Experiment No:10

SOLAR SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Aim : Familiarize the installation of solar system

Materials required:

1.Solar Panel 325Watt, 36.77 Volts 3

2. Battery 12Volts, 130AH

3. Inverter 1KVA

4. Charge controller 12V, 10A

Theory:

Solar power, also known as solar electricity, is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity,
either directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power. Solar panels use the
photovoltaic effect to convert light into an electric current. Solar power is a renewable form of energy
harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat). Solar energy is
free and plentiful, and its use doesn't impact the environment like fossil fuels, although solar power still
comes with several challenges.

An off-grid solar energy system is not connected to the utility grid, whereas an on-grid (aka grid-tied)
solar energy system is connected to the utility grid. Whether off-grid or on-grid system will determine
your access to electricity, what equipment is needed for excess production, what happens when the grid
goes down, and how you’re billed for electricity. A hybrid solar system combines the features of both
grid-tied and off-grid systems. It utilizes solar panels, batteries, and an inverter. It can draw power from
the grid when needed and also store excess energy for use during power outages.

1.Solar panels. These draw in the sun’s energy for you. The more efficient your panel, the more energy
they absorb. Starting with the most obvious part of an off-grid solar system are the solar panels.
Currently, the most cost-effective solar panels are those made up of 60, 72, 120, 132, or 144 cells. The
two main types of solar panel are Monocrystalline (black) or Polycrystalline (blue/dark blue). Solar cells
are the small squares that make up the entirety of the panel itself. These days, monocrystalline panels
are the industry standard in most systems.

A typical 60 cell monocrystalline solar panel will be around 68” x 40” in size and output in the range of
300-375 watts, whereas a 72 or 144 cell panel will measure 80” x 40” usually and output around 375
watts and above. Determining the size of the solar array is one of the most significant calculations in Off-
Grid system design.

After this we determine the appropriate array configuration. The solar panels are connected in series
strings (limited by the max input voltage), then the various strings of solar panels can be connected in
parallel to create a substantial array (limited by power or current). This method simplifies the solar array
output down to as few conductors as possible.
2. Batteries. These store the power collected by the panels. The more you store, the more you can use
when there’s no sun.

3. Regulator (controller). This is the brain of your system. If your batteries over-charge or over-drain,
their longevity is severely reduced. The regulator controls how much your batteries can charge. When
they reach their optimum limit (preferably about 14 V) the regulator stops power coming in from the
panels. There are two types of controllers that are widely available in the market;

1. Pulse width modulation: A pulse width modulation charge controller is set match the input
power of the battery irrespective of the power generated by the panels. There is an inherent
loss in power observed in this type of charger.
2. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT): This type of charger helps to get the optimum charging
power for any given point of time and offers better efficiency that PWM

4. Inverter. Batteries pump out power at 12V. The inverter converts the 12V into a voltage suitable for
your house-hold appliances (usually 220V or thereabouts).

Procedure:

Following 6 steps are essential for the installation of solar system.

1. Analyze your electricity bill: The very first step is to analyze your electricity bill before starting the
solar panel installation process. By looking at your electricity bill, you will get an idea about your
monthly consumption in kWh. Based on this number, you will calculate the "size" of your solar energy
system as you will require a solar panel according to your demand for energy consumption. To
accurately calculate this value, it is advisable to check the average monthly energy consumption, the
average of the last 12 months.
2. Choice of panel model and installation company: Choosing the company that will supply and install
solar energy equipment makes all the difference in the final result. There are several options for models
and values of solar panels, which vary according to the consumer's objective, the planned investment,
and the manufacturer.
3. Technical and feasibility study: Before installing the photovoltaic system, a study must be carried out
to assess the structure of the building and the ideal type of equipment, according to the consumption
profile. The electrical appliances in use and the number of people who will use the generated energy are
considered. Another point evaluated is the characteristic of the solar radiation received at the
installation site, which varies according to geographic region.
4. Calculate your budget: Based on your monthly energy consumption shown on your electricity bill, you
will be able to simulate the cost of installing solar energy in your home or business. According to your
energy consumption, calculating the average cost needed for the solar panel installation process is
possible. You need to consider the warranty, maintenance cost, and the number of panels required for
the installation process.
5. Site inspection: It is a very important step in the installation of solar panels. First, we need to inspect
or search a site that can be used for installing solar panels. It should be in proper orientation with the
sun. Also, the site should be at a good height or must have plain terrain.
6. Installation of panels and converter : Once authorized by the concessionaire, the installation of solar
panels can be carried out by the selected company, based on the indicated project and the evaluation of
the solar incidence on the property. The brackets for fixing the panels are attached to the location
chosen, and the cables connecting the converter and the distribution board are connected. It is essential
that all the material used is modern and of quality, with proper approval and certification.

Conclusion

There is a cost associated with electrifying houses in rural areas that increases with distance between
the grid and the houses. Such instances where the cost of electrification becomes enormously highly
one can always use an off-grid PV system. Both type of systems viz. grid- tied and off-grid PV systems
have their own advantages and disadvantages. Depending solely on the need one can decide what they
would want to go for. It is trend that one can observe is that the grid-tied system is mostly found in
urban and sub-urban setting where electrification of the area has already been achieved. The off-grid
system is more suited to areas where the electrification is yet to be accomplished and/or the consumer
choses not to supply back the energy generated at his/her end. This paper provides the methodology of
designing an off-grid PV system. Using a bus shelter at EIU an PV system was designed that would house
certain necessary equipment such as WIFI module, charging points, lights, and sensors that would
provide service to the students who would be using it. The design methodology is not limited to only bus
shelters but could also be used for different purposes where ever a need of having an off-grid system
arises. Economical aspect of the system has not been covered in this paper due to the availability of
numerous vendors in the market. Upon identifying the system capacity, one can search the best option
of different equipment depending on their financial preferences.

Result

Studied the installation of solar power system.

Block diagram of Off-Grid solar power system