PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A 1.5KVA SOLAR INVERTER

Student: Joshua Damilola Omolare
Supervisor: Engr Adeoye O.s Adeoye
HOD: Engr O.s Adeoye
Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Engineering
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Abstract

This project presents a detailed performance evaluation of a 1.5kVA solar powered inverter system, aimed at determining its efficiency, reliability, and suitability for domestic and small-scale energy applications. With the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions due to unstable power supply and environmental concerns, solar energy systems have become a viable alternative. The system under study consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, a charge controller, battery storage unit, and an inverter responsible for converting DC power to AC power for usable output. The methodology involved experimental testing of the inverter under different load conditions, including resistive, inductive, capacitive, and combined loads. Key performance parameters such as output voltage, current, frequency stability, efficiency, and battery discharge characteristics were carefully measured and analyzed. The influence of environmental factors such as solar irradiance and temperature on system performance was also considered. Results obtained from the study indicate that the inverter performs optimally under resistive and moderate loading conditions, maintaining stable voltage and high efficiency. However, the efficiency decreases when subjected to highly inductive loads due to increased power losses. Additionally, fluctuations in solar input and battery charge levels were observed to affect the overall system performance. The findings of this research demonstrate that the 1.5kVA solar inverter is a reliable and sustainable power solution for residential and small-scale applications, especially in areas with inconsistent grid supply. It also highlights the importance of proper load management and system design in improving efficiency and lifespan. Recommendations from the study include the use of higher capacity batteries, improved inverter design for better handling of inductive loads, and regular maintenance practices to enhance system performance and durability.

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