ABSTRACT

Researchers suggest that the amount of sunlight that strikes the Earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year. Solar power system is one of the best renewable energy technologies which is not only cost effective but environment friendly as well.This study aimed at designing and installing a quite low-cost inverter of 3.5KVA with high efficiency and quality output capabilities to power some appliances of a total load not more than 3.5KVA in the department of Computer Science, Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, Eket. A standard procedure for the design was developed. The standard procedure developed was validated in the design of the 3.5KVA off grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system. An extensive literature review of solar PV systems with a special focus on off grid-connected systems was conducted after which the procedure for the design of institutional small-scale off grid connected solar PV systems was developed. For this research, we have suggested methodologies that may be applicable to other off grid applications. Off-grid or standalone systems can be defined as independent systems that are not connected to any electrical grid. These come in different sizes and are mostly used in location where there is little access to grid infrastructure. A battery backup has been installed as a continuous power supply in case of an overcast day. The system is designed in such a way that it will take up 12V direct current (DC) from the charge controller and inverts it to an output of 220V, 50Hz alternating current (AC). The circuit is capable of charging the battery when power from supply authority (Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution - PHED) is on and also when sun rays heat the solar panel. This greatly reduces the cost of operation of the system.The preliminary testing results showed that the project is socially beneficial to the department. The process of electricity generation from solar PV saves large tonnes of CO2. The project will help reduce the dependency of grid and allow the department to operate in self-sufficient manners without reliance on one or more public utilities.