Weather Overview
The weather was very good for the project, ensuring smooth installation. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions
- November 29 2024: Sunny, 32°C
- November 30 2024: Partly cloudy, 30°C
- December 1 2024: Partly cloudy, 28°C
- December 2 2024: Sunny, 31°C
- December 3 2024: Sunny, 29°C
Team and Attendance
Engineer Confidence Okoye and the team worked diligently throughout the week, ensuring all tasks were completed efficiently and safely. The team consisted of:
- Technician 1: Responsible for solar panel installation and connections.
- Technicians 2 and 3: Focused on the installation of the inverters and batteries.
- Engineer: Supervised the project, handled wiring, conducted tests, and ensured all safety and quality standards were met.
- Day 1 (November 29, 2024):
- All materials were delivered to the site, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and electrical components.
- The team mounted 12 solar rails on the rooftop. These rails are essential for securing the solar panels in place. They are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy weather conditions.
- We installed 24 solar panels (550W each). Solar panels are devices that capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, the main component of any solar power system.
- Day 2 (November 30, 2024):
- We connected the solar panels using high-quality PV (photovoltaic) cables. These cables carry the electrical current generated by the panels to other components of the system.
- We installed 2 Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for the DC side of the system. SPDs protect electrical equipment from power surges, typically caused by lightning or grid fluctuations. They ensure the system operates safely without damage.
- Day 3 (December 1, 2024):
- The team installed 2 Growatt 5kVA hybrid inverters. Inverters are essential components of a solar system. They convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is used to power most household appliances.
- We connected the inverters in parallel to balance the load and increase the system’s total power capacity. This setup ensures a more stable and efficient flow of electricity.
- We also installed an SPD AC to protect the AC side of the system. This protects the inverter and any devices connected to the AC grid from electrical surges.
- Day 5 (December 3, 2024):
- We installed a Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) for the main circuit protection and a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB) for individual component protection. These devices ensure the system is protected against electrical faults such as short circuits or overloads.
- The team conducted various system tests, such as checking the voltage and running load tests, to ensure that everything was functioning properly.
- We finished the wiring and verified that all connections were secure, safe, and operating efficiently
Materials Delivered and Used
The following materials were delivered to the site and successfully installed:
- Delivered Materials:
- 24 solar panels (each 550W)
- 2 Growatt hybrid inverters (5kVA each)
- 2 lithium batteries (17.5kWh each)
- 12 solar rails
- Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) for both DC and AC sides
- Circuit protection devices: MCCB and MCB
- Installed Materials:
- All solar panels, inverters, and batteries were installed as planned.
- The SPDs and circuit breakers were also connected to protect the system
Challenges or Issues Encountered
A few small challenges were encountered during this progress:
- Day 2: There was a shortage of pipes needed to pass the electrical wires from the ceiling to the installation area. However, additional pipes were quickly ordered and arrived the next day, so there was no delay.
- Day 5: Although work was completed by 11:30 AM, the sun had already set, but the batteries were fully charged by 4:00 PM, indicating the efficiency of the energy storage system.
Observations and Notes
- The solar panels were mounted with an optimal tilt to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day.
- All connections, including the parallel wiring, were carefully verified to prevent power loss and ensure maximum efficiency.
- The lithium batteries performed well, holding their charge and discharging efficiently during testing.
Safety Compliance
We prioritize safety on every project, and this one was no different. Here’s how we ensured the team stayed safe:
- All workers used safety harnesses when working on the roof to prevent any accidents or falls.
- Electrical safety protocols were followed strictly to avoid any risk of electric shock or fire during wiring and connections.
- One team member, Elias, sustained a minor arm injury while setting up a ladder for rooftop access. He received medical attention right away and was able to continue working after a brief rest.
Conclusion
The solar installation project is moving ahead smoothly, and the team has completed several important milestones. Despite a few minor challenges, the project is on schedule, and all components are working as expected. The system is designed to provide efficient and reliable solar energy, with plenty of backup storage to ensure it functions well during cloudy weather or nighttime hours.
We’ll continue monitoring the system and providing updates as we move forward with the next stages of the project. Thanks for following our progress!
This report was written by one of the Technician Elias Chisom
Below are pictures taken at the site.
