Update 2: Installation of solar panels and the inverter

ubongudofot -

Yesterday marks the third day of the installation process of the STEEM Lighting Africa project and it was the solar PVs installation day!


I first started by hiring an electrical ladder. This would help me gain my balance while installing.


I had to check the stand again to be sure it would be strong enough to carry all the 6 panels.

One other thing I put into consideration the height and the wind.

So, While installing this stand, we used much of cement and gravels than sand.

Next was the installation of the 200W Canadian solar PVs. The connections here was in parallel because it's a 12V system.

The 6 panels will give the system a super charge function.

They can NEVER experience power failure due to low charging factor.


I managed to take a selfie... despite the heat from the panels.

By the way, did you know that this panels generate much heat..? Well, it does.


After the whole solar mounting, I stepped back to check the arrangement, and I noticed some irregularities in the arrangement, so I tried to adjust them.



Next was the connections of the main system inside and that is the battery and the inverter.

The whole installation and test running took me about 5 hours and at the end, everything was successful.


System Configuration:

System Performance based on yesterday's observation:

Peak Power Output is about 1200W, while daily energy yield is approximately 5.5-6.5 kWh (though this would be depending on solar irradiance and temperature).

The battery state of charge (SOC) was about 80% (average) after a half day of charging. This is so because the battery is new and I had already charge the battery 2 days ago using my spare unit at my shop. So, technically, if I say "after charging the battery for a full day, I got 80% (SOC)" then I'm still correct.


And now?

The work is done! This mark my 4th successful solar project using STEEM througb the help of friends.

I want to use this medium to thank all the friends who have been supportive throughout the whole fund raising stage till this moment and the big whales.

Guess what is remaining now..?