USE OF SOLAR SYSTEM FOR DOMESTIC BUIDING

(THREE BEDROOM FLAT)

By
SAM DAVID WORIDIGITERE
UG/17/0868
Department of Electrical / Electronic Engineering
Faculty of Engineering
Niger Delta University
Amassoma Wilberforce Island
Bayelsa State
Nigeria

May 2023

Project thes is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of bachelor of Engineering B.Eng., Niger Delta
University
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The condition of energy generation and supply in Nigeria has deteriorated so much that it is

difficult to ascertain when it will be available to consumers. Various administrations have had

different ways of alleviating the situation, but no meaningful result has been achieved until

now. Recently, the country has privatized the power sector, but the expected result is still far

reach (Abdulkarim, 2004). Currently, according to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission

(NERC), the generation sub-sector presently includes 23 grid-connected generating plants in

operation with a total installed capacity of 10,396 MW (available capacity of 6,056 MW) with a

thermal-based generation having an installed capacity of 8,457.6MW (available capacity of

4,996 MW) and hydropower having 1,938.4 MW of total installed capacity with an available

capacity of 1,060 MW. And still grossly inadequate to meet the energy needs of more than over

200 million Nigerians. The availability is far below the installed capacity due to many factors.

The recent vandalism of gas pipelines that supply gas to power plants caused power generation

to drop to 1,580.6 megawatts in March 2016. This has brought untold hardship to the citizens

and derailed economic activities (Emovon et al., 2019; Okechukwu & Femi, 2016).

The installed capacity is insufficient even when the power plants are generating at peak

capacity. Only 40% of Nigeria's population is connected to the grid, and the situation is worse

in rural areas. The distribution companies have resolved to use the rationing technique and

often supply electricity at very low voltage, but still, for those who have access to the grid; only

30% of their needs are met (Abubakar et al, 2016).

The inability of the energy supply to match demand has become unacceptable to many citizens.

As a result, they resort to other means of energy such as burning wood and grasses, fuel or gas

used for generators for domestic purposes and day-to-day running of their business without

considering the effects their energy sources might cause to the environment (Iwayemi, 2008).

The electricity generated by Nigeria is chiefly from fossil fuels. For this reason, the country,

was in 2012 ranked 46th in the world for CO2 emissions with more than 73.69 metric tons

emitted in 2011 (Adebayo, 2014).

The introduction of photovoltaic technologies is a relief to the situation faced by Nigeria today.

After all, the use of fossil fuels for energy generation is outdated due to its effects on climate.

Apart from that, it is costly and is mainly a source of conflict (Arimah, 1993).

Using photovoltaic technology, sunlight may be converted straight into power. Solar cells are

another name for photovoltaics. One electron can be ejected from the shell of its host atom with

a consistent amount of energy when sunlight strikes the surface of the cell. The amount of light

energy contained in tiny packets (known as photons) affects how many electrons are removed

(Arimah, 1993). A membrane known as the pn-junction is located very near to the cell's surface

and only permits electrons with a certain level of energy to pass through it. Due to this, the

surface of the solar-facing cell develops a negative voltage while the opposite side exhibits a

positive voltage. (Blackers, 2013). The electrons may be gathered in the form of electric current

(electricity), which can be utilized to power electric equipment, if electrical cables are linked to

the negative and positive sides, making an electrical circuit. The description of how

photovoltaics operate is shown in Figure 1. A solar module is created by joining several cells.

Similar to conventional cells, solar modules produce energy at a specific voltage. An array is

made up of various solar modules joined together. The solar panel may last for at least 20 years
(Knier, 2002). Photovoltaic is currently used in many countries for electricity generation. New

projections from Taiwanese industry research firm TrendForce suggest that 350.6 GW of PV

systems might be installed globally this year. If the figure is accurate, it would represent a

53.4% increase over 2022, when new solar installations reached 228.5 GW globally.

Due to falling PV panel prices, this year will see particularly robust demand for solar energy. In

addition, according to TrendForce, (2023) a significant number of projects that were postponed

in 2021 and 2022 due to supply chain concerns are now progressively getting online. Figure 2

from the appendix page shows the global PV installation from 2016 to 2023.

With an estimated demand of 202.5 GW, the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to use the

majority of the built capacity this year. This expansion will be driven by China, Malaysia, and

the Philippines.

According to projections, Europe will produce 68.6 GW of the total, with Germany, Spain, and

the Netherlands dominating. According to TrendForce, the Americas will probably deploy

roughly 64.6 GW. According to the research company, the Middle East and Africa will jointly

deploy 14.9 GW of new PV systems this year, up 49.5% over last year.

According to TrendForce, China will have the largest market this year with an anticipated

demand of 148.9 GW, followed by the United States (40.5 GW), India (17.2 GW), Brazil (14.2

GW), Germany (11.8 GW), Spain (11.4 GW), and Japan (8 GW).

Many researchers have discovered that PV systems are cheap and will get even cheaper as time

passes. The cost of a PV system includes the capital cost, operation and maintenance cost and

installation cost. The cost depends on factors such as the size, and whether it is mounted on a
 rooftop or the ground (IRENA, 2012). The rooftop PV does not require an extra space, but

mounting on the ground requires a separate space for the system. Figure 3 shows the projected

price of photovoltaic modules.

A comparative study conducted by Ishaq et al. (2013) at the University of Port Harcourt

discovered that the cost of an off-grid photovoltaic system is cheaper than the use of diesel for

energy generation or when one embarks on payment of electricity bills from the grid.

An off-grid photovoltaic system generates electricity independently without a grid connection.

The components of the off-grid photovoltaic system and their functions are seen in Table 2 and

the connection between the components is seen in Figure 4 from the appendix page.

1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.2.1 AIM OF STUDY

This research aims to develop a sustainable energy source that employs solar cells to transform

solar energy into an electron flow via the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells use sunshine to

generate direct current electricity that may be used to power appliances in a three-bedroom

apartment in Amassoma.

1.2.2 OBJECTIVES

The following are the goals of utilizing a solar power system for residential electricity supply:

a. Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable resource used to turn sunlight into electricity,

reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources and promoting a cleaner and more

eco-friendly energy source.

b. By generating electricity from solar energy, solar systems can minimize energy expenses,

resulting in cheaper monthly bills and long-term cost savings.

c. Solar systems provide homes with a decentralized energy source, reducing their exposure

to power grid failures and price changes, encouraging independence and fortitude in the

face of power outages.

d. Solar power reduces environmental impact and creates a more sustainable future.

e. Solar power is used to provide a dependable and sustainable power supply to rural or off-

grid areas.

f. Solar power systems encourage energy efficiency and conservation, leading to more

responsible and sustainable energy usage.

g. Solar power systems offer an investment opportunity by lowering energy expenses and

making money from extra power output.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Solar power can be used in our homes for various purposes like heating, charging gadgets and

appliances, cooling, cooking, and lighting up the environment. Solar power performs virtually

all the functions that a regular electricity supply performs. The purpose of this work is to have

a steady power supply in a three bedroom flat that is independent of the main grid system.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

● Electricity produced by solar cells is clean and silent. Because they do not use fuel other

than sunshine, PV systems do not release any harmful pollutants into the environment,

deplete natural resources, or endanger animal or human health.

● Photovoltaic systems are quiet and visually unobtrusive.

● Small-scale solar plants can take advantage of unused space on rooftops of existing

buildings.

● PV cells were originally developed for use in space, where repair is extremely expensive, if

not impossible. PV still powers nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates

reliably for long periods with virtually no maintenance.

● Solar energy is a locally available renewable resource. It does not need to be imported from

other regions of the country or across the world. This reduces the environmental impacts

associated with transportation and also reduces our dependence on imported oil. And,

unlike fuels that are mined and harvested, when we use solar energy to produce electricity

we do not deplete or alter the resource.

● A PV system can be constructed to any size based on energy requirements. Furthermore,

the owner of a PV system can enlarge or move it if his or her energy needs change. For

instance, homeowners can add modules every few years as their energy usage and financial

resources grow. Ranchers can use mobile trailer-mounted pumping systems to water cattle

as the cattle are rotated to different fields.

1.5 PROBLEM AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

● Some toxic chemicals, like cadmium and arsenic, are used in the PV production process.

The environmental impacts of these are minor and can be easily controlled through

recycling and proper disposal.

● Solar energy is somewhat more expensive to produce than conventional sources of energy

due to the cost of manufacturing PV devices and the conversion efficiencies of the

equipment. As the conversion efficiencies continue to increase and the manufacturing costs
 continue to come down, PV will become increasingly cost competitive with conventional

fuels.

● Solar power is a variable energy source, with energy production dependent on the sun. Solar

facilities may produce no power at all some of the time, which could lead to an energy

shortage if too much of a region's power comes from solar power.

1.6 COMPONENTS OF PV SYSTEM AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Components used for the photovoltaic system installation and their functions are listed in the

table.1 below:

Component Function

Solar panel Collect solar energy from the sun and

convert it to electric current

Battery Store electric power for later use when there

is no sun light

Inverter It converts DC to AC for appliances that

uses AC

Charge controller Protect the battery from overcharging

Electric meter Measures the electric current produced by

the solar panels

Circuit breaker Prevent unwanted current from damaging

connected appliances

Combiner box An electrical enclosure which is used to

connect different solar panels in parallel.

Miscellaneous This include wires, nuts, bolts, etc, for

 conventional connections

Table 1: Components of PV system and their functions

1.7 SOLAR PV INSTALLATION BLOCK AND DESCRIPTION

The stand-alone photovoltaic system is a collection of interconnected electrical components,

which can generate electricity from sunlight and satisfy our daily energy requirement without

worrying about any interval when the sunlight may not be available. According to Guda & Aliu

(2015), Ishaq et al (2013) and Pal et al (2015) the components (see Figure 2) of such a system

are:

a) Solar PV array: This is commonly refers to as solar panel. It is responsible for trapping of the

solar energy as it is placed outside under the sun. They are arranged in series and parallel to

produce desired output.

B) Charge Controller: The charge controller is used to control the charge (from the word

charge control) in the batteries, either to prevent overcharging or discharging.

b) Inverter: This is used in converting DC to AC as power from solar PV arrays is in DC form.

c) Battery: This is used to store power for usage during the non-sunshine hour. The recommended

batteries that should be used in stand-alone photovoltaic power system are deep-cycle lead-acid

batteries because of their high performance (Abu-Jasser, 2010).

d) Balance of System Components: Components such as protective devices, blocking & bypass

diodes, lightning-protection system and cable wiring constitute what is known as balance of

system components (Abu- Jasser, 2010). Such components are necessary to keep the PV power

system safe and reliable. In particular, selecting the correct size and type of cable will enhance

the performance of the system while selecting inadequate cable size will cause voltage drop from
the source to the load. In low voltage systems, such voltage drops will lead to inefficiencies.

Figure 2. Pictorial representation of Solar PV system

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 REVIEW OF THE RELATED STUDY

One of the forces behind progress - electricity - profoundly affects every facet of our

socioeconomic existence. It is utilized in industrial, commercial, and residential structures. Most

residential buildings in Nigeria get their power from the National Grid. However, statistics show

that less than 40% of Nigeria is connected to the national grid, and less than 60% of this group's

energy needs are produced and distributed (Akinboro et al, 2012). Solar photovoltaic cell

installation is a growing method of generating power, although little research and development

have been done on it and related technologies (Adeyemo, 2013).

A kind of photoelectric or thermoelectric technology that converts solar energy directly into

electrical energy is the use of solar panels. The use of solar electricity in Nigerian home design

has not been very promising. It might be because of the price, technology, or awareness (Aminu,

2011). Many Nigerians don't know that solar power systems can power an entire building in

addition to the street lights they are used with. The National Grid's intermittent and epileptic

power supply has caused many new power supply options for residential buildings to emerge; the

most popular are diesel generators, inverters with batteries, and most recently, Solar PV (which

is used by a very small percentage of the population). The use of standalone solar PV
installations eliminates the need for transformers, high-tension or low-tension wiring, equipment,

and logistics associated with electricity distribution, allowing for the simple transportation,

deployment, and quick installation of solar PV (panels) on individual buildings and premises

anywhere in the nation (Akinboro et al., 2012).

In an assessment of Nigeria's solar energy system, it was noted that among the issues facing solar

installations were affordability, the state of research and development at the time, ignorance,

equipment and fabrication technology, government policy, and the cost of generating (Akinboro

et al, 2012). This was supported by (Adeyemo, 2013) in a study of solar energy-powered projects

in the state of Lagos, which examined the unsuccessful projects and determined the causes of

their failure. In his opinion, the difficulties that solar energy projects in Nigeria face include

security hazards, a lack of knowledge, inadequate comprehension of the consumption rate and

local demand, maintenance, technical issues, high costs, and economic viability. According to

Ohunakin et al (2013), there are several obstacles that the use of solar energy systems in Nigeria

must overcome, including the variability and intermittency of radiation, a lack of awareness and

information, high initial investment costs, grid unreliability, operation and maintenance costs,

government policy & incentives, ineffective quality control of products, insecure solar plant

infrastructure, and competition with land use. Awogbemi & Komolafe (2011) evaluated solar

energy, hydropower, and wind energy, which are the three major renewable energy sources in

Nigeria, and concluded that cost, unfavourable government policy, and the lack of locally

produced solar technologies are the main obstacles to the expansion of solar utilization in

Nigeria. A study of renewable energy resources and technologies in Nigeria, (Akinbami, 2001)

cited a lack of public awareness, budgetary constraints, the high cost of energy infrastructure,

and technological incapability.

In Oke Agunla, Akure LG area of Ondo state in Nigeria, Ismail et al (2012) undertook a

performance assessment of installed solar PV systems. It was found that the PV systems were

inefficient due to poor maintenance, a lack of technical knowledge, and the project contractors'

or managers' inability to consider these factors when embarking on the solar PV installations.

In a research to ascertain if Akure's solar electricity potential (SEP) could adequately provide

home energy demands, Melodi & Famakin (2011) found that Akure's SEP is both noticeable and

sufficient. According to Offiong (2003), solar systems are more economically feasible than

diesel generators, the most popular alternative source.

2.2 CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Electricity is one of the frontiers of development of any nation. Electricity supply in this country

has been erratic and epileptic, thus resulting in frequent power outages that have impaired

economic growth and development. One of the borders of every country's progress is electricity.

This nation's electricity supply has been unpredictable and epileptic, causing frequent power

outages that have hampered economic progress. According to Nwachukwu et al (2014),

residential, commercial, and industrial power usage accounted for 51.3, 26.7, and 22% of total

electricity consumption, respectively. Because of the rise in population and a sharp drop in

power production, the supply of electricity to the residential sector and others is declining. As an

alternative or backup to the epileptic power supply, most owners of residential structures have

turned to diesel generators and recently, solar photovoltaic installations and inverter systems.

The country's high cost of products and services is a result of the industry leaving the nation for

neighbouring nations with more dependable power supplies (Adenikinju, 2003).

The pattern of power consumption in Nigeria's south-south geopolitical zone was identified by
Nwachukwu et al (2014). According to the findings, the six states that make up this geographical

region's power consumption patterns differ significantly from one another. The states of Delta,

Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross River were next in descending order, with River state

having the highest mean consumption rate. He suggested distributing power strategically and

systematically to secure a sufficient supply in the south-south geopolitical zone. Arimah (1993)

discovered that there was spatial variation in electricity consumption in Nigeria. He attributed

this to variation in socio-physical variables among various regions. These variables are the price

of electricity, urbanization, income, population, number of residential houses, land area,

commercial activities, industrial activities and distance of each state to Kanji Dam. Donatos &

Mergos (1991) investigated the factors influencing home consumption in Greece from 1961 to

1986. First, the outcome demonstrated that household electricity consumption was income elastic

but price inelastic. Second, electricity and liquefied natural gas were very interchangeable. Third,

the number of consumers affected how Greece's energy consumption increased over the research

period. Fourth, there were no geographical differences in the demand for domestic power.

Similarly, Tserkezos (1992) investigated the amount of power used by Greek households. The

findings demonstrated that factors such as home power costs, average temperature, and

individual discretionary income all had significant impact on electricity demand. Tiwani (2000)

used data from an Indian home survey to estimate the short-term residential electricity

consumption for Bombay (Mumbai). Residential power demand in Taiwan was shown by

Holtedahl & Joutz (2004) to be a function of household disposable income, population growth,

electricity prices, and the level of urbanization. According to Kennedy-Darling et al, 2008), the

own-price effect was both negative and inelastic over the long term as well as the income. Due to

the unreliability of the energy, many people and businesses use their generators to supplement
the grid system's supply of electricity. In actuality, the majority of people who can afford one

own one. A rough estimate states that well over 90% of firms have generators. According to

(Kennedy-Darling et al (2008), the price of home items increases because private generator

electricity is more expensive than electricity from the national power grid. Efforts to alleviate

this strain are met with opposition from the companies who import generators, as they have

created an extremely lucrative industry. There is suspicion that some of the grid system sabotage

is from members of this industry.

2.3 SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy usage depends on its availability and the right technology (Nasir, 2001). Scientists

have been enthralled by the concept of harnessing solar energy for ages (Bradley, 1995).

Additionally, during most of its evolution, humanity relied on resources that were regularly

supplied for its energy sources. When it was found that fire could be used to cook food and

provide heat, new energy sources were continuously developed to meet the growing need. Later,

when wind and water power were used for human benefit, the new sources were likewise

renewable. The availability of readily renewable sources of energy was a barrier during the early

stages of human history and affected population size and dispersion (Sambo, 2001).

A tremendous quantity of energy is emitted by the sun. It releases more energy in a single year

than people have ever utilized (Williams & Carl, 1990). The energy in the sun's core travels to

the surface for millions of years before arriving at the earth in just over eight minutes. According

to Williams et al (1990), solar energy reaches the planet at the speed of light. One part in two

million of the energy the sun emits makes contact with Earth's surface. Yet, this amount of

energy is enormous. The world receives enough solar energy to meet its energy demands. The

ability of the sun's energy to create a photovoltaic effect was discovered in 1831 (Webb, 1995).
When sunlight was focused by concentrating a collector on a steam boiler that powered a tiny

printing machine in 1878, the first example of solar to mechanical conversion was made. El-

Wakil was referenced in 2004 by Abdulkarim. Selenium photovoltaic cells that could convert

sunlight into energy with a 1-2% efficiency were created in the 1980s, but it remained unclear

how the conversion was occured. Therefore, solar energy remained mysterious for a while. In

1901, a truncated cone-shaped greater focusing collector produced steam for a 4.5 horsepower

engine. Solar steam engines of several HP were created between 1907 and 1911 and used to

pump water. According to Liebowitz & Hanseth (1982), silicon photovoltaic cells had an

efficiency of 45% by the middle of the 1950s and later 11%. The need for solar energy increased

after then. The space program actively participated in the development of photovoltaics

throughout the late 1950s and 1960s. Due to their reliability, small weight, and durability, the

cells were the ideal electric power sources for satellites. Unfortunately, the exorbitant expense of

making the cells lightweight and efficient prevented them from being useful on Earth (Stone,

1993). Therefore, more investigation was required.

Climate is the typical weather a location experiences over a certain number of years. Elevation

comes in second and distance from the shore comes first in determining it. (Bradley, 1995).

All of Nigeria is between the equator. According to (Ojo, 2000), as referenced by (Ajay, 2009),

Nigeria consumed 15 106 kWh of electrical energy in 2001, the same as the global average for

cancer. It has a range of climates, from subtropical to tropical. The dry season, which lasts from

October to March, and the rainy season, which lasts from April to October, are the two primary

seasons. In the north, the weather is hot and dry, and the rainy season lasts from April to

September. The rainy season lasts from March to December, and the weather is hot and humid

there. During December through March, it is rather dry. Rarely do coastal temperatures exceed
32 °C. With temperatures ranging from 32 to 42 degrees Celsius and a 95% humidity level, the

north is drier (Ajayi, 2009). It has been around 4.5 billion years since the sun first emerged.

According to Williams et al (1990), it possesses enough hydrogen to burn for around 10 million

years. The sun's energy has a direct or indirect impact on all energy on Earth. The green matter

of plants absorbs the sun's UV radiation, causing them to grow. Aeons ago, plants and trees were

dead, buried, decomposing, and becoming coal, oil, and gas. The sun is the source of water; it

evaporates water from the ground and causes rainfall, which fills rivers, lakes, oceans, and

reservoirs. The sun generates wind power through uneven global heating of the globe (Walters,

1977).

The first consideration for a solar energy system designer is if solar energy is still readily

available in that area today and in the future. Geographical location and temporal scale affect the

amount of solar energy available on Earth. Different zones have varying amounts of sunlight

and, thus, varying radiation levels. 1000W/m2 is generally the amount of solar energy that

reaches Earth (Hoff et al, 2000).