DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE MECHANISM OF STAND ALONE SOLAR STREET LIGHT

Abstract

Despite the acclaimed long-term benefits of solar PV systems, most stand-alone solar projects in Nigeria seem to fail within a short duration. In this work, an analysis is carried out to examine the factors that lead to such poor performance of solar projects in Nigeria. A case study of standalone solar street lights (SASSL) in Nsukka geographical region in Nigeria was explored. The field work was carried out from Dec 2016 - January 2018. Data from field indicate that in most cases, premature battery failure due to undercharging was responsible for the collapse of these stand-alone solar systems. Given that the PV module is the sole charge generator in SASSL, the energy yield of the PV modules used in the SASSLs were further investigated. Controlled experiments were carried out to determine the impact of specific environmental and installations conditions on the   yield of  the PV modules. The  results of the experiments led  to the development  of a model. The  weather  and installation specific data were then inserted into the model and were  used  to  determine  the likely  reasons  for the premature failure of SASSLs. The results indicated that the within the  period  under  review, the  PV modules were capable  of providing  adequate  energy  to the  battery for  only 25%   of the  time. For  another 25%  of the  time  the  energy provided  were marginal while for 50%  of the  time  the energy provided were grossly  inadequate.

http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v39i1.28