Powering Africa Using An Off-Grid, Stand-Alone, Solar Photovoltaic Model

Abstract

Over 90 % of Sub-Saharan Africa is without electricity access. The rural areas of the few African countries with access lack electricity. Studies have suggested that solar energy systems hold the key to powering the continent. Although, a vast population currently operate fossil-fuel powered generators to meet their basic electricity needs. The study is designed for a 2-bedroom flat inhabited by an average Africa family. A residential building in Akure, Ondo State, Southern Nigeria has this model installed in a stable and reliable condition. The proposed solar photovoltaic model is composed of solar panels, Direct Current (D.C) cables, charge controller, solar batteries, solar inverter, solar bulbs and instrumentation gadgets. The model is an optimum size solar Photovoltaic installation with a maximum power input of 1, 800 W. The maximum allowable load is 1, 000 W and a maximum charging D.C voltage of 28.2 V. The solar-powered system is equipped with a set of six (6) 300 Watts monocrystalline solar panels. A commercial maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller was used for this model. Two (2) units of Deep Cycle AGM Solar Batteries connected in series are installed for the solar photovoltaic system. A pure sine wave solar inverter was used in the developed solar PV model to transform D.C electricity available in the batteries to A.C electricity. Themodel is a flexible one which could be scaled up as may be desired or required. The solar photovoltaic model has a very high prospect for powering Africa. The model has ample potentials to fulfil economic, social and environmental objectives which qualifies it as a sustainable energy option to improve the quality of life. The implementation of this form of sustainable energy will open even development of the continent and end the electricity woes of the populace.