DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A 1.5 KVA HYBRID SOLAR GENERATOR FOR OFFICE USE

ABSTRACT The pressing global challenge of transitioning from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources has led to significant interest in renewable energy technologies. This project focuses on the design and installation of a 1.5 kVA hybrid solar generator system tailored for an office environment, specifically in University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, Nigeria. By integrating solar power with auxiliary energy sources like the electrical grid, the system aims to ensure a reliable and continuous energy supply, addressing the limitations of standalone solar systems, particularly during periods of low sunlight.The study evaluates the energy requirements of the office, determines the optimal size and configuration of the hybrid system, and implements the generator to seamlessly switch between solar and auxiliary power based on availability and demand. The solar panels, with a combined daily energy output of 2 kWh, consistently meet the office's energy required consumption of 1.75 kWh, achieving a surplus of 14.29%. The efficiency of the panels was calculated at 41.67%, converting a significant portion of incident solar energy into usable electricity. The battery storage system, comprising of a14.2V-70A lithium-ion batteries, maintained an optimal State of Charge (SoC) between 20% and 80%, ensuring longevity and efficiency. The batteries' shallow Depth of Discharge (DoD) of 7.5% extended their cycle life to an estimated 7 years. The inverter, despite its 85% efficiency, reliably converted DC to AC power for the office appliances. Financial analysis revealed substantial savings, with a payback period of approximately two months. The system reduced diesel consumption by 1,460 litres and grid electricity usage by 3,832.5 kWh annually, resulting in a carbon emission reduction of 5,858.25 kg CO2 per year.