Title: Design And Installation Of A Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System For A Sustainable Renewable Energy Solution In Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Elliot Gift Ebei, Olisa Yemi Philip, Uchendu Frank
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 8-13
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
In Nigeria power supply from the grid is unreliable and leads to incessant failure, this has necessitated the need for a large portion of the Nigerian population to relies on alternative sources, particularly self-generated power from diesel, petrol generators and renewable energy power like solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The aim of this work was to 'Design and Install a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System for a Sustainable Renewable Energy Solution in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions'. The purpose of this work was to design and install a 2.5 kVA solar PV system in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. The methodology involves: estimating the amount of solar energy available in Bayelsa State; estimating the power consumption of the department; sizing and selection of solar power components and also to carry out the installation and performance test of the solar power system. The data show that among the greatest solar insolation was measured during the dry sea, at 5.22 kWh/m2/day. The daily energy usage of 1,680kWh was computed by considering each of the appliances that will be powered by the PV system. The design estimate for the number of panels necessary yields 5.48 panels, which falls between 5 and 6 solar panels. Installing six panels suggests that the system will function better and the battery's lifespan will be extended. PV systems may be cost-effective because they have no running costs and little to no maintenance costs. Furthermore, it is an excellent option for isolated places that have no access to the grid.