This thread is truly informative and out of love.

I joined the league of inverter users in May and it has been the best decision ever. Got a 1kva Nexus inverter (1050kva) and a 200ah battery.

Now I'm thinking of adding 2 150w solar panel to it later this month.

Spanishmario:
This thread is truly informative and out of love.

I joined the league of inverter users in May and it has been the best decision ever. Got a 1kva Nexus inverter (1050kva) and a 200ah battery.

Now I'm thinking of adding 2 150w solar panel to it later this month.

Please, what are the appliances you are using on it and the total wattage and how long does it last you per day

mahkanjuh:


Please, what are the appliances you are using on it and the total wattage and how long does it last you per day

I have no idea of the total watts but if I turn on the full load it is around 50-60% and it takes like 6 hours for the first bar to drop (it has gone off by itself since I got it). I only did this, the first day I got it.

The basic things I power on a norm are TV, Gotv, Home theatre, Ceiling fan, Qasa rechargeable fan, Laptop, 1 energy saver bulb, and 1 sensor light.

Casemiro:



Thanks for this.


Please how much can I get the 100watt solar panel.

and the charge controller.

A mono 100w solar panel might cost about N20k to N22k. A poly 100w panel, about N16k.

I recommend looking up the prices on online stores before buying from our local retailers. And when checking online, ignore the outrageous prices some sellers put up.

As for solar charge controllers, a 30A PWM solar controller should cost between N9k to N10k, or less. Don't pay more than that.

Now let us continue with setting up our solar power generator...

It's time now to hang our solar panels and connect it to our battery.

The solar panels need to be placed in a position where they can get maximum sunlight throughout the day. In that spot, there should be minimal casting of shadows on the panel. Also, we need to avoid placing them in positions where they can be tampered from time to time.

This is why the roof is the preferred spot for hanging solar panels.

So, we carry our panel to the preferred spot and place it, with the dark crystalline surface facing up.

We will then connect our cable (remember the 16mm cables we purchased?) to run from the solar panel to the solar charge controller.

Under the solar panel, there is a little box as in the picture below:

There are two wires sticking out of the box, one marked (+) and the other (-).

Connect the red cable to the wire marked (+). The length should run all the way to the solar charge controller. Then connect the other black cable to the wire marked (-).

If both your cables are the same color, then mark the cable connected to the (+) wire. You can do this by putting a cellotape round both ends of the cable. This is important as we need to ensure we do not mix up the (+) point with the (-) point.

Secure your panel in position so that it cannot shift or move about. A strong wire can tie it down or you use another method. This depends on your unique circumstances.

Run the other end of the cables to your solar charge controller.

Recall the six points indicated on the controller earlier? It's reproduced again below.

Connect the red or marked cable to point marked 1 as in the diagram, on the controller. Ensure it is firmly connected, then connect the other cable to the point marked 2. Fasten it properly too.

The solar controller is an "intelligent" device. It will automatically read the battery capacity and the solar panel ratings accordingly.

The display on the controller should come up. You do not really need to change any settings on it. They're intelligent enough to make regulate your charging automatically.

Now your solar generator is all set up. Enjoy.

I have an almost new 1000w souer inverter without charger for sale, just 9k, my number is on my signature if interested

Penuelseun:
I have an almost new 1000w souer inverter without charger for sale, just 9k, my number is on my signature if interested

Is that 1KVA?

Where is your location

psucc:
Is that 1KVA?

Where is your location

Ogun State, I think it can safely power 500watt load

Mordecai:


A mono 100w solar panel might cost about N20k to N22k. A poly 100w panel, about N16k.

I recommend looking up the prices on online stores before buying from our local retailers. And when checking online, ignore the outrageous prices some sellers put up.

As for solar charge controllers, a 30A PWM solar controller should cost between N9k to N10k, or less. Don't pay more than that.

thanks. I want to get more info about it before buying.

please can you share photos of the mono panels and charge controller, possibly one you use .

Please which solar panel manufacturer do you recommend. Just like there are different phone manufacturers

Thank you for this informative thread.

I have a question. If I am on the Solar power, say on a hot and sunny afternoon. Will the power be recharging from the sun simultaneously thereby giving longer hours or does it discharge completely after a certain period of time regardless?

Mordecai:


A mono 100w solar panel might cost about N20k to N22k. A poly 100w panel, about N16k.

I recommend looking up the prices on online stores before buying from our local retailers. And when checking online, ignore the outrageous prices some sellers put up.

As for solar charge controllers, a 30A PWM solar controller should cost between N9k to N10k, or less. Don't pay more than that.

Casemiro:


thanks. I want to get more info about it before buying.

please can you share photos of the mono panels and charge controller, possibly one you use .

Please which solar panel manufacturer do you recommend. Just like there are different phone manufacturers

I use monocrystalline panels. They are actually more efficient than polycrystalline panels. Though they cost more. I really have not looked into solar panel manufacturers, maybe because solar panels have a long lifespan, as much as 25 years.

I really can't check mine, cos I'll have to climb the roof

But below is a picture of the solar controller I use where I am at the moment, somewhere up north. I use it with a 1200VA mercury inverter, a 100AH battery, and two solar panels, each 18V 100W.

feelme3:
Thank you for this informative thread.

I have a question. If I am on the Solar power, say on a hot and sunny afternoon. Will the power be recharging from the sun simultaneously thereby giving longer hours or does it discharge completely after a certain period of time regardless?

The rule of thumb is this:

If more power is coming in than the one being used, the battery charges. If more power is being used than is coming in, it discharges.

For instance, if I have a 200w solar panel and it is sunny, while I have a total load of 100w on, the battery will be getting more power than it is giving out. It'll be getting charged.
If the total load is about 200w, it won't get charged, but won't get discharged either. But if the total load is about 300w, it will be getting discharged.

That's the general idea of how it works.

Kai, u r gud. Dis is a selfless effort

Mordecai:


I use monocrystalline panels. They are actually more efficient than polycrystalline panels. Though they cost more. I really have not looked into solar panel manufacturers, maybe because solar panels have a long lifespan, as much as 25 years.

I really can't check mine, cos I'll have to climb the roof

But below is a picture of the solar controller I use where I am at the moment, somewhere up north. I use it with a 1200VA mercury inverter, a 100AH battery, and two solar panels, each 18V 100W.

thanks for your elaborate clarification.

Just wanted to understand better how this works before venturing into it.


Please sorry for my questions.

What could be the cheapest package one can get on a solar system?


is it possible to get a very small panel to connect just to PC, and maybe an extension?

Casemiro:



thanks for your elaborate clarification.

Just wanted to understand better how this works before venturing into it.


Please sorry for my questions.

What could be the cheapest package one can get on a solar system?


is it possible to get a very small panel to connect just to PC, and maybe an extension?

Your questions are welcome. It's fine.

Solar power has many uses. I have seen someone set up a solar system just for his POS terminal and laptop in his shop. From what he told me, it cost him less than 20k.

The cost of your system is determined by the expected use.

The five components I listed is about everything you need for it. So, you can make adjustments to the capacities of each of them as necessary to fit what you need it for.

As I have suggested, don't look for complete packages, especially if you are on a budget. Consider the costs, component by component.

Soon, I'll explain how to make the necessary calculations in getting your components.

I have been following this thread and I must say its been so educative. Thanks for this.

I also do have a solar setup BUT I opted for the DC option.

Breakdown of my setup

2nos 80 watts solar panel Got both them on jiji for 18k @9k each though used oo. But they looked preety new so....

Solar charge controller (Jumia@6k+)

3 DC led light tubes (1k each)

2 DC fans (small one 4k or so and bigger one.. I had lying around bought years ago


1 DC tv
1 GOtv decoder

For now I use mostly the lights + fans and the run almost 24 hours. This is so because I have not gotten around to buy a Deep cycle battery. I just use on the interim 2 old car batteries for now I had lying around and are already not at full capacity again . They serve me well at least till they give up totally

When I get the inverter battery I would use the tv 24/7 or less when there is PHCN power.

And maybe as time elapse and funds come in I would also add more panels and led tubes etc.

Been running the setup for a year now and no hassles. This setup saves me fuel and running cost of my generator and except there is power failure for more than 2 days or so do I run it to power the freezer or run the washing machine.. Else... All man dey your dey.. We kukuma have lights, TV and Fan..

Mordecai:


Your questions are welcome. It's fine.

Solar power has many uses. I have seen someone set up a solar system just for his POS terminal and laptop in his shop. From what he told me, it cost him less than 20k.

The cost of your system is determined by the expected use.

The five components I listed is about everything you need for it. So, you can make adjustments to the capacities of each of them as necessary to fit what you need it for.

As I have suggested, don't look for complete packages, especially if you are on a budget. Consider the costs, component by component.

Soon, I'll explain how to make the necessary calculations in getting your components.

Thanks for your time.

so 20k can help set up solar

Mordecai:


Your questions are welcome. It's fine.

Solar power has many uses. I have seen someone set up a solar system just for his POS terminal and laptop in his shop. From what he told me, it cost him less than 20k.

The cost of your system is determined by the expected use.

The five components I listed is about everything you need for it. So, you can make adjustments to the capacities of each of them as necessary to fit what you need it for.

As I have suggested, don't look for complete packages, especially if you are on a budget. Consider the costs, component by component.

Soon, I'll explain how to make the necessary calculations in getting your components.

can't wait for this class.

Thanks in advance

Casemiro:



Thanks for your time.

so 20k can help set up solar

Sure. Think of it like clothing. You can buy some for 500. Some cost 5k. Some cost 500k.

Total even sells some solar devices for 12k.

It all depends on what you want.

Still laughing

oblo:
I have been following this thread and I must say its been so educative. Thanks for this.

I also do have a solar setup BUT I opted for the DC option.

Breakdown of my setup

2nos 80 watts solar panel Got both them on jiji for 18k @9k each though used oo. But they looked preety new so....

Solar charge controller (Jumia@6k+)

3 DC led light tubes (1k each)

2 DC fans (small one 4k or so and bigger one.. I had lying around bought years ago


1 DC tv
1 GOtv decoder

For now I use mostly the lights + fans and the run almost 24 hours. This is so because I have not gotten around to buy a Deep cycle battery. I just use on the interim 2 old car batteries for now I had lying around and are already not at full capacity again . They serve me well at least till they give up totally

When I get the inverter battery I would use the tv 24/7 or less when there is PHCN power.

And maybe as time elapse and funds come in I would also add more panels and led tubes etc.

Been running the setup for a year now and no hassles. This setup saves me fuel and running cost of my generator and except there is power failure for more than 2 days or so do I run it to power the freezer or run the washing machine.. Else... All man dey your dey.. We kukuma have lights, TV and Fan..

That's the real deal, my brother.

Thumbs up...

Mordecai:




Sure. Think of it like clothing. You can buy some for 500. Some cost 5k. Some cost 500k.

Total even sells some solar devices for 12k.

It all depends on what you want.

Still laughing

it's funny sha. Many people have been discouraged to use solar system because of the outrageous prices.



when you ask for a quote, you'll be hearing 300k+!


Please can you give a breakdown of the cheapest Solar panel set up for charging just phones and possibly laptop, possibly connecting just one extension to it

Casemiro:



it's funny sha. Many people have been discouraged to use solar system because of the outrageous prices.



when you ask for a quote, you'll be hearing 300k+!


Please can you give a breakdown of the cheapest Solar panel set up for charging just phones and possibly laptop, possibly connecting just one extension to it

You guys will be the ones asking for inverters that can carry refrigerators and acs, if you want to enjoy inverter, close eye spend money

Penuelseun:
You guys will be the ones asking for inverters that can carry refrigerators and acs, if you want to enjoy inverter, close eye spend money

I understand that the more things you are to power, the more money you spend.




But why spend much when you'll be needing the solar panel system just to charge your phone, nothing else?

Mordecai:

That's the real deal, my brother.
Thumbs up...

op abeg school don dismiss or we dey for breaktime?

psucc:
op abeg school don dismiss or we dey for breaktime?

I'm very much around. Work demands on my time is high now, but I'll get back to it soon.

Apologies.

I want just inverter and battery(ies) to power basic electronics set up, PS4, charge my devices, couple of fans.
Maybe to run for like 12 hours daily in the absence of Nepa.
How much would it cost?

Note no need for solar.

Interesting thread. Super beginner friendly. I like how the OP break down the technology that people often find confusing. Good job

OP thanks alot i followed this thread from page one to the last, i hava a question ;A budget of how much can power my 32inch tv,5 led bulbs,dstv and celing fan with one standing fan?

Mordecai:


I'm very much around. Work demands on my time is high now, but I'll get back to it soon.

Apologies.

Oh! A very kind teacher.

Thanks for that assurance.

Mordecai:


I'm very much around. Work demands on my time is high now, but I'll get back to it soon.

Apologies.

Well done boss , I sent you an email sir , kindly help treat it .
Thank you for the good work

Thanks so much for sharing this sir @Mordecai.

I have just a question, please how can I dual charges(PHCN) the system? I don't wanna use just the sun.

Thank you.