Design of a Stand-Alone Roof-Top Photovoltaic System for a Residence in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents in detail the design analysis of a stand-alone photovoltaic power system for a typical residential building in Zamfara State, Nigeria. A photovoltaic power system can be used as a source of electrical power to our homes through the direct conversion of solar irradiance into electricity. The process of harnessing photovoltaic power generating system involves designing, and selection of the different components employed in the system. The success of this process depends on a variety of factors such as geographical location, weather condition, solar irradiance, and load profile. The paper outlines the procedures employed in specifying each component of the stand-alone photovoltaic power system and as a case study, of a medium range energy consumption residence in Zamfara State (Nigeria).