Melvin Ngoshe - The Solar Engineer

This is something beautiful..With this power backup system installed at your house, you can power your TV, Fridges, Laptops, Lights for 6-8 hours.
Loadshedding has nothing on you!!!

Contact Hon Manda Stephen Sikombe for system design, installation and maintenance.

System Description: 5Kva, 48Vdc with 220AH,12Vdc x 4No.

ABOUT SYSTEM SIZING

How to Calculate the size of an INVERTER.

The Inverter is your power hub. It will enable you to receive power from the solar panels or batteries to power your TV, lights, Fridge, laptop, etc.

Hence is it's important to get (buy) the right size of an Inverter. And here are the 3 basic steps to follow for you to calculate the correct size of the inverter needed to power your house:

1) List down ALL your electrical appliances and their power ratings.
2) Find the sum power wattage.
3) Multiply the sum power wattage by 1.25 (25%) to get the inverter size.

Example: Dude wants to buy an inverter and the following are what he wants to connect to the inverter:
I) 150W TV (1 in total)
Ii) 15W bulbs (20 in total)
III) 250W Fridge ( 1 in total)
IV) Laptop 75W (2 in total)

Step 2.
TV: 150W x 1 = 150W
Bulb: 15W x 20 = 300W
Fridge: 250W x 1 = 250W
Laptop: 75 x 2 = 150

Total Power Wattage= 150W+300W+250W+150W = 850W

Step 3
Inverter size= 850W x 1.25 = 1,062.5VA.

Therefore, minimum Inverter size is a 1000VA (1KVA).

Hope this one helps You before Choosing the Size of an Inverter to Buy.

ABOUT SYSTEM SIZING

Part One: INVERTER SIZE

An inverter converts DC( direct current) to AC (Alternating Current) and vice versa. Inverters are usually rated in VA (Volts Amps) or KVA (Kilovolts Amps) and some in W (Watts) or KW (Kilowatts). Eg 500W, 1200VA, 5KVA,etc.
The size of an inverter depends on the total load of power consumption (power required) to be connected to it. By load we mean electrical appliances and devices. Eg Tv, Radio, Lights, Fridge, etc.
So in order to get the right size of an inverter to get one has to know the total number of appliances and their respective power ratings a house has. Eg if you check the nameplate (sticker) at the back or side of your TV, you will notice some numbers there including the power rating (maybe 150w or 220V, 0.9A). See example on your right.
That been said, each house has its own unique power consumption. So the Inverter sizes vary from house to house. It's not a one size fits all. What might work for you might not work for neighbor because of the difference in the number of electrical appliances in each other.
Hence, before you buy an Inverter do an assessment of the power required to power your house.

CLEAN SOLAR PANELS
Dirt, dust, dry leaves or any foreign substance can reduce the performance (efficiency) of your solar panels.

So once you notice that the solar panels are dirty, please clean by using a garden hose (hose pipe) of water and a sponge cloth.
Don't use a scrubbing brush or any abrasive material. And don't use chemicals.

Water and a cloth is enough.

Disclaimer: This is not my picture.
It's just for teaching purposes.

ABOUT SOLAR PANELS (SOLAR MODULES)

Q1. What is the main purpose of solar panels?
Ans. To provide power for electrical appliances (TV, DC pump, DC lights, laptops, cell phones, DC pressing irons, DC fridge, etc) and to charge batteries.

Q2. How many solar panels does it take to power a house?
Ans. The number of solar panels needed depends on the amount of power a household uses.

Q3. Can I use a solar panel without an inverter?
Ans. If most of your appliances run on DC power, then they don't have a need for an inverter.
But if your appliances run on AC power, then you could need an inverter.

Q4. What happens when there is no sun for solar panels?
Ans. Solar panels will not operate at maximum production when clouds are blocking the sun, and they will not produce electricity when there is no available sunlight during night time hours.

Q5. Do solar panels work in the rain?
Ans. Solar panels are able to generate power even during rainy or cloudy weather but at a reduced efficiency.

SOLAR POWER IN HEALTH CARE
This health facility in Siakasipa, southern province (Zambia), is completely powered by solar. No Zesco.
Some benefits of solar in health include:
1) solar provides power for lighting.
2) solar provides power for refrigeration of vaccines.
3) solar provides power for laptops and other smart devices used in health facilities.
4) etc

Solar is amazing 😊

Don't not place your solar panels directly on the roof: especially on the iron sheets. Because heat from the sheets can affect the performance of the Solar panels negatively.
Therefore, It's always advisable to leave a minimum space (gap) of 100mm (10cm) between the solar panels and the roof. This allows cool air to flow beneath the solar panels.

SOLAR PANEL TILT ANGLE
Solar panels are typically mounted at an angel between 15 degrees and 45 degrees. The ideal angle for a solar panel installation is close to or equal to the latitude of your home. This angle is typically between 30 degrees and 45 degrees.

As a rule in the southern hemisphere, solar panels or solar modules are supposed to face due North. This allows them to capture maximum energy from the sun from sunrise to sunset!!!