DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF 3.

0KVA SOLAR
INVERTER SYSTEM
BY GROUP 2

OGUNDEJI QUAZEEM OLAMILEKAN N/MCE/22/0108

OJEDOKUN ABISOLA JANET N/MCE/22/0111

ADEJIMI ADEYEMI ABDULROHIM N/MCE/22/0112

OGUNSOLU TEMITOPE SARAH N/MCE/22/0113

ADEKUNLE ABDUL-WAHAB KAYODE N/MCE/22/0114

OMOMHENLE ABRAHAM OJEIFO N/MCE/22/0115

TAIWO JOEL ANUOLUWAPO N/MCE/22/0116

BALOGUN SHEFIU ADISA N/MCE/22/0117

OMOLAFE TOLULOPE HOPE N/MCE/22/0118

AWO ABDULGAFAR OLUWASEYI N/MCE/22/0119

ABE CHARLES DANIEL N/MCE/22/0120

MOSES SAMUEL ONIMISI N/MCE/22/0121

AJAYI PETER ADEGOKE N/MCE/22/0123

NWACHUKWU DONALD AYODEJI N/MCE/22/0124

A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF NATIONAL DIPLOMA (ND)

IN

THE DEPARTMENT OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING

JANUARY, 2025.
 CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this report was prepared and carried out by GROUP 2 students of
Mechatronics Engineering under the supervision of ENGR. AJETUNMOBI D.T. in the
Department of Mechatronics Engineering.

ENGR. AJETUNMOBI D. T. DATE

PROJECT SUPERVISOR

ENGR. DR. AWOLOLA O. O. DATE

HOD MECHATRONICS

i
 DEDICATION
This report is dedicated first and foremost, to God Almighty, whose unwavering grace, wisdom,
and strength have been our constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout this academic
journey. Through every challenge and triumph, His divine presence has been a source of comfort,
helping us persevere and succeed in our endeavors.

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to begin by expressing our profound gratitude to God Almighty for His unyielding
grace, mercy, and favour. His constant guidance, protection, and provision have seen us through
the highs and lows of this academic journey.
We extend our deepest appreciation to our parents, whose love, prayers, and sacrifices have been
the bedrock of our lives. Their unwavering belief in us has been a source of strength and
motivation throughout our academic pursuit. Their constant encouragement and understanding
have enabled us to push beyond our limits, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Our sincere thanks go to The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro for providing a learning environment that
encourages curiosity, innovation, and growth. We are deeply grateful for the facilities, resources,
and opportunities that this institution has provided, which have greatly contributed to the
successful completion of this project.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our project supervisor, ENGR.
AJETUNMOBI D.T, whose expertise, patience, and guidance have been invaluable throughout
this project. His constructive feedback, mentorship, and unwavering support have played a
crucial role in shaping the outcome of this work. Special thanks also go to the Head of the
Mechatronics Engineering Department, whose leadership has created an atmosphere of
academic excellence. We are equally grateful to all the lecturers in the department.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge our colleagues and friends, whose collaboration and
support have made this journey a more enriching and enjoyable one.

iii
 ABSTRACT
The advent of renewable energy sources has provided innovative solutions to address global
energy demands sustainably. This project report discusses the design and installation of a
3.0KVA solar inverter system tailored to power six office spaces. The system is optimized for
essential office appliances, including lighting, phone charging, laptop charging, and optionally
a printer. The study encompasses a detailed load audit, the selection of system components, the
methodology of installation, and an analysis of the system’s performance. The results highlight
the system’s capability to meet energy demands during peak and off-peak hours, emphasizing
the feasibility and scalability of solar energy solutions in professional settings. The findings
aim to contribute to the broader adoption of renewable energy technologies.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION i

DEDICATION ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

ABSTRACT iv

LIST OF FIGURES vii

CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES 3
1.1.1. Aim 3
1.1.2. Objectives 3
1.2. SCOPE OF THE STUDY 4
1.3. LIMITATIONS 4

CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5

CHAPTER THREE
3. METHODOLOGY 9
3.1 COMPONENTS SELECTION 9
3.2. COMPONENTS SIZING 10
3.3. INSTALLATION 11
3.4. COMPONENTS TESTING 12

v
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Shows the components of a solar inverter 3

vi
 LIST OF TABLES
Figure 1.1 Shows comparison between the types of solar inverters 2

vii
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
In Africa, it is not uncommon to see nations without a reliable source of power
supply. A lot of households and businesses rely heavily on fossil fuels to power
appliances. Not only is this method expensive in the long run, but it is also very
harmful to the environment, as carbon monoxide (CO) is continually emitted to the
atmosphere as fuel is burnt which plays a huge role in the global crisis known as
global warming. Fossil fuels are by far the largest contributor to global change,
accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90
percent of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
With all the disadvantages to relying on the burning of fossil fuels to generate
power which is not replenishable, it is wise for households to make use of
renewable energy sources such as the sun. Solar energy is a highly recommended
(partial) alternative to generators that burn harmful gases with the only downsides
being: high initial cost, dependence on the time of day and climate conditions, and
a lower output compared to the higher output power of the generators. Despite this,
solar inverter systems are a very reliable source of power and can produce enough
energy to power a lot of appliances. In addition to this, it is not affected by external
economic factors such as the inflation in fuel prices or general scarcity as solar
energy is free. This is a huge benefit of implementing the solar inverter system.
A solar inverter is the component of a solar power system responsible for the
conversion of direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into
alternating current (AC) which can be used by most household and office
appliances. There are multiple types of solar inverters, the optimal one to be used
depends on different factors. The first and most common type is the string inverter.
String inverters are straightforward and uncomplicated, making them also the least
expensive on the market. String inverters connect several solar panels in series and
the power is converted to alternating current (AC) at a single inverter. This comes
with its own disadvantage though, if low power output is gotten from one of the
solar panels, it will affect the overall power output drastically, hence, they cannot
be used in areas with any form of shading. This limitation of the string inverter is
not a problem for the other type of inverter which is known as the microinverter.
Microinverters are installed at every solar panel and are connected in parallel.
Microinverters convert direct current to alternating current directly at the panel
level thereby optimizing energy output. These are more expensive as each panel
will have its own inverter. Shading on one panel will only slightly affect the overall

1
output generated. The installation and maintenance of microinverters is generally
more complex than string inverters. Hybrid inverters are more versatile and have
built-n features such as advanced monitoring, extensive customization options, a
built-in Battery Management System (BMS), island mode and Generator port
input]. Advanced monitoring makes it easy to understand how the sun conditions
and energy consumption. The main differences between these types of inverters
are highlighted in table 1.1.

Inverter Type Reliability Performance Performance Cost

Under Shading Under High
Temperature
String Inverter Moderate Low Moderate Low
Microinverter High High High High
Hybrid Inverter High Moderate High High

Table 1.1: Comparison between the types of solar inverters.

Inverters have to convert DC to AC. Grid tied inverters will have to ensure the
output is locked to the grid. There are three prime functions involved: switching,
filtering, and control of amplitude and frequency. In addition, MPPT function may
also be implemented within the same functions. The switching is now primarily
through field effect transistors (FETs - mono polar semiconductors), and triacs,
but insulated gate bipolar junction transistors (IGBIT) may be found in some
designs. FETs offer low conduction losses in switching mode. In the most basic
(square wave inverter) DC energy is supplied to the FETs connected in each leg of
a tapped transformer. Control circuitry switches the legs alternately to allow out of
phase currents in the legs. Another step-up winding is also present which gets the
ac output. Inductors and capacitors are used to filter the output. Square wave
inverters are now confined to underdeveloped countries only. See fig 1.1.
Pure sine wave inversion will involve a conversion from DC to high frequency,
back to DC, and another conversion to mains frequency along with filtering.
Maximum power point tracking will be affected in the very first stage. Sine wave
pulse width modulation (SPWM) of energy at high frequencies allows a pure sine
wave output. The output is sampled, rectified and fed back to the control circuitry
which regulates the amplitude, frequency, and phase. Control including PWM is
normally accomplished through a microcontroller. The high frequency switching
used for SPWM has another advantage. Lighter transformers can be utilized
reducing the overall weight significantly. Between the pure sine wave and square
2
wave inverters is the modified sine wave which is now confined to developing
countries. The transformer provides isolation between the ground on the load side
and the panel side of the inverter. But it contributes significantly to weight of the
inverter.

Figure 1.1: Components of a solar inverter

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.4.1 Aim
This project is aimed at designing and installation of a 3.0KVA solar inverter
system.
1.4.2 Objectives
1. To carry out load audit of installation area
2. To design a 3.0KVA solar inverter system
3. To source for the various components that comprises of the 3.0KVA solar
inverter system
4. Assembly of the various components to make up the functioning system
5. To test the performance of the system

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1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of this project is limited to the design and installation of a 3.0KVA solar
inverter system for six offices. The project includes conducting an energy audit to
determine the offices power requirements; selecting appropriate solar panels,
inverters, and batteries; designing the system to operate efficiently even during
non-peak hours; and finally, the installation and commissioning of the system. It
does not cover large-scale commercial installations or integration with the national
grid.
1.3 LIMITATIONS
While solar inverter systems are highly beneficial, they have certain limitations.
For example, the high initial cost, the dependence of sunlight and the climate
conditions, and the battery life of the battery banks can be significant barriers.

4
CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
A lot of literature is available for solar power harvesting and inverter design. These
works cover the different design aspects, comparison between different
architecture and to draw a conclusion on a strategy that is best suited for designing
a solar inverter which is cost effective and efficient.
Multiple types of inverters are discussed by Dileep et al. (2018). The types include
current source and voltage source inverters, stand-alone grid-tied inverters, square,
modified sine and sine wave inverters. Open loop strategy is used for the MATLAB
simulation of the different types of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) inverter. Brief
explanation of battery, charge controller and the PV array is presented. Maximum
Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm is used to track the maximum power rom
the solar array. A comparison of different PWM techniques on the basis of cost,
size, type of load and application is presented. Among the inverter types, the grid-
tied microinverter has been considered as the efficient one. The MPPT ensures
maximum power from each individual PV panel.
A design of a single-phase grid-tied PV inverter is presented by Biju et al. (2015).
For the implementation of MPPT technique, a boost converter is used, which
provides the maximum power from the PV array. By using the Sinusoidal Pulse
Width Modulation (SPWM) technique with Proportional Integral (PI) controller,
the current injected into the grid is controlled. MATLAB Simulink is used for
simulation, and the results for diverse cases are presented. In the paper, the grid-
tied system is proved to be the best under different test conditions.
Design of a single-phase PV inverter without galvanic isolation is presented by
Somani et al. (2006). The output from the PV is fed to the DC to the DC boost
converter. By using MPPT control technique, the gate pulse of the IGBT of the
boost converter is controlled. In order to efficiently convert DC into AC, the
boosted output is given to the Highly Efficient and Reliable Inverter Concept
(HERIC) inverter. The large number of switches in the HERIC inverter in turn
leads to higher complexity. To reduce the leakage current, the idea of HERIC
configuration is presented in the paper. The analysis and verification of the
simulation is done using MATLAB.
A single-phase inverter with improved control strategy is presented by Dwivedy,
et al. (2017). The Multiple Pulse Width Modulation (MPWM) is used as a control
unit, which provides the output waveform with reduced harmonic content.
Microcontroller 8051 is used to provide the triggering pulse, and this reduces the
circuit complexity. For the harmonic analysis, the simulation of power circuit is
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done in MATLAB. Different load conditions are included and for the high current
inductive load, snubber parameters are calculated.
A single-phase photovoltaic pure sine wave inverter with less harmonic distortion
is presented by Chowdhury et al. (2013). The energy from the PV panel is
converted into regular DC and fed to the inverter. The PIC16F876 microcontroller
provides SPWM for the MOSFET driver. The output of the inverter is detected by
the sensor and fed to the microcontroller. The compensation voltage is provided by
the microcontroller for any lag in the preset value. The result is highly accurate
since it uses closed loop. The output waveform is the distorted sine wave.
Therefore, LC filter is introduced to eliminate the harmonic interference. The
design includes a transformer at the output to ensure minimum eddy current loss.
The objective of an efficient inverter with less harmonic distortion and low cost is
achieved here.
The Design and real-time implementation of single-phase sine wave inverter is
presented by Hannan et al. (2018). SPWMs are generated by using PIC24F
microcontroller. The SPWM simulation is carried out in MPLAB and
implementation in Proteus. The isolation circuit uses TLP250 gate drivers for
MOSFETs. For every test, the LCD displays the voltage, current, and the delivered
power to the load. Mainly, the PIC microcontroller used in the circuit avoids the
drawbacks of the analog circuits. The design makes the circuit efficient for resistive
load.
A single-phase inverter design with new control method called Artificial Fish
Swarm Algorithm (AFSA) is discussed by Li et al. (2014). The Perturb and
Observe algorithm is generally used in MPPT method for control because it is easy
and simple to implement. But the control is not precise. Therefore, to provide a
better control AFSA is used. ASA has the advantage of providing strong
optimization and speedy dynamic response, and thus increasing the PV efficiency.
In the paper, AFSA control method is compared with the Perturbation and
observation method by the simulation.
A design of single-phase inverter with numerical control method based on
ATmega32 is presented by Ouariachi, et al. (2017). The microcontroller-based
control technique generally reduces the harmonics. For the generation of PWM
signals, ATmega32 microcontroller is used. The main aim is to provide the
alternative for conventional method with fewer harmonics and also to provide the
dead-time control. The dead-time period must be proper in order to avoid the
damage to the switches. To obtain the desired analog value, LC filter circuit is
included.

6
The paper “3-Phase, 400V, 1KW Inverter Design with Sinusoidal waveform from
a 12V DC Supply” by Ghosh, et al. (2016) gives the design of three-phase sine
inverter with 12 V DC source. DC to DC converter is used to convert the source
voltage into the desired high voltage level, i.e., 565.6 V. The circuit is designed to
generate appropriate pulses to switch the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors
(IGBTs). The PWM voltage is then fed to three-phase LC circuit to generate the
desired sinusoidal waveform. The circuit simulation is done using PSIM software.
The design and implementation of firing circuit for a three-phase PWM inverter is
given by Ogunyemi (2013). PWM signals are used to reduce the harmonics in the
output. The phase shift circuit for single phase and three phases is discussed in the
paper. Also, the paper summarizes the challenges of the design and modifications
needed to meet the requirements, and the demonstration circuit for the PWM
generation that can be used in the application like inverter.
A three-phase voltage source inverter design using 500 V DC as the input is
presented in Rajpriya, et al. (2013). SPWM technique provides the easier
implementation of the design. The harmonics that are caused from the PWM is
eliminated by Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) technique. SHE is based on
reverse harmonic injection, and it mainly eliminates the lower order harmonics
from an output. The paper presents the calculation of Total Harmonic Distortion
(THD) for different order harmonics and then the opposite harmonics are injected.
The disordered resultant sine wave is compared with triangular wave, and the gate
pulses are produced. The simulation is carried out by using MATLAB.
Design and implementation of driver circuit for three-phase inverter by using
microcontroller ATmega16 is presented by Chakraborty, et al. (2017). The
microcontroller reduces the circuit complexity. The design includes regulated
power supply, microcontroller, isolation circuit and voltage source inverter. In the
design, H-bridge is fed with12 V DC supply. Depending on the load, MOSFET
drives the high voltage and current. Optocoupler is used as an isolation device
between the microcontroller and H-bridge. A fuse is connected to protect the
component from over current. In the proposed design, output frequency of the
inverter can be changed without changing the hardware. The design can be easily
adopted for the applications like elevators and induction motors.
A design of three-phase inverter with MPPT and V/f control is discussed by
Wareesri, et al. (2016). The design uses solar energy as an alternative to electricity.
Perturb and Observe and Incremental conductance methods of MPPT are used to
ensure the maximum power from the PV array. The pumping system is fed with
the maximum power from PV array. V/f control is provided instead of sensor
control. In V/f control system, the Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) signals are fed

7
to the pump. The PWM signals are generated by using PIC30F2010
microcontroller. The constant torque is generated by maintaining a constant V/f
ratio. In the prototype, ten solar panels are arranged in series to provide MPPT to
PV pump.
Three-phase micro inverter design with phase skipping control technique is
presented by Somani, et al. (2014). Generally, because of the variable weather
conditions, the output of the PV panel varies. This affects the micro inverter
operation. The phase skipping control is used to improve the light load efficiency.
The control method is applied at the DC-AC stage of the Half-Bridge Inverter.
Based on the available power from the PV panel, the selective power is injected
and is monitored through the microcontroller. The main objective of the design is
to achieve the increase in the efficiency of the inverter at light loads.
The design of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based PV inverter with
SPWM control mechanism is discussed by Sunita, et al. (2016). MPPT controller
is used to get the maximum power from the PV array. The control algorithm is
implemented in FPGA, which provides speedy computation and reprogramming
ability. FPGA plays a key role in reducing the hardware requirements and hence
cost and is also a better alternative to the microcontroller system. In the paper,
SPWM technique is used, which is designed using VHDL and implemented on
Spartan 3A DSP FPGA. The power analysis is carried out for different frequencies
to ensure the maximum efficiency.

8
CHAPTER THREE
3. METHODOLOGY
The solar inverter system is made up of different components, so it is vital to
combine these components correctly in order to harness the sun’s energy.
Knowledge of the solar panels, charge controller, the batteries, inverter, cables, the
breakers, the Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) and how to size them is very crucial
in order to get the desired power output and overall efficiency. Before the sizing of
the components of a solar inverter system a number of things are taken into
consideration. A load audit is carried out to determine the power ratings of the
appliances. The six offices are examined and the power ratings (in watts) of the
devices to be powered by the solar inverter system are noted. After the load audit,
the run-time hours of each appliance are noted. This is the amount of time in hours
that each appliance should be powered by the solar inverter system.
Information from the load audit and the run-time hours are used to derive the total
daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hour of the loads. This information is used
as a guide in sizing the solar panels and the battery storage, while the total power
rating of the appliances serves as a guide to sizing the solar inverter. The current
and voltage produced by the solar panels act as the guide in sizing the solar charge
controller and cables from the panels to the charge controller to the batteries. With
this information, a load analysis table is prepared.

3.1 COMPONENTS SELECTION

Each choice of selection is justified based on performance, reliability and cost
efficiency.
Monocrystalline solar panels have the highest efficiency rates among many
commercially available panels, typically between 15 to 20 percent. This is essential
for maximizing energy generation, especially in areas with limited space for panel
installation. They are known for their longevity and can maintain performance for
25 years or more with minimal degradation. Given their higher efficiency, fewer
panels are needed to achieve the required power output compared to
polycrystalline or thin-film panels, making them ideal for installations with limited
roof or ground space.
Lithium-ion batteries have a higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries,
allowing them to store more energy in a compact and lightweight form factor.
These batteries can endure more charge-discharge cycles (up to 2000-5000 cycles)
compared to lead-acid batteries, making them a cost-effective choice in the long

9
term. Lithium-ion batteries have faster charging times, which is crucial for storing
solar energy efficiently during peak sunlight hours. They exhibit a lower self-
discharge rate, meaning they retain stored energy longer when not in use. While
the initial cost is higher, lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly
due to their longer lifespan and higher efficiency.
String inverters consolidate the DC output from multiple solar panels into a single
unit, making it easier to monitor and manage the system’s performance. Compared
to microinverters or power optimizers, string inverters offer a more economical
solution for medium-scale systems like a 3.0KVA installation. String inverters
provide high conversion efficiency, ensuring minimal energy losses when
converting DC power from the solar panels to AC power for use. The design of
string inverters allows for straightforward expansion, making them suitable for
systems with multiple panels connected in series (strings). String inverters have
been widely used in solar installations, making them a reliable choice due to their
proven track record in performance and durability.
Copper cables are chosen for their superior conductivity, ensuring minimal energy
losses during transmission. They are durable and can withstand high temperatures,
reducing the risk of overheating during peak system operation.

3.2 COMPONENTS SIZING

The first component to be sized is the battery bank. From the load analysis table,
two parameters are needed, the total power and the total daily energy consumption.
Before the sizing of the battery a few factors are taken into consideration. The
Depth of Discharge (DOD) and number of cycles. DOD is the amount of energy
that will be drawn from the battery per day. The next factor is the number of days
of autonomy, which refers to the number of days the batteries can supply power to
the loads without receiving charge from the solar panels or grid. The higher the
days of autonomy, the higher the cost of the system. The nominal system voltage
which is the reference voltage that must correspond with the inverter’s DC input
voltage. Therefore, the battery bank voltage must correspond with the inverter’s
DC input voltage. The inverter efficiency is also taken into consideration as this is
important in determining the size of the battery. This is a way of representing how
much power is lost when the DC voltage from the battery is converted into AC
output.
To size the solar panels, the total daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hour is
noted. There are a few factors taken into consideration when sizing the solar panels.
The first is the inverter efficiency which is the ability of the inverter to smoothly

10
convert DC to AC without much power loss. It typically ranges from 80 to almost
90 percent. The performance ratio which is different from the efficiency of the
solar panels. This typically ranges between 15 to 23 percent. The efficiency is the
percentage of sunlight the panels can efficiently convert to direct current
electricity. The name plate of the solar panels contains information about the
irradiance which is 1000w/m2, the cell temperature which is 25oC and air mass
which is 1.5. These are all constant. The peak sunshine hour is determined which
is typically 5 to 6 hours. This is the availability of maximum sunshine in a
particular area.
Before sizing the charge controller, a number of factors are also taken into
consideration. The first actor is the PV input voltage. The charge controller has a
maximum PV input voltage which is the voltage coming from the solar panels
should not exceed the set maximum input voltage to prevent damage to the
components. This also affects the wiring style, series or parallel. The charge
controller also has a minimum PV input voltage. If the PV input goes below this
threshold, the charge controller will underperform. Another factor to take into
consideration is the battery bank voltage. This is used to determine if the charge
controller is capable of charging the battery bank. It is compulsory to ensure that
these two values correspond. The maximum PV input power is determined to
ensure that no more than the max PV input power can be received by the charge
controller in order to charge the battery bank.

3.3 INSTALLATION
The mounting area for the panels which is the spot where the solar panels can
receive maximum sunlight is decided. A latitude tilt which aims to face the panels
towards the sun is achieved. The mounts are placed four feet part and on top of
rafters. Holes are carefully drilled into the rafters where the steel bolts will fasten
the solar panel mounts. The mounts are secured with bolts and the area around it
is sealed to keep the thermal envelope air tight. The solar panels are fastened to the
mounts and mounted.
The output from the solar panels is connected to a protection device to provide
protection from overload and short circuit, a surge protection device is also
connected from the positive and negative terminals of the protective device and the
earthing terminal of the surge protector is connected to the earthing that is
available. From the output positive terminal of the breaker, a cable connection
connects this to the positive solar terminal on the solar charge controller. The
output negative terminal of the breaker is connected to the negative solar terminal
of the charge controller.
11
The positive output terminal of the solar charge controller is connected to the
positive terminal of the battery, the same is done for the negative output terminal
of the battery. The battery is connected to the input terminals of the inverter which
in turn is interfaced with the six socket outlets of each of the six offices.
3.4 COMPONENT TESTING
To verify the performance and output of the solar panels, certain tests are carried
out. The solar panel is disconnected from any loads on the system, and a digital
multimeter is used to measure the voltage across the positive and negative
terminals of the solar panel in full sunlight. The open circuit voltage (Voc) is noted
at different times of the day. With the panel exposed to full sunlight, the digital
multimeter is connected in series with the panel’s positive and negative terminals.
The short circuit current (Isc) is noted.
To check the battery’s capacity and health the voltage is measured, state of charge,
and load is tested. A digital multimeter is used to measure the battery’s open circuit
voltage (Voc). The voltage should match the rated voltage of the battery. After it is
confirmed that the battery is fully charged, the voltage is measured again, the
voltage readings are compared with the battery’s discharge characteristics. A
known load is then connected to the battery across its terminals, the voltage drop
across the battery while the load is applied is measured. The battery’s performance
and its ability to provide sustained power is calculated.
To verify the solar charge controller’s efficiency in regulating the power from the
solar panels to the battery, the input power and output power is measured. The solar
panels are connected directly to the charge controller, then a multimeter is used to
measure the voltage and current coming from the solar panels into the charge
controller. The readings are compared with the expected input range for the
controller. The voltage and current going from the charge controller to the battery
is measured. The total power delivered to the battery is confirmed. It is compared
with the input power from the solar panels. The difference is the system’s
efficiency, factoring in losses in the charge controller.
To verify that the inverter converts DC to AC effectively and outputs the desired
AC voltage, the input voltage and output voltage is measured. A load test is also
carried out. To ensure that the cables are capable of handling the system’s current
without excessive voltage drops or overheating, certain test are carried out. All the
cables are carefully checked for any visible signs of damage or wear. The
connectors are inspected to ensure that they are properly crimped and insulated. A
multimeter is used to measure the voltage at the battery terminals and at the inverter
input when the system is running. Excessive voltage drop indicates that the cables
may be undersized for the current they are carrying.
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