. The technology, adopted or developed, must be proved to
be workable by applying to showcase the resultant product as a proof of the
concept behind the technology. The infrastructure developed or acquired for the
6

practice of such technology is in turn used to develop and enhance capacity

within the discipline and also serves as a source of spring up of other technology.
The Agencys intervention in national development spans various sectors
including Energy, Agriculture, Education and Manufacturing. It operates mainly
through her development institutes. Each of the Institutes has a unique mandate
of engineering infrastructural development. At present, there are nine (9)
development institutes. These institutes have developed various technologies
some of which have been ceded to the SMEs. The Institutes are:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)

Scientific Equipment Development Institutes (SEDI) in Enugu and Minna

Electronic Development Institute, ELDI, Awka
Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI), Kano
Engineering Materials development Institute (EMDI), Akure
National Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI), Nnewi
Power Equipment and Electrical Machines Development (PEEMADI),
Okene
(7) Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI), Ilesha
(8) Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Jalingo
The Agency has also established a 7.5MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant at
Karshi, FCT, Abuja, with the objective of capacity building and ceding of
technology.
I am a Senior Engineer in the department of Engineering Infrastructure. Currently,
I am the unit head of Solar Energy. My role is to ensure the design and installation
of solar PV systems, supervise any solar energy project within the Agency, design
solar cells arrangement for solar module production, coordinate research and
development activities in solar technology, conduct training for solar group
members and to prepare journals for publication on solar energy work.
7

These are some of the works that I handled in NASENI:

(i) Load Survey and Design of Solar PV systems for Otueke and 12 other
communities in Ogbia L.G.A, Bayelsa (July 2011)
(ii) Design and Construction of 400W Solar PV System for NASENI Exhibition
(October 2011)
(iii)

Design and Installation of 170W Solar PV System for 36W LED Security
Lighting at Broadway Plaza, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja in
(February 2012)

(iv)

Design of Solar PV Systems to power essential hospital equipment at

Dalhatu Specialist Hospital, Lafia (April 2012)

(v) Maintenance of Faulty 160W Stand-alone Solar Lighting fittings in Ihievbe,

Edo State in (April 2012)
(vi)

Design of Solar-powered security lighting for COREN office (June 2012)

(vii)

Design and Production of a-42 Solar Cell (184W) Solar Panel (July 2012)

1.6 MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES

I am member of International Solar Energy Society (ISES). Also, I am a graduate
member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system or Solar Power system is one of renewable energy
systems which uses PV modules to convert sunlight into electricity. The electricity
generated can be stored or used directly, fed back into grid line or combined with
one or more other electricity generators or more renewable energy source. Solar
PV system is very reliable and clean source of electricity that can suit a wide range
of applications such as residence, industry, agriculture, livestock, etc. Therefore,
the primary essence of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system installation is to provide
alternative power for loads, be it domestic, office or industrial.
2.1 MAJOR SYSTEM COMPONENT
Solar PV system includes different components that should be selected according
to the system type, site location and applications. The major components for solar
PV system are solar charge controller, inverter, battery bank, and loads
(appliances).

(i)

PV Module - converts sunlight into DC electricity.

(ii)

Solar Charge controller- regulates the current coming from the solar

panels going to the battery and prevents the battery from being
overcharged and prolongs the battery life.
(iii)

Inverter- converts d.c output of PV panels into a.c output for appliances

that require a.c.

(iv)

Battery- stores energy for electrical appliances when there is a demand.

9

(v)

Load - is any electrical appliance that is connected to the solar PV system

such as lights, radio, TV, computer, refrigerator, etc.

(vi)

Others - PV hanger, battery box, DB, circuit breakers, cable, connectors

2.2 TECHNICAL DETAIL FOR INSTALLATION OF 1.36kW SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

FOR DOMESTIC APPLICATION
2.2.1 Scope & Objective of the Project

This project was designed for the residential building of Dr. Femi Adeola at
Igbogbo/Baiyeku, Ikorodu Lagos and undertaken between February and March
2011. The objective of the solar PV system was to provide alternative power for
some loads in a two (2) bedroom flat to address the issue of erratic power supply
from the utility (PHCN) in that area.
The design was done in such a way as to minimize cost, ensure quality and
reliable power delivery. In order to reduce the load capacity and minimize cost of
installation, the client was advised to use energy-efficient appliances in the
installation. These appliances include CFL bulbs, LEDs and DC fridge.
2.2.2 Important Considerations

The following considerations were made during the project design and
installation:
(i)

The safety and functional requirements of the client were met in

compliance with IET, IEC, SON standards

i.e. automatic protection

against overload/surge and the use of good earthing system

(ii)

Environmental and climatic factor are given consideration in the design

to ensure that the system serves its maximum operational life (life span)
10

(iii)

The design ensures provision for adequate maintenance on the system

over its utilization period

2.3.3 Plan for the Project

The following were the plans for the project execution:

(i)

Clients Load determination

(ii)

System site study

(iii)

Determination of type of system to implement

(iv)

System design & sizing

(v)

Installation and materials pricing

(vi)

Selecting and sourcing materials

(vii)

Tools for the PV installation

(viii)

Materials and Staff-to-site movement logistics

2.3

DESIGN

The design considers the following appliances shown below. The total load
requirement and the energy demand of the installation are also presented in the
table.
S/No.

Appliance

Unit

Rating

Total

(W)

Load(W)

Hours/day

Demand(W-h)

1.

Lighting

16

64

384

2.

Laptop

70

70

420

3.

LCD

150

150

900

4.

Fan

65

130

780

5.

DC Fridge

65

65

390

479

Total

Table 1: The total power and energy consumption of loads

11

2874

2.3.1 Component Sizing and Calculations

The system design calculations were done in compliance with the following
standards: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and
Illumination Engineering Society.
(1) Solar PV sizing: The first step in designing the solar PV system was to find out

the total power and energy consumption of all loads that need to be supplied by
the solar PV system as follows:

(i)

Calculation of total Watt-hours per day for each appliance

The Watt-hours needed by all appliances were added together to

get the total Watt-hours per day which must be delivered to the
loads. From table 1, the total Watt-hours is 2874.

(ii)

Calculation of total Watt-hours per day needed from the PV modules

The total Watt-hours per day for the appliances was multiplied by
1.2 to get the total Watt-hours per day which must be provided by
the solar panels. The 20% is to cater for the energy lost in the
system. This is 1.2 * 2874 = 3448.8 W-hours.

Different size of PV modules will produce different amount of power. To find out
the sizing of PV module, the total peak watt produced needs to be calculated. The
peak watt (Wp) produced depends on:
(a) Size of the PV module
(b) Climate of site location
12

The panel generation factor which is otherwise referred to as Peak Sun hours
differs from site location to another. For Lagos and other South-Western part of
Nigeria, the panel generation factor is 5. This meteorological information was
obtained from the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and RETscreen.
Therefore, in sizing the solar panel the following calculations were made:
Watt- peak required from PV = Total Watt-hours required from the PV modules
Peak Sun Hours
= 3448.8 W-hours
5
= 689.76 W-p
For best practice and ensuring that the solar panel is providing adequate charging
current to the battery, the 689.76 W-p is multiplied by 2. Therefore, the total size
of the PV = 2*689.76 = 1379.52 W-p. The installation required Sixteen (16) units
of 85W solar panel.

(2) Inverter sizing: The inverter had the same nominal voltage with the battery

(12V). For stand-alone systems such as this project, the inverter size was designed
to be 25% bigger than the total Watts of appliances. Because fan is part of the
appliances and it is an inductive load, its power was multiplied by 3 and then
added to all other loads to get the inverter size.
The inverter size is 1.25 *[(64W + 70W + 150W + 65W) + (3*130W)] = 1045VA
0.8
The size of the inverter used for the installation was 1kVA.
(3)

Battery sizing: The battery type used for the installation was deep cycle

battery. Deep cycle battery is specifically designed to be discharged to low energy

level and it can be rapidly recharged or cycle charged and discharged day after

13

day for years. The battery bank was large enough to store sufficient energy to
operate the load whenever it is required. The battery was sized as follows:

(i)

Calculation of total Watt-hours per day for each load

(ii) Dividing the result of (i) by 85% - battery efficiency

(iii) Dividing the result of item (ii) by 0.6 Depth of Discharge
(iv) Dividing the result of item (iii) by the nominal voltage (12V)
(v) Multiplying the result of item (iv) by days of autonomy (the number
of days that the system is required to operate when there is no
power produced by PV panels) to get the required Ampere-hour
capacity of deep-cycle battery
Therefore, the Battery Capacity (Ah):
=

Total Watt-hours per day used by appliances x Days of autonomy

0.85 x 0.6 x nominal battery voltage

2874*2.0
0.85*0.6*12

939 Ah

The total Ampere-hours required was 939. Therefore, 10 units of 12V 100Ah
battery were designed for the systems to supply power (6 hours per day) for two
(2) days without sun.
(4)

Solar Charge Controller sizing: The open circuit voltage (Voc) of the selected

solar panel was 21.6. The total watt-peak of the solar panel was 1360.

14

The maximum current (Imax) from the solar panels = 1.3 * Total watt- peak
Open circuit voltage
The 30% is added in case of over-current (surge) from the panel. Therefore,
Imax = 1.3*1360
21.6

= 84.25A

The system required two (2) units of 45A @ 12V controllers. The system voltage is
12V.
2.3.2 Other Accessories
(1) Cable: For DC cable sizing, the following standard formula was applied:

Voltage drop = 2*LIR

A
L is the route length in meters
I is the current in Amperes
R is resistivity (resistance factor)
A is the minimum cross sectional area of 2-core cable in (mm2) required to ensure
a voltage drop of less than 5% of the system voltage.
V is the voltage drop. The voltage drop is 3-5% of the system voltage.
The current, I = Maximum Load in (Watts) = 479 = 39.92A
System voltage
12
The panel arrangement was done in two arrays: The current delivered by each
array of panels is 19.96A.
For each array, the copper cable size for 2 meters route was given as follows:
c.s.a = 2*2*19.96*0.017 =
(4% *12)

2.87mm2

A 4mm2 cable (2- core) was used to connect the solar panel to the charge
controller and then to the battery terminals.

15

(2) Distribution board: The DB used was 4-way 32A: 15A MCB for lighting and fan;

15A MCB LCD and laptops. The incoming to the DB was from the inverter output
and a 4mm2, 3-core cable was used. The earthing was done with 10mm2 cable.
(3) Circuit Breakers: Three d.c breakers were used; two units of 40A between solar

panels and charge controllers and one unit of 10A to control the DC fridge. Four
switches were used: two between charge controllers and batteries and then two
between batteries and inverter.
(4) PV hanger & battery box: The PV hanger was constructed to accommodate all

the sixteen (16) solar panels at a tilt angle of 15 in a south facing position. The
dimension of each solar panel was 120cm by 52 cm. The batteries were arranged
in a rack constructed in such a way as to permit ventilation.
2.4 STANDARDS
2.4.1 Illumination level

The recommended IES illumination level for sitting room, bedroom, dinning and
kitchen are: 100, 100, 150 and 300 Lux respectively. The standard in conjunction
with the lumen values of lamps informed the choice of the lighting fittings for the
installation.
2.4.2 Orientation of the solar module

The International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) recommended that solar

modules should be positioned due south and at an angle equivalent to the
latitude of the site. The latitude of Lagos State is 6.5833 N, 3.7500 E. For
latitudes between 0 and 15 the solar panels will be inclined at an angle of 15.

16

2.4 COST IMPLICATION

The cost implication of the project is presented in the table below:

S/No.

Item

Qty

Unit Cost

Total Cost

1400W-p

N450/Watt

N630,000

1.

Solar panel

2.

Inverter

N35,000

N35,000

3.

Battery

10

N50,000

N500,000

4.

Charge controller

N30, 000

N60, 000

5.

PV hanger, battery rack &

Lot

N50, 000

N50, 000

concrete work
6.

Installation cables

Lot

N10, 000

N10, 000

Branch connectors

Lot

N350

N 2, 800

8.

Earth cable

10m

N5, 000

N5, 000

9.

Circuit breakers & switches

N20, 000

10.

Distribution Board

N3, 500

N3, 500

11.

Installation cost

N 50, 000

Contingencies (10%)

N136, 630

Sub- total

N1, 502, 930

VAT (5%)

N75, 146.5

Total

N1, 578, 076.50

Table 2: The cost implication of the project

17

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 SOLAR PV MANUFACTURING
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has established a
7.5MW Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant at Karshi, FCT, Abuja, with the objective
of capacity building and ceding of technology. The plant commenced operation in
the year 2011. The first solar panel was produced in 11th September, 2011 and
since then production has continued with greater success.

Apart from designs and arrangement of solar cells on tempered- glass, I was in
charge of quality control, which involves ensuring that the solar panels that are
being rolled out are of quality by checking for cracks on the cells before
lamination and ascertaining that the output characteristics after sun simulation
meets the required design standard. Solar panels are rolled out in different sizes
such as 175W, 180W, 190W and 200W depending on the cell arrangements and
the wattage of each cell.

3.1 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF 184W SOLAR PANEL

The dimension of the monocrystalline solar cell that the plant was familiar with
was 125 mm by 125mm. When these solar cells were exhausted, request was
made for the importation of new cells of the same size but because of the
unavailability of solar cells of the afore-mentioned dimension and the need to
keep the plant running, the Agency ordered for another size of monocrystalline
cells. The dimension of the new cell was 156mm by 156mm. I designed a new
arrangement of the solar cells on new tempered-glass. This led to the design of a-

18

42 cell solar panel which gave an output of 184W. The output parameter of the
new panel is shown below:

Parameters Pm (W)
42 cells
184

Isc (A)
8.822

Voc (V)
26.111

Ipm (A)
8.225

Vpm (V)
22.388

Eff. (%)
14.388

FF (%)
0.799

Table 3: The output parameters of the solar panel

3.1.1 Production Activities

(1) Cell Sorting & Testing: This involved testing of the monocrystalline solar cells

to ascertain their characteristics. The cells are sorted according to their electrical
properties i.e. short circuit current in order to interconnect similar cells.

Fig.1: Solar cell testing

(2)

Soldering: This involved soldering with ribbon to create the positive and

negative terminals and also to produce the required voltage by stringing the cells.

19

Fig.2: Soldering

(3)

Glass Washing: This involved washing of the tempered glass before the

EVA/TPT and the cells are laid on it. Impurity can degrade the solar panel and that
is why washing is necessary.
(4) EVA/TPT cutting: This involved cutting of the Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and the

Teddlar to the dimension of the tempered-glass. It is necessary to prevent the

ingress of water in the solar panel and this is the function to which EVA/TPT is
put.
(5) Assembly: This involved the termination of the positive and negative terminals,

connection of the bye-pass diodes and testing before lamination.

Fig. 3: Assembly of a- 42 cell solar module

(6) Lamination: This involved the lamination of the arranged solar cells in the

laminator.

20

Fig. 4: Lamination of the solar cells

(7)

Framing: The solar panel was framed with aluminium material.

Fig. 5: Framing
(8)

Sun Simulation: The solar panel was tested with sun simulator to ascertain

its output characteristics before packing and labeling.

Fig. 6: The solar panel positioned to face sun simulator for testing
21

Fig. 7: 184W (42 Solar Cells) Solar Panel

3.2 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

3.2.1 Standard Test Condition (STC)

All the processes are done in compliance with the convention (STC) which dictates
that the temperature is 25C, under Air Mass (AM) 1.5 and Irradiance of 1000W
per square meters.
3.2.2 Safety

Safety generally in Engineering is a watch word. The safety of all workers in the
plant was being ensured. Coveralls and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)
such as nose mask, gloves and face shield were used.
3.2.3 Durability & Reliability

The solar panel is produced with the assurance of an average life of 20 25 years.
22

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0

CONCLUSION

The role of practical experience in building a pragmatic Engineer cannot be overemphasized. With practical exposure, a University graduate who has had a formal
Engineering education can prove his worth in handling a particular practical
problem and proffering solution to it.
The 1.36kW Solar PV system was installed with best practice to provide adequate
charging current for the battery to power the appliances in Dr. Femi Adeolas
house when there is demand (when there is no sun). The Photovoltaic system
provides power for the appliances for six (6) hours per day. The solar panel was
also arranged and produced under the STC.
In a developed country such as UK, designs of electrical service are done using
software. Also, it is true that an engineer should find the best and easiest ways of
getting things done but it is still necessary to always understand the basic
principles in design calculations such as the use of formula and equations applied
in this report. Haven gone through the stages of the design work one step after
the other, the project work offered me the intellectual and professional skills that
prepared me for future challenges in the field of engineering- solar energy
technology.

4.0 RECOMMENDATION
I wish to recommend that electrical design and installation should be
incorporated in the undergraduate curricular so that the engineering graduate
would appreciate it before the real work situation.
23

REFERENCES
[1] http://www.solardirect.com/pv/batteries/batteries.htm
[2] http://www.leonics.com/support/article2_12j/articles2_12j_en.php
[3] Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), Postgraduate
note on Photovoltaic Engineering

24