Chapter 1

1.0 :Introduction.

Solar inverter converts direct current (DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a utility
frequency alternating current (AC) that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or used by a
local, off-grid electrical network. It is a critical balance of system (BOS)-component in a
photovoltaic system, allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. Solar power inverters
have special functions adapted for use with photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power
point tracking and anti-islanding protection.
The solar panel used in solar inverter produces direct electricity with the help of electrons that
are moving from negative to positive direction. Most of the appliances that we use at home
work on alternative current. This AC is created by the constant back and forth of the electrons
from negative to positive. In AC electricity the voltage can be adjusted according to the use of
the appliance. As solar panels only produce Direct current the solar inverter is used to convert
the DC to AC.

An inverter produces square waves or a sine wave which can be used for running lights,
televisions, lights, motors etc. However these inverters also produce harmonic distortion.

1.1 :Background.

Solar technology isn't new. Its history spans from the 7th Century B.C. to today. We started out
concentrating the sun's heat with glass and mirrors to light fires. Today, we have everything
from solar-powered buildings to solar-powered vehicles. Here you can learn more about the
milestones in the historical development of solar technology, century by century, and year by
year. You can also glimpse the future. From the 3rd Century BC when Archimedes fought off
Roman ships by concentrating the sun rays at them with brass shields (they burst into flame),
through work by some of the best known figures in the history of science, harnessing the power
of the sun has long been a goal of human innovation. Let's look at some of the highlights.
However, power failure has resulted in people buying generators for their own daily activity.
Other businesses are also not functioning due to the absence of a constant power supply. These
are the reasons that necessitate the designing and construction of an inverter and another
standby system that can deliver maximum output power to the load. As society grows from
simple to complex, mankind began to spread all over the earth and so it becomes necessary to
enjoy power using an inverter.

1.2 :Problem Statement.

• Initially you need to shell out a lot of money for buying a solar inverter
• It will work effectively and produce direct current only when the Sunlight is strong.
• The solar panels that are used to attract Sunlight requires lots of space
• The device can work efficiently only if the presence of the Sun is strong.
• Maintenance and replacement may require more effort. In the event of a problem, a
technician will need to access the roof to make repairs. Depending on your maintenance
plan and warranty, this may cost you money.

1.3 :Objectives.

The main aim of this project is to design and construct a 2.5kva solar inverter system capable of
achieving the following objectives:

An inverter that will produce an output up to 2.5kva with input from a 24V battery and can be
used to power AC loads Generation of a pure sine wave output Use a microcontroller as the
main circuit control component hence reducing system complexity. To ensure that provision is
made for backup supply to consumer equipment.

1.4 :Scope of the Study.

This project is designed for a power supply up to 2.5kva, with a battery input of 24V DC.
Although the project design is limited only to a single phase, with an output of 230(±30V) . With
the implementation of both overload and low battery protection.

It should also be able to tell you when you connect the panels wrongly (1.e. positive to
negative, etc) and also provide protection against short-circuit. For this reason a charge
controller must be used to offer protection from high voltage and current from the panels [5].

• The inverter frequency is rated at 50hz.

1.5 Significance of the Study.

Solar inverter is useful in making appliances work at residential and industrial levels, such as:
• A Solar Inverter is better for solar power than the regular one. For example, it will
 • prioritise power supply from the solar panels. This means that when the energy from the
Sun
• is adequate like during afternoons, the inverter will draw power entirely from the solar
panels
• to power your home or office even if public power supply is available. This can lead to huge
• savings on power bills.

• Also use of solar inverter helps in saving money that would have used for buying fuel for
• conventional generator,
• Some solar inverters are even intelligent enough just to take just as much deficit current
from the grid as its required.
• A solar inverter helps in converting the Direct current in batteries into alternative current.
This helps people who use limited amount of electricity.
• There is this synchronous solar inverter that helps small homeowners and power companies
as they are large in size.
• Then there is this multifunction solar inverter which is the best among all and works
efficiently. It converts the DC power to AC very carefully which is perfect for commercial
establishments.
• Solar inverters are the best way and they are better than the normal electric ones. Also their
maintenance does not cost much money.
• Solar Inverters can work when there is no Sunlight but provided their battery is charged fully
with the help of Sunlight.

1.6 :Structure of the Report.

This work is organized in such a way that every reader of this work will understand how solar
power inverter is been made. Starting from the chapter one to chapter five focused fully on the
topic at hand.
• Chapter one of this work is on the introduction to solar power inverter. In this chapter, the
background, significance, objective limitation and problem of solar power inverter were
discussed.
• Chapter two is on literature review of solar power inverter. In this chapter, all the literature
pertaining to this work was reviewed.
• Chapter three is on design methodology. In this chapter all the method involved during the
design and construction were discussed.
• Chapter four is on testing analysis. All testing that result accurate functionality was analyzed.
Chapter five is on conclusion, recommendation and references.
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