District No.

: 3 School: HHS
Grade Level: 11 Specialization: EPAS NC II
Learning Activity Sheet No. 3
Quarter: 1 Week: 3

Name of Student: _____________________________________________ Section: _________________

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT
Electricity is a part of our daily lives. Without it, we can not enjoy things that rely on it –
watching TV, doing computer jobs, lightings at night, etc. It is a necessity for every household and
business establishment. But with the arising problem of shortage of supply and irregularity of
service of power company, our comfort and productivity that rely on it is at risk. Good thing that we
now have solar power system that is already available in the market. With it, we can have an
alternative source of energy to power up our machines.
This Activity Sheet will provide you with the basic information about solar power system,
installation and maintenance.

II. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Learning Competency: Diagnose faults and defects of consumer electronic products and systems
(TLE_IAEPAS9-12SCEP-DEASS-IIa-c-49)
Maintain/repair consumer electronic products (TLE_IAEPAS9-12SCEP
DEASS-IId-h-50)

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this Learning Activity Sheet, you must be able to:
1. differentiate off-grid from grid-tied solar power system; and
2. identify the right components for a solar power system.

Information Sheet
Solar Powered Management System
The term “solar power system” includes any product or technology that runs on energy
harnessed from the sun. This is typically self-contained, and universally renewable. This can also be
as small a solar-powered night torch, and can also grow to massive proportions like a solar-paneled
roof that covers your entire property.
All solar power systems work on the same basic
principles. Solar panels first convert solar energy or sunlight
into DC power using what is known as the photovoltaic (PV)
effect. The DC power can then be stored in a battery or
converted by a solar inverter into AC power which can be
used to run home appliances. Depending on the type of
system, excess solar energy can either be fed into the
electricity grid for credits, or stored in a variety of different
battery storage systems.

Main Components of Solar Powered System

1. Photovoltaic cells. They are able to capture direct sunlight as “photons”. They also comprise
sandwiched layers of semi-conductor particles, like phosphorous and boron. When a sunlight
particle hits such a photovoltaic cell through a photon, it automatically triggers the “electrons”
contained within the semiconductor layers. This friction between the photons and electrons
of a photovoltaic cell, produces electric energy, measured in “watts” of power. The higher is
the energy produced by a solar power system, the wattage accordingly increases.
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2. Solar Panels. A cohesive cluster of photovoltaic cells form a solar panel. The size of the
panel is determined by the number of photovoltaic cells in contains. This, in turn, determines
the total power generated by the solar panel. A solar panel typically produces 250 to 400
watts of power. For instance, a 1,000 square feet home may need as many as 25 solar
panels of 400W each, in order to be self-contained (collectively producing 10 Kilowatts of
solar-powered energy).

3. Battery. Batteries used for solar energy storage are available in two main types, lead-acid
and lithium-Ion. Battery capacity is generally measured is either Amp hours (Ah) for lead-
acid, or kilowatt hours (kWh) for lithium-ion. However, not all of the capacity is available for
use. Lithium-ion based batteries can typically supply up to 90% of their available capacity
per day, while lead-acid batteries generally only supply 30% to 40% of their total capacity
per day to increase battery life.
4. Solar Inverter. The electric energy produced by a solar power system is in the form of direct
current (DC), more suitable to portable power banks and UPS. However, common electrical
appliances like lighting and heating equipment, kitchen, and electronic equipment, etc. run
on alternating current (AC). An inverter converts the DC produced by a solar power system
into usable AC.
5. Racking and mounting systems for solar panels. Used to make the panels stay still and in
place. In can be installed on the roof of a building or directly into the ground.
6. Solar accessories. This can vary, depending on the type of the solar power system. Popular
ones are the following:
 Solar charge controller. Once a solar battery is fully charged, based on the voltage it
supports, there needs to be a mechanism that stops solar panels from sending more
energy to the battery. This comes in the form of a solar charge controller, and is also
responsible for protecting the battery from getting “drained” when it is not used. Some
charge controller display battery status and the flow of power.
 Solar cables. As the name indicates, these are wires to interconnect the various
components of a solar power system. They are designed to withstand the high
temperatures that run through photovoltaic cells. They are also UV-resistant as they
are mostly installed outside buildings.

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  Solar meters. Elaborately designed solar meters are also available in order to
measure, monitor, regulate and optimize the energy produced by a solar power
system.
Classification of solar power system
 Based on connectivity to conventional electricity grid
1. Off-grid solar power system. This system does not
connect to any other source of conventional
electricity (like utility companies). Off-grid solar power
systems are more expensive, as they will rely on
solar panels and batteries with a higher wattage
capacity, in order to generate adequate solar energy
to power all your needs (includes day and night).
They are hence more suitable for rural areas with
poor grid connectivity, or in areas that experience
frequent power shutdowns.
2. Grid-tied solar power systems. For areas with Off-grid
adequate grid connectivity, property owners are more likely to stay
connected to the grid, as they use their solar power
system as an alternate source of energy. This allows
you to work with a smaller number of solar panels,
and without a battery, thus reducing initial cost. With
this, you use solar-powered energy when the sun is
shining, and conventional electricity offered by utility
companies at other times. You can also scale your
solar power system over time based on your
finances.
3. Net-metered solar power systems. If you wish to
optimize the use of your solar power system,
especially from an economic standpoint, your best
choice would include a net-metered system that is
tied to the grid, along with a sufficiently large solar
battery for night time use. Grid-tied
 Deployment and usage
1. Residential solar power systems. The system is designed primarily to meet the needs of the
individual home. They can be off the grid, tied to the grid (without battery), or net metered.
2. Commercial solar power systems. Bigger compare to residential solar power system
intended for commercial buildings like apartment complexes, restaurants, hospitals, parking
lots, etc.
3. Utility-scale solar power systems. This system is deal for solar farms and owners of large
properties. The primary purpose of this system is to sell solar energy to users just like
buying conventional electricity from a utility company.
 Based on availability of storage.
1. Stand alone solar power system. An off-grid system that rely solely on panels and batteries
with high wattage in order to be completely self-contained.
2. Solar power systems with battery backup. A system that is tied to the grid, but also has a
battery for additional storage. Such a system allows the owner to regulate the use of solar
power during peak and off-peak hours. This can also be a part of a net-metered system, to
further optimize utilization of solar power.
 Flexible solar power system. A system that offers versatility in installation. Common examples
include:
1. Flexible solar panels. Ideal for installation on boats, camping equipment, cabins, RVs, etc.
thus providing a self-contained, portable solar power system.
2. Solar power system kits. These are just handy and hence smaller-sized crystalline solar
panels that you can carry with you, in order to tap into solar energy when you are on the

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 move. These types of kits come with additional accessories as required. This can include
solar lights, AC/DC inverter, and charger, small-sized battery, or solar power bank, etc.

Simple Solar Power Component Calculation

Suppose you have a 100-watt device that you want to power with free solar energy for 10
hours each night. To figure out what size solar panel, batteries, charge controller and inverter you
need, follow the simple steps below.
1. Calculate how much energy is needed. 100 Watts x 10 hours = 1,000 Watt hours. That is
the total energy you will need.
2. Now calculate what size solar panel you will need. Based on a ten hour day of light, the
calculation is simple:
    1,000 Watt hours / 10 hours sunlight = 100 Watt solar panel.
Always have an allowance for instances that sometimes half of the day is raining. So,
you can double the size, use a 200 Watt solar panel.
3. Calculate what size of batteries you need. 1,000 Watt hours divided by 12 Volts = 83
Amp Hours of reserve battery power.
    1,000 / 12 = 83.3 
An average marine deep cycle battery will work well here. Select a larger size battery to
be sure, say 100 Amp hours capacity.
4. To figure what size of solar charge controller is needed, take your solar panel wattage,
which is 100 watts divided by 12 Volts.
    100 / 12 = 8.3 Amps.
Always go larger, in this case use a 10 Amp solar charge controller.
5. Calculate what size of inverter is needed. That's the easy part. You need to power a 100
Watt load, so select an inverter that has at least 100 Watts continuous power rating.

Solar Power Installation

To get maximum possible sunlight and generate maximum electricity from the system, solar
panels need to be installed on rooftop. The following are the steps involved in the installation
process:
1. Mount installation. Fix mount that will provide support and sturdiness of the solar panels.

Pole mount Roof-ground mount Flush mount

2. Install the solar panels. Fix the solar panels with the mounting structure. This is done by
tightening nuts and bolts. Care is taken to secure the whole structure properly so that it is sturdy
and lasts long.
3. Do electrical wiring. MC4 connectors are used during
wiring because these connectors can be connected with
all type of solar panels. These panels can be electrically
connected with each other in following series:
 Series Connection. In this case, the Positive (+)
Wire is of one PV module is connected to the
Negative (–) Wire of another module. This type of
wiring increases the voltage match with the MC4 connector
battery bank.
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  Parallel Connection. In this case, Positive (+) to Positive (+) and Negative (–) to
Negative (–) connection is done. In this type of wiring, voltage of each panel remains
same.
4. Connect the system to solar inverter. The Positive wire from the solar panel is connected to the
Positive terminal of the inverter and the Negative wire is connected to the Negative terminal of
the inverter.
5. Connect solar inverter and solar battery. The positive terminal of the battery is connected with
the positive terminal of the inverter and negative to negative. Battery is needed in off grid solar
system to store electricity backup.
6. Connect solar inverter to the grid. To make this connection, a normal plug is used to connect to
the main power switch board. An output wire is connected with electric board that supplies
electricity to the home.
7. Start solar inverter. When all the electrical wiring and connections are done, it is time to start the
inverter switch ON the Main Switch of the Home. Most solar inverters will have digital display to
show you stats regarding generation and usage of solar unit.

Solar Power System Maintenance

It is important that regular maintenance is carried out on your solar panel system.
Undertaking regular maintenance will ensure your solar panel system is operating safely, correctly
and efficiently.
Over time dust and debris will build up on your solar panels, which may compromise the
performance of your solar panel system. In addition, water and moisture seepage, vermin, hail, wind
and sunlight can all cause damage or deterioration to your system.
By ensuring regular routine
maintenance is undertaken, you can ensure
your solar panel system is safe for everyone
living in the premises, along with electrical
workers working on the distribution network.
Routine maintenance will also ensure system
performance is maintained, allowing you to
maximize savings on your power bills for
many years.
Maintaining your solar panel system
involves much more than simply cleaning your
solar panels. Regular maintenance of your
solar panel system should ensure:
 solar panels are clean, secure and free of defects
 no parts have deteriorated/corroded
 vents are free of debris
 switches do not have any defects
 wiring has not been damaged/has not deteriorated
 electrical checks to ensure all components are operating as intended
 confirming fittings and cables are securely attached
 reviewing the inverter display panel for recorded faults
 checking that access to the isolator switches has not been impeded, and/or
 making sure the emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed.

III. ACTIVITIES

Directions: Read and understand the directions for each activity. Answer by writing DIRECTLY on
the activity sheets.

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 Activity 1. Make a graphic organizer that shows the difference between an off grid solar power
system and grid-tied solar power system. You can provide additional information from other
source (like the internet) rather than what is just presented in this activity sheet. Be guided by
the rubrics below in doing this activity. Use the last page of this Learning Activity Sheet for your
output.

Activity 2. Suppose you are going to install a solar power system to power a 75 Watt lightings for
10 hours daily. Identify the size of solar power components you are going to need. Use the box
below for your computations and answer.

IV. RUBRICS FOR SCORING

Activity 1.

Criteria 5 4 3

Include essential
Covers topic in-depth Content is
Content knowledge about
with details minimal
the topic
Makes excellent use of Limited or did not
Distracting
Appearanc font, color, graphics, use anything to
and messy
e effects, etc. to enhance enhance
presentation
the presentation presentation
Minimal number of errors 4 to 6 errors in 7 or more
Grammar
in spelling, punctation spelling, punctation errors…
and usage
and grammar and grammar

Activity 2.

Criteria 5 4 3

Computatio Almost perfect with With 2 or 3 errors Calculation is

n minimal errors in calculation wrongly done
All sizes of
Choice of 1 or 2 components 3 or 4 components
component are
components choice is wrong choice is wrong
correct
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Computation is
Organizatio Computation flow Computation is not
messy or no
n is well organized done properly
computation at all
V. REFERENCES
 “Solar Power System 101: Facts, Quick Guide, and More.” Solar Magazine,
solarmagazine.com/solar-power-systems/. Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.
 “The Solar Panel Requirements Calculator - the Do It Yourself World Articles.”
Thedoityourselfworld.com,thedoityourselfworld.com/articles/article.php?
id=11503#:~:text=1.%20Calculate%20how%20much%20energy%20is%20needed.%20100.
Accessed 23 Sept. 2021.

Prepared by:

Mr. Jubith D. Escota

SHS Teacher