Authors : A.S. Adavbiele and J.B. Erua
Abstract: Solar electrification to serve certain appliances, which consume less power, is highly desired and less expensive to afford in a household. The use of fewer solar panels can further reduce the cost of procuring the equipment. The main objectives of the present study were to establish the minimum numbers of cells that can illuminate a household based on certain energy requirements and the identification of best lighting appliances to maximize the energy usage. In order to achieve these objectives, experiments with various arrangements of panels, (n) all linked to a common battery storage and dc to ac inverter, were carried out and different lighting appliances, which include ordinary white, fluorescent and Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs, were used. It was found that to obtain optimum voltage-current output, a series-parallel arrangement, with the n series connection giving higher voltages and the series connection giving higher amperes, yields the best result. It was also established that LED bulbs consume less power. The payback period for LED bulbs operating on the system was also found to be the best for the system.
A.S. Adavbiele and J.B. Erua , 2008. Development of Low Cost Solar Illumination System for Household. Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 3: 241-245.