OFF- GRID SOLAR POWERED PV SYSTEM 2024-25

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTERS TOPIC PAGE.NO

1
CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION
2
CHAPTER-2 LITERATURE SURVEY
3
CHAPTER-3 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
4-7
CHAPTER-4 METHODOLOGY
8-17
CHAPTER-5 COMPONENTS
18-22
CHAPTER-6 TYPES OF PV SYSTEMS
23
CHAPTER-7 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
24-27
CHAPTER-8 ADVANTAGES,DISADVANTAGES
AND APPLICATIONS
28
CONCLUSION
29
BIBLIOGRAPHY
30
PHOTOGRAPHS
31
BIOGRAPHY

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OFF- GRID SOLAR POWERED PV SYSTEM 2024-25

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

Over the years there has been an increase in the earth's population which is directly proportional
to the energy used as well. All the possible gadgets and equipment need some or the other kind of
energy to function. With depleting fossil fuel reserves it becomes necessary to identify viable
renewable energy resources that can decrease the dependency on fossil fuels.

Solar energy is the most abundant form of energy available to us. It is approximated that 10000
TW worth of solar energy is incident on earth's surface in a day (Bosshard, 2006). According to a
report, the world energy consumption in 2015 was 17.4 TW altogether (Seger. 2016). There has
been a minimal increase in the energy consumption every year, approximately 1-1.5% annual
growth. The world's total energy consumption is expected to grow by 56% by the year 2040 (U.S
Energy Information Administration, 2013). Comparing current consumption, projected growth in
two decades, and the amount of solar radiation received in an hour the potential solar energy
usage is good.

Despite this energy potential available to us the current utilization of solar energy is less than 5%
globally. There are countries that are taking initiatives to switch from using fossil fuels to solar
applications. These countries form a pool called the G-20 countries which have taken the global
leadership to adopt renewable resources of energy. Germany is one of the G20 countries that has
switched its energy needs to approximately 38% to solar and aims to go completely stop its
dependency on nuclear and replace it with solar by the year 2050 (Richardson, 2017).

Apart from harvesting the resource and decreasing the dependency on fossil fuel because they are
limited, burning of fossil fuels for energy has an adverse effect on the environment. It releases
CO₂ into the atmosphere which is responsible for the greenhouse effect. Further, it also causes the
ozone layer to be depleted. These mentioned phenomena can result in acid rain, air pollution, etc.

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OFF- GRID SOLAR POWERED PV SYSTEM 2024-25

CHAPTER-2
LITERATURE SURVEY
Being off grid means the system works independently and the consumer is not connected to any
utility's power system. An off-grid PV system refers to an installation that is not connected to the
electricity grid. This means that all the energy produced is stored and used on site.

Census 2011 throws light on the darkness across India. Of the 246 million households.67 per cent
get electricity from the grid, while 31 per cent have no option but to use kerosene lamps. In 2001,
government initiated a nationwide programme to provide off-grid, clean alternatives, mostly solar,
in remote areas. Solar has now lit up more than a million homes-a 100 per cent increase since
2001-though the programme has its share of loopholes. This situation presents both challenges
and opportunities. The answer to the country's energy poverty could lie in decentralized solar.

Joel Kumar, Ankur Paliwal and Sayantan Bera from Down to earth organisation who assessed
the programme's performance, says the case for off-grid solar is clear and urgent and carries out a
reality check in Uttarakhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and in Assam where there is a need of
electricity to the households.

According to IFC's lighting India program, nearly 400 million people in India do not use grid
electricity as their primary source of lighting. 43 percent of rural households still use kerosene as
a primary source of fuel for lighting. A variety of modern off-grid electric lighting technologies
have emerged globally over the last decade. These technologies are popular because they are
cost-effective, robust, and use small amounts of energy. The emergence of a large market for
these technologies has led to efforts to develop the market for them.

As per the research conducted by Times of India, barely one in every ten households in rural
Bihar and two-thirds of houses in the state's urban areas use electricity to light their houses. Just
over half of rural India uses electricity as its main source of lighting, an increase of 12% over
2001. If that seems heartening, the data also shows that 43% of rural households still use
kerosene to light their houses, implying that the kerosene subsidy may not be as pointless as
some would suggest. In urban India, the spread of electricity is more complete, with 93% of
households using electricity as their primary source of light.

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OFF- GRID SOLAR POWERED PV SYSTEM 2024-25

CHAPTER-3
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

 A small attempt is made to electrify EEE classrooms using solar energy and contribute a
minute way (micro level) to the energy crisis solution.

 Normally, the classrooms of EEE dept. are powered with grid supply. In order to reduce
the dependency on fossil fuels, the electric load of the classrooms is powered by using off grid
PV solar system.

 An off-grid PV system will generate enough power all year-round, with enough battery
capacity to meet the power requirement of classrooms, even in the heart of winter, when the days
are short and there is a lot less sunlight.

 Off-grid solar systems will produce extra electricity during the day. This extra electricity
is stored in the batteries. The energy stored in the batteries can then be accessed at night or during
cloudy days when the system is not producing energy.

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CHAPTER-4
METHODOLOGY
4.1.Proposal to use Standalone PV System for EEE Classroom's lighting/fans:
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of RYMEC has always been a leader in embracing
new technologies that promotes betterment of the environment and its students. The classrooms of EEE
dept. teaches hundreds of the students on a day-to-day basis. Currently, all the classrooms in the
department are connected with the existing electrical grid. Hence, taking an initiative to contribute to the
department (socio-responsibility) and create awareness among the students regarding the need for
alternate energy source the following PV system has been designed.

4.2. BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure: Block diagram of Off Grid PV solar system

4.3. Load calculations:

In LH1 Classroom:
Total number of tube lights = 4
Total number of fans = 5
Power consumption of each tube light = 20 W
Power consumption of each fan = 70 W
For four tube lights = 20*4=80 W
For five fans= 70*5=350 W
Total load in LH1 Classroom = 80+350=430 W

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In LH2 Classroom:
Total number of tube lights = 4
Total number of fans = 5
Power consumption of each tube light=20w
Power consumption of each fan=70w
For four tube lights=20*4=80w
For five =70* 5 = 350W
Total load in LH2 Classroom = 80 + 350 = 430W
According to the above load calculations, the components are considered as below:

In this direction an "OFF GRID PV SOLAR SYSTEM" of 900 W is installed using the
following COMPONENTS
The components used are listed below:
[1] Solar panel
[2] Battery
[3] Inverter
[4] Charge controller
The ratings of the above components are given below:

4.4. Solar Panels Sizing

As per the load calculations for LH3 and LH4 classrooms, Wattage details of solar panels used is
described below:
Total Number of solar panels used = 2
solar panels with rating of 36V ,450W = 2
Total Wattage of solar panels used 450+450=900 W

4.5. Battery Sizing

Total number of batteries used = 2
Specifications of a battery:
Nominal Voltage: 12V
Max. charge Current: 25A
Capacity: 100Ah
Type: C20, tall tubular, Lead-Acid Battery

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4.6. Invertor Sizing

As per the solar panels used, the Invertor with following specifications is used:
Input voltage: 100V-300V
Output Voltage (Main mode): 100V~300V
Output Voltage (UPS mode): 210V±10%
Current: 50A
Output Waveform: Pure Sinewave

4.7. CONNECTION DIAGRAM

Figure: Connection diagram of Off-Grid PV system

The above Connection diagram shows how to wire a four 36V Solar Panels in series-parallel
connection to a pair of 12V, 100Ah battery with an automatic inverter system. Note that the
number of solar panels and batteries depends on the system's design and load requirements i.e.,
multiple batteries and solar panels can be connected in series, parallel or series parallel
connection to increase the Ah rating and storage capacity.

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To do this wiring, the two sets (pairs) of PV panels are made and connected them in series. This
way, we will have two pairs of solar panels connected in series. Now, the two sets of series
connected solar panels are connected in parallel as shown in the above fig. Now, we are having
four 36V, 10A solar panels connected in series-parallel configuration.

As a next step, you can connect these solar panels to a charge controller. A basic DC load (12 or
24V) can be directly powered up by connecting it to the charge controller.

The AC load can be powered up in two ways. Firstly, it can be directly powered up by solar
power during the normal sunshine (day). Secondly, the AC load (120V/230V AC) can be
powered up by the stored power in the batteries using an inverter during shading (or night). The
number of solar panels and batteries depends on the load requirements where solar panels keep
charging the batteries as well as power up the AC load

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OFF- GRID SOLAR POWERED PV SYSTEM 2024-25

CHAPTER-5
The detailed explanation of components considered are given below:

5.1. Solar panel

Photovoltaic Cells
In the 18th century, Swiss physicists assembled a warm trap, which was a small-scale
greenhouse. He developed a hot box, by a glass box in another larger glass box, a total of up to
five boxes. When they are proposed to coordinate the sun illumination, the temperature in the
deepest box can be raised to 108 degrees Celsius; warm enough to soak water and cook food.
These crates can be considered the world's first solar collection. In the late 1950, some
organizations and research facilities began to create a silicon based solar cell that considers the
goal of controlling Earth-orbiting satellites. These include RCA, Hoffman Electronics, and in
addition, the U.S. Army Alert Corps (Desideri, Zapparelli, & Garroni, 2013).

A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electrical device that converts the energy of
photons that are incident on it to electrical energy, which is a natural and synthetic marvel. A
separate cell unit can be connected to a frame module, also known as a solar panel. Different
solar cells in a unified set, all arranged in the plane represents a solar photovoltaic board or
module. PV modules usually have a glass in front of the panel, allowing light to pass through,
while ensuring that the semiconductor plate is protected inside the case.

Solar cells are usually associated, and arranged in series or parallel module, depending
upon the requirement of the customer. The parallel interface unit gets higher current; however.
the problem, for example, that shadow effects can turn off weaker (less bright) parallel strings
(different permutations of cells) can cause great unpleasant effects and may cause damage
because of their enlightened complicity and the reversal of dark cell tendencies. A series of
stacked units are usually autonomous and not parallel, but starting from 2014, each module
provides a singular power box on a regular basis and connects in parallel.

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Working Principle of Solar Panels

There is abundance of solar energy available to be harvested. A brief discussion of what

PV cells is done. It is necessary to understand how these cells generate electricity to design
systems that can be in tandem with these basic concepts. The following discussion will explain
how the cells generate electricity.

Principle: Sun is a powerhouse of energy, and this energy moves around in the form of
electromagnetic radiations. These radiations are of several types such as light, radio waves, etc.
depending upon the wavelength of the radiations emitted. A very less percentage of sun's
radiations reach the earth's atmosphere in the form of visible light. Solar cells use this visible
light to make electrons. Different wavelength of light is used by different solar cells.

Solar cells are made up of semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which is used to produce
electricity. The electricity is conducted as a stream of tiny particles called electrons and the
stream is called electric current. Two main types of electric currents are DC (direct current) in
which the flow of current is in the same direction while in AC (Alternating current) it may
reverse the direction of current. A typical solar cell has two layers of silicon, which is n-type at
the top and p-type at the
bottom.

Figure working of solar cell

When sunlight strikes the solar cell, the electrons are absorbed by silicon, they flow between n
and p-layers to produce electric current and the current leaves the cell through the metal contact.
The electricity generated is of AC type.

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5.2. Battery
An electrochemical power source or battery is a device which enables the energy liberated
in a chemical reaction to be converted directly into electricity. Batteries fulfil two main functions;
they are portable sources of electric power and they are used to store the electrical energy. The
primary cell or battery is a system whose useful life is ended once its reactants have been
consumed by the discharge process. But the secondary battery is capable of being charged or
recharged when its reactants have been used up. The spontaneous electrochemical reaction can be
reversed by passing current through the cell in the opposite direction to that of cell discharge. It
means the secondary battery might be considered as an electrochemical energy storage unit. For
our application we select the lithium-ion battery because it came with less maintenance cost and
more power efficient. Here we are using 12V 100Ah battery. We used two 12V 100Ah battery in
series connection.

LEAD-ACID
Li-ion batteries, as one of the most advanced rechargeable batteries, are attracting much
attention in the past few decades. They are currently the dominant mobile power sources for
portable electronic devices, exclusively used in cell phones and laptop computers. Li-ion batteries
are considered the powerhouse for the personal digital electronic revolution starting from about
two decades ago, roughly at the same time when Li-ion batteries were commercialized. As one
may has already noticed from his her daily life, the increasing functionality of mobile electronics
always demand for better Li-ion batteries. For example, to charge the cell phone with increasing
functionalities less frequently as the current phone will improve quality of one's life. Another
important expanding market for Li-ion batteries is electric and hybrid vehicles, which require
next-generation Li-ion batteries with not only high power, high capacity, high charging rate, long
life, but also dramatically improved safety performance and low cost.

The demand for Li-ion batteries increases rapidly, especially with the demand from
electric powered vehicles (Fig. 1). It is expected that nearly 100 GW hours of Li-ion batteries are
required to meet the needs from consumer use and electric-powered vehicles with the later takes
about 50% of Lead acid battery sale by 2018. Furthermore, Li-ion batteries will also be employed
to buffer the intermittent and fluctuating green energy supply from renewable resources, such as
Charge controller and wind, to smooth the difference between energy supply and demand. For
example, extra Charge controller energy generated during the day time can be stored in Li-ion
batteries that will supply energy at night when sun light is not available.

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Figure: cross sectional diagram of Lead Acid battery

Lead Acid Batteries

A Lead acid battery is constructed by connected basic Li-ion cells in parallel (to increase
current) in series (to increase voltage) or combined configurations. Multiple battery cells can be
integrated into a module. Multiple modules can be intergrade into a battery pack. For example,
the 85-kWh battery pack in a typical Tesla car contains 7104 cells. Typically, a basic Li-ion cell
consists of a cathode (positive electrode) and an anode (negative electrode) which are contacted
by an electrolyte containing lithium ions. The electrodes are isolated from each other by a
separator, typically microporous polymer membrane, which allows the exchange of lithium ions
between the two electrodes but not electrons. In addition to liquid electrolyte. polymer, gel, and
ceramic electrolyte have also been explored for applications in Li-ion batteries. Figure 2
illustrates the basic operating principle of a typical Lead acid battery cell. The basic design of Li-
ion cells today is still the same as those cells Sony commercialized two decades age, although
various kinds of electrode materials, electrolyte, and separators have been explored.

The commercial cells are typically assembled in discharged state. The discharged cathode
materials (e.g., LiCoO2, LiFePO4) and anode materials (e.g., carbon) are stable in atmosphere
and can be easily handled in industrial practices. Li-ion batteries by using discharged electrode
materials in full cells for the first time.

During charging process, the two electrodes are connected externally to an external
electrical supply. The electrons are forced to be released at the cathode and move externally to the
anode. Simultaneously the lithium ions move in the same direction, but internally, from cathode
to anode via the electrolyte. In this way the External energy is electrochemically stored in the
battery in the form of chemical energy in the anode and cathode materials with different chemical
potentials. The opposite occurs during discharging process: electrons move from anode to the
cathode through the external load to do the work and Li ions move from anode to the cathode in
the electrolyte. This is also known as "shuttle chair" mechanism, where the Li ions shuttle
between the anode and cathodes during charge and discharge cycles.

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Electrochemical reactions at the two electrodes released the stored chemical energy. The
total Gibbs free energy change due to the electrochemical reactions on the two electrodes is
determined by the electrode materials selected. Given the overall electrochemical reaction and
charges transferred, one can estimate the theoretical cell voltage (E-G/nF). The performance of
Li-ion batteries can be evaluated by a number of parameters, such as specific energy, volumetric
energy, specific capacity, cyclability, safety, abuse tolerance, and the dis/charging rate. Specific
energy (Wh/kg) measures the amount of energy that can be stored and released per unit mass of
the battery. It can be obtained by multiplying the specific capacity(Ah/kg) with operating battery
voltage (V). Specific capacity measures the amount of charge that can be reversibly stored per
unit mass. It is closely related to number of electrons released from electrochemical reactions and
the atomic weight of the host.

Figure. Chemical reaction in Lead acid battery

5.3. Inverter
Inverter deals with following main tasks of energy: (ALTE store, n.d.)

 Convert DC from PV module to AC

 Ensure that the cycle of alternating current cycles is 60 cycles

 Reduce voltage variations

 Ensure that the condition of the AC waveform is suitable for the application

Most system-connected inverters can be introduced externally, and most of the off-grid
inverters are not weather-resistant. There are basically two types of grid intelligent Inverters:
Those designed for batteries and those designed for systems without battery-connected inverter
systems and give excellent void-quality strength. For matrix associations, the inverter should
have a "useful-interactive" typeface, which is printed specifically for the publication name.

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Grid-connected systems measure the power of extracting PV clusters rather than a bunch
of prerequisite buildings. It asserts that what each power supply needs are what the matrix-related
PV system can give naturally is drawn from the net.

Invertors used for solar PV systems are usually based upon the total wattage of the solar
panels, as the invertor will be continuously converting the power generated. The second
consideration one must investigate, is the voltage level of the system. The Invertor used in this
project is of 24V 1850 VA.

Figure. Circuit diagram of Invertor

Input voltage
A typical power inverter device or circuit requires a stable DC power source capable of
supplying enough current for the intended power demands of the system. The input voltage
depends on the design and purpose of the inverter. Examples include:

 12 V DC, for smaller consumer and commercial inverters that typically run from a
rechargeable 12 V lead acid battery or automotive electrical outlet.
 24, 36 and 48 V DC, which are common standards for home energy systems.
 200 to 400 V DC, when power is from photovoltaic solar panels.
 300 to 450 V DC, when power is from electric vehicle battery packs in vehicle-to-grid
systems.
 Hundreds of thousands of volts, where the inverter is part of a high-voltage direct current
power transmission system.
Output waveform

An inverter may produce a square wave, modified sine wave, pulsed sine wave, pulse width
modulated wave (PWM) or sine wave depending on circuit design. Common types of inverters

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produce square waves or quasi-square waves. One measure of the purity of a sine wave is the
total harmonic distortion (THD). A 50% duty cycle (on half of the time) square wave is
equivalent to a sine wave with 48% THD.

Technical standards for commercial power distribution grids require less than 3% THD in the
wave shape at the customer's point of connection. IEEE Standard 519 recommends less than 5%
THD for systems connecting to a power grid.

Square wave
This is one of the simplest waveforms an inverter design can produce and is best suited to
low-sensitivity applications such as lighting and heating. Square wave output can produce
"humming" when connected to audio equipment and is generally unsuitable for sensitive
electronics.

Figure. Square wave

Sine wave
A power inverter device that produces a multiple step sinusoidal AC waveform is referred
to as a sine wave inverter. To distinguish the inverters more clearly with outputs of much less
distortion than the modified sine wave (three-step) inverter designs, the manufacturers often use
the phrase pure sine wave inverter. Almost all consumer grade inverters that are sold as a "pure
sine wave inverter" do not produce a smooth sine wave output at all, just a less choppy output
than the square wave (two-step) and modified sine wave (three-step) inverters. However, this is
not critical for most electronics as they deal with the output quite well.

Figure. Sine wave

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pure sine wave

Pure sine wave inverters are up to 2 times more expensive than a modified sine wave
Werter. A pure sine wave inverter will transform direct current (DC) into alternating current

(AC) which can then be used to deliver high-quality electrical current (similar to utility standards,
voltage: 230V, frequency: 50/60hz) to all sorts of home appliances. In addition, pure sine wave
inverters are also transformers. They raise the input DC voltage, for example, 12V, to a much
higher AC voltage, for example, 230V.

Output voltage
The AC output voltage of a power inverter is often regulated to be the same as the grid
line voltage, typically 120 or 240 VAC at the distribution level, even when there are changes in
the load that the inverter is driving. This allows the inverter to power numerous devices designed
for standard line power. Some inverters also allow selectable or continuously variable output
voltages.

5.4. Charge Controller

Charge controller is used in various sectors. For instance, it can be used in Charge
controller home system, Hybrid systems, Charge controller water pump system etc. In this, a
Charge controller panel convert's sunlight energy into electrical energy through an
electrochemical process also known as photovoltaic process. Energy is stored in the battery with
the help of Charge controller panel through a diode and a fuse. Energy stored in the battery can
be used when there is no sunlight as during discharge, chemical energy is converted into
electrical energy which in turn illuminates electrical appliances. Hence, it is needed to protect
battery form overcharge, deep discharging mode while de loads are used or in under voltage as it
is the main component in a Charge controller power charge controller.

Figure. Charge Controller

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For our application we select PV Charge controller charge controller as it is designed for
use with all types of 34V photovoltaic panels/systems and different types of 12V batteries. such
as wet or sealed lead acid, lead calcium and lead antimony battery.

Stand-alone charge controllers

Charge controllers are sold to consumers as separate devices, often in conjunction with
solar or wind power generators, for uses such as RV, boat, and off-the-grid home battery storage
systems. In solar applications, charge controllers may also be called solar regulators or solar
charge controllers. Some charge controllers/solar regulators have additional features. such as a
low voltage disconnect (LVD), a separate circuit which powers down the load when the batteries
become overly discharged (some battery chemistries are such that over-discharge can ruin the
battery).

A series charge controller or series regulator disables further current flow into batteries
when they are full. A shunt charge controller or shunt regulator diverts excess electricity to an
auxiliary or "shunt" load, such as an electric water heater, when batteries are full.

Simple charge controllers stop charging a battery when they exceed a set high voltage
level and re-enable charging when battery voltage drops back below that level. Pulse-width
modulation (PWM) and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) technologies are more
electronically sophisticated, adjusting charging rates depending on the battery's level, to allow
charging closer to its maximum capacity.

A charge controller with MPPT capability frees the system designer from closely
matching available PV voltage to battery voltage. Considerable efficiency gains can be achieved,
particularly when the PV array is located at some distance from the battery. By way of example, a
150-volt PV array connected to an MPPT charge controller can be used to charge a 24 or 48

volt battery. Higher array voltage means lower array current, so the savings in wiring
costscan more than pay for the controller.

Charge controllers may also monitor battery temperature to prevent overheating. Some
charge controller systems also display data, transmit data to remote displays, and data logging to
track electric flow over time.

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Integrated charge controller circuitry

Circuitry that functions as a charge regulator controller may consist of several electrical
components, or may be encapsulated in a single microchip, an integrated circuit (IC) usually
called a charge controller IC or charge control IC. Charge controller circuits are used for
rechargeable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, portable audio players.

and uninterruptible power supplies, as well as for larger battery systems found in electric vehicles
and orbiting space satellites.

Charging protocols

Due to limitations in currents that copper wires could safely handle, charging protocols
have been developed to allow the end device to request elevated voltages for increasing the
power throughput without increasing heat in the wires. The arriving voltage is then converted
down to the battery's optimum charging voltage inside the end device. The two most widely used
standards are Quick Charge by Qualcomm and Pump Express by MediaTek.

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CHAPTER-6
Types of PV Systems
With growing demand for PV systems, the utilities provided an option for the consumers
to connect their systems to the grid. This step introduced a new term called "Net Metering." Net
metering allows the consumers to send back the electricity they generate from their PV systems
to the grid. This is possible because of the grid-tied connection enabled by the utility. Similarly,
we also have systems that are independent and do not require themselves to be connected to the
grid such systems are called off-grid systems or standalone systems. Both the systems have been
explained in detail below:

6.1. Stand-alone or Off-Grid System

The off-grid system term states the system not relating to the gird facility. Primarily, the
system which is not connected to the main electrical grid is term as off-grid PV system ( Weis,
2013). Off-grid system also called standalone system or mini grid which can generate the power
and run the appliances by itself. Off-grid systems are suitable for the electrification of small
community. Off-grid electrification system is viable for the remote areas in the countries where
they do have little or no access to the electricity because of the distinct living and spread
population in the vast area. The off-grid system refers to the support that would be adequate for a
living without depending on the grid or other system. Electrical energy in the off-gird system
produced through the Solar photovoltaic panels needs to be stored or saved because requirement
from the load can be different from the solar panel output, battery bank is also used for the
purpose generally.

Figure: Off Grid solar PV system

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This project is considering the viability of having an off-grid PV system which can be
used to power EEE classrooms. This concept can also be utilized on a larger scale to support all
types of homes which are in remote areas and where the cost of connecting cables and other
infrastructure of electricity to the house is expensive.

6.2. Integrated or Grid-Tied System

Grid connected photovoltaic power system is an electricity generating system which is

linked to the utility gird (energy.gov, n.d.). This photovoltaic system contains solar panel, inverter
and the equipment to provide connection to the grid. Grid connected systems are feasible for
various setup such as residential. Commercial and larger scale grid tied system different than the
off grid solar power systems. Usually, grid connected system does not need battery backup,
because when system generate the energy more than the load it will automatically transfer to the
linked utility gird.

Figure Grid-tied PV system

In the residential setups grid connected rooftop systems usually having the capability of
10 kilowatts which could be enough to meet the house requirements, and the excess would feed
the grid which can be used by other consumers connected to the grid. The feedback or excess
power transfer system works through a meter to track the transferred power. In some instances,
PV system wattage could be less than the normal consumption due to several different factors and
in this scenario, consumer will utilize the grid energy.

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6.3. Analysis to make before Design of an Off-Grid PV System

6.3.1. Site assessment
In the introduction of solar photovoltaic (PV) clusters for private, commercial, or
agricultural operations; a crucial idea is to determine the merits of the site (Franklin, 2017).
Identifying the place and position of the panels is a crucial step in designing a PV system as the
later components will be streamlined to this step. A few concepts and tips one must keep in mind
while performing the site assessment are:

6.3.1(a). Shade Analysis:

Shading can be a problem for the solar panels as they decrease the maximum power that
can be generated. Several factors contribute to this issue, the most common cause of shade on a
solar panel are 1) Shade from neighbouring trees and buildings in vicinity, 2) typical cloudy
weather, and 3) shade from adjacent solar panels (Solar Choice, 2016).

While designing a solar PV system one must investigate these factors thoroughly so that
maximum output can be obtained. One of the tools most commonly used is solar pathfinder
which gives the direction of the sun throughout the year and how much any specific area will
receive sunlight throughout the year (Solar Pathfinder, n.d.). Apart from having this tool, it is
important that the site assessment is done properly to locate the best site keeping in mind all the
aspects. First step in designing an off-grid classrooms would be finding a location to install the
panels. Some factors that were taking into consideration while making a choice between various
options.

Figure. Roof of EEE, Dept.

the above picture, it is visible that the roof of the EEE dept. is clear without any shadow
falling on it.

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6.3.1(b). Sun hours:

Sun hours are important to know how much radiance will be required to generate the
needed output wattage. This parameter gives us the knowledge of number of hours an area will
receive maximum sunlight (Franklin, 2017). With advances in technology, we have this data
available online and anyone can use it. We have studied the data from NREL and NASA but for
our project we will be using data given by NREL as it is giving information of the Sun hours to a
closer proximity to Charleston. The following chart gives the required information of the Solar
resource depending on different zones classified by NREL.

Figure Solar resource across India

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6.3.3(c). Tilt angle:

Tilt angle is the setting of the panels one needs to have to get the maximum radiance.
Ideally the tilt angle is the latitude of the geographic location. It is suggested to have an
adjustable panel frame as the sun hours keep changing with respect to the tilt in winters and
summers. Hence for any area a specific tilt angle is calculated to get the maximum radiance
throughout the year for a fixed panel. Also, it is advised to have the panels facing the south to get
the maximum afternoon sun. A couple of devices are used in the process of finding the tilt angle
and the radiance that will fall upon panel at that tilt angle are inclinometer and pyranometer,
respectively.

An inclinometer is kept on the panel and the degrees are read to find the latitude of the
area as it is perpendicular to the Sun's radiations when it is at its highest point in the sky.
Pyranometer measures the solar irradiance that will fall at a given tilt angle. It measures solar
irradiance in Watts per meter Sq. (W/m^2) (Franklin, 2017).

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CHAPTER-7
RESULTS
➤ Aiming to the exact methodology, project will depict almost like in the block diagram

➤ Off grid PV solar system will be fully functional along with its facilities as desired.

➤ Major aim of the project will be electrifying the classrooms of EEE dept, using solar energy
by deploying off grid PV solar system.

➤ Automatically the project will result in promoting the usage of renewable energy sources
effectively.

➤ The project can be implemented to help thousands of remote households in providing the
stand-alone power where there is no nearby connection to the grid.

➤ It can be implemented in promoting to take over from polluting way of power generation to a
better and convenient conventional form of power generation.

➤ It can be implemented in encouraging the new generation of youth to take up their own
business end overs in face of our project.

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CHAPTER-8
ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS
8.1. ADVANTAGES:
 Energy Independence
Going off-grid offers you complete independence from the utility company. Having total control
of your power can be very liberating. You will no longer be subject to the terms and conditions of
your local utility company. Rising energy prices will have no effect on you. Being independent
from the grid can also be especially beneficial in areas prone to severe weather conditions like
hurricanes and tornadoes.

 Power Remote Locations

Off-grid solar provides a way to power remote locations where utility power is either unavailable
or where it would be too expensive to run power lines. This option allows you to live more self-
sufficiently and power vacation homes or cabins located far away from populated areas.

 Most Energy-Conscious Choice

Another benefit to going off-grid with your solar project is that it's the most energy-
conscious choice you could make. By generating your own power, you are sourcing at the hyper-
local level and lowering the utility company's environmental impact. Off-grid solar allows you to
know exactly what your power consumption looks like. Energy efficiency is encouraged by off-
grid solar since your available energy is limited.

 No More Blackouts

Maintaining your power during local utility power outages provides a sense of security and relief.
Whether planned or impromptu, power outages always pose an inconvenience. Having off-grid
solar means your power won't go out with the rest of the neighbourhood's during a blackout. This
is especially helpful if you have medical devices or refrigerated items that rely on uninterrupted
electricity.

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8.3. APPLICATIONS
 Electrification in rural and remote areas
More than 2 billion people lack regular access to electricity and most of them belong to rural
households that generate light and electricity by burning wood or petroleum, both expensive and
hazardous forms of generating electric power, Statistically, people lacking stable access to
electricity will hardly be able to develop business or pursue higher education and face
comparably severe socio-economic disadvantages. Without electricity, hospitals in rural areas are
not able to store medicals, endangering people that depend on local health care treatment. All this
is not only a waste of high potential human capital as well as a dangerous source of diseases but
also leads to strong imbalances in the economic development of a country. Rural electrification
deals with the provision and supply of villages and rural areas with electricity and is deemed to
be a major task for many national economies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Off-grid solar
systems are easy to understand and, given favourable sunshine conditions, provide independent,
long-term, and sustainable electricity generation in rural and remote areas.

b) Emergency Power Supply in case of natural disasters

Natural disasters, wars or electricity generation capacity lacks may lead to unexpected disruption
of power supply. Sudden power cuts are in few cases effectively countered, which can severely
affect communication, health care and water supply and thus endanger life and security. Solar-
powered Emergency Power Systems (EPS systems) are built to overcome temporary lacks power
and can be applied in disaster-affected areas or war zones where demand for quick electricity
supply is extremely high.

 Mobile Solar Systems for sea and land expeditions, camping, hiking

Electricity may be needed anywhere and anytime. Typical examples comprise camping and
hiking tours that use electricity-powered navigation, lightening or communication systems and
operation of electrical appliances on sea or land. Several companies in the market offer a wide
range of different mobile off-grid solar system applications, such as solar scooters, solar boats,
solar bikes, solar bikes, and even solar drones.

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 Power Backup for users facing frequent power cuts

In many areas in this world, power grid-connection does not guarantee for uninterrupted power
supply even in metropolitan areas. Sudden power cuts due to power transmission malfunctions,
storms or fragile transmission lines may hamper working, cooling of food, beverages and
medicals or operation of essential electrical appliances in hospitals, companies, and public
institutions. Off-grid solar systems represent in this regard an economic, stable, and long-term

backup solution to overcome the problems occurring from frequent power cuts. Users of these
systems are not anymore dependent on external factors and dependent on the system capacity,
temporarily evade interruption of work and keep their electricity-based systems operating.

 Solar Water Pump Systems for the supply of drinking water for

individuals, feedstock, and irrigation

Solar water pump systems use electricity generated from solar radiation in order to pump water
over long distances or from deep wells and can be applied for supplying water for feedstock

crop irrigation or drinking and cooking. Correct sizing of the pump, motor and controlling
devices as well as detailed system design according to the location and usage of the solar water
pump is essential to guarantee the optimal system performance and to avoid risks at water supply
that can harm people, animals, and crops.

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CONCLUSION

This project works provides the methodology of designing an off-grid PV system using
Classrooms at EEE dept, an PV system was designed that bouses essentials such as bulbs, fans,
and sockets etc.

The load for each classroom (two rooms considered) calculated is of 475*2=950 W and lead for
machines lab is 180W.

Total load for 5 hours continuous usage is (950+180) W-1130 W

Considering minimal usage of 5 hours (college hours 9am to 5pm) in a day by two classrooms
and machines lab:

The total power consumption is 1130*5=5650Whr i.c., 5.7 units per day. Assuming 20 working
days in a month, the total power consumption is of 114 units. The tariff cost per unit is Rs. 8.95/-.
The savings per month by using alternative fuel source(sun) is Rs. 1026/-By this project work,
we have contributed a little to save nature and create awareness regarding the need for alternate
energy source and the need to reduce dependence on conventional energy source like coal,
petroleum etc.

FUTURE SCOPE OF PROJECT

 The future scope of our project is that it can used as a standalone unit in areas where there
is no nearby connection to the grid.

 The future scope of this project work will be to improve the efficiency of power generation
by using some advance technologies like tracking and cleaning of solar panel.

 The project very well fits in many Governments welfare related schemes in for backward
and minority administrations, like Off-grid and Decentralized solar PV applications
programme by Government of India.

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PHOTOGRAPHS:

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BIOGRAPHY:

SANTOSH (3VC22EE467)
[email protected]
9035262960

ANIL KUMAR K (3VC22EE404)

[email protected]
9743312703

NAGARAJ G (3VC22EE452)
[email protected]
9353168619

GADHILINGAPPA P (3VC22EE423)
[email protected]
8660969654

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