Project Description
This lead was for a longstanding SolarKobo client. It was designed to provide up to 3kVA of backup electricity to offset grid-power deficit whilst providing significant backup power. A 3kVA power system can run at least one 1hp air conditioner unit, fridge, washing machine, microwave alongside a television, blender, electric grill, multiple energy saver bulbs, slow cooker, laptops and fans.
Solar Panels
Twelve (12) 280W monocrystalline all-black Era Solar™ were connected in four strings of three panels each.
In an all-black cell, the electrical contacts that connect the cells to each other and to the modules terminals, otherwise called fingers and busbars are generally not visible on the surface. They are installed on the rear side of the panel. They are much easier to visually integrate into roofs. This not only brings more effective power generation area to users, but also helps to improve power generation efficiency. Also, with a crisp appearance and an all-black aesthetic, IBC solar panels are by far the most beautiful of the different designs. Learn more here.
Inverter
The Cobalt™ brand of inverter was used in designing the system. The Cobalt™ brand of inverters is made in the United Kingdom. They are built for rugged power and physical environments.
General Features of The Cobalt™ Inverter
The Cobalt™ inverter incorporates a battery charger and an automatic voltage regulator.
It is a pure sine wave inverter. Read more about pure sine wave inverters here.
It has hybrid capabilities, thus, it can be used with a battery pack, solar panels and grid power. As an intelligent inverter fitted with an in-built automatic transfer switch, the cobalt inverter able to automatically select the preferred source and switches the load accordingly.
It incorporates a smart charger. It is sold as an inverter/charger.
It has displays that show the state of the inverter.
Home, Factory and Office Integration
The Cobalt™ inverter come in black metallic casing built to complement both interior home, office and exterior factory designs. The cobalt inverter is noiseless and emits no fumes. It is made to be mounted on walls.
Batteries
Eight (8) Ritar AGM batteries, at 48V each were used for the system. Their role is to provide the DC that is to be converted to AC by the inverter for use in appliances and to store energy produced from solar panels for later use especially in the absence of sunlight and grid power. They contribute the most to the total financial investment on the system.
The choice of AGM batteries was because they are the safest battery design. They can be installed in living areas and office corners without any risk of harm to the users. They emit gases only when severely overcharged. They eliminate worries about explosions. They are also maintenance-free for life and do not require constant maintenance.
Upgraded
At a later date, extra four (4) Ritar batteries were added to the battery bank on the customer's request making a total of 12 batteries for the bank.
Charge Controller
An 80A Fangspun charge controller was used in designing the system. The work of a charge controller is to keep the batteries in a solar panel-deep cycle inverter system from overcharging by regulating the charging and discharging of the battery.
The Fangspun is a direct clone of the Outback FLEXmax. Built for high performance, it can handle high amounts of DC volts and convert them to 12V to 60V for battery banks. It comes with a very high maximum input voltage capacity, up to 80A, making them perfect for large-scale installations. Learn more here.
Protection Features
In addition to the protection features provided by the inverter against reverse current, overload and overcharge, the system incorporates extra protection features including AC and DC circuit breakers and surge adapters. They offer additional protection to the client's investment. They also make it easy and safe to disconnect the system from the panels in the case of emergencies like lightning that could damage the inverter or solar panel fires.
SolarKobo helps its clients in Lagos and elsewhere in Nigeria figure out their power needs and make the best possible choice of all solar products including batteries, solar panels and charge controllers that meet their peculiar power needs and fit their budgets. We also have university-trained engineers who provide the best possible installation services on order.
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