Published Online:October 2024
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJEEE102402
Author Name:Jafar Alabi Zubair, Damilola Rebecca Adejare-Adesiyan, Oluseye Adeniyi Adeleke and Abdul Rasak Zubair
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Engineering
Download Format:PDF
Pages:15
The paper explores the efficiency of fabricated solar panels using nonconventional materials—an approach that has significant potential for increasing the adoption of solar energy in resource-constrained environments. The fabrication of solar panels using local materials is presented in the paper. Solar cells are devices that convert solar energy directly into electricity-appropriate tools. Thirty-six cells are connected to form a solar array and six components support the solar array to form a solar panel. These components safeguard the array against the adverse effects of weatherrelated factors such as hail, airborne debris, moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation. They also provide mechanical support and electrical insulation. Local materials are used for some of these components. Two types of solar cells are considered: Polycrystalline panel and monocrystalline panel give an average power of 80 W and 60 W, respectively, at an average terminal voltage of 18 V. The performances of the locally-fabricated solar panels are comparable with that of imported solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panel is found to offer higher space efficiency compared to polycrystalline type.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy. It has enormous economic challenges, which include low productivity, poor leadership/government, high inflation, weak currency and poor infrastructure. Nigeria’s currency naira has depreciated significantly against the US dollar in recent years.