Software development for design of solar energy photovoltaic system for rural and urban communities in nigeria

Abstract

Solar Photovoltaic systems for a given load work dependably and remain the finest alternative regarding numerous utilizations only when preceded with accurate pre-installation design. The output power generated and ability of such Photovoltaic system to meet load demand by a solar photovoltaic (PV) system greatly depends on accurate sizing of the PV system’s parts. The Solar planner software developed in this study provides an effective solution to problems associated with most pre-installation design of Photovoltaic systems in Nigeria. The software accurately carries out the sizing of the various system components, thereby providing the technical personnel with sufficient information about the PV project design prior to installation stage. It also uses the average daily sunshine method and design equations modeled for PV systems to achieve the correct sizing of the components. It follows a procedural sequence in executing the sizing equations developed in JAVA programming language on a JAVA developmental Kit (JDK 1.6). The software produced useful parameters for the technical personnel. The parameters include the total power, design energy, capacity of the solar panel required, number of solar panel required, capacity and number of batteries required, size of charge controller and inverter rating, optimum tilt angle and cable size. The use of this solar planner software for design of PV system gives an effective, faster, cost effective and a reliable accurate sizing and PV system’s improved performance in the Nigerian solar business market.