INSTALLATION OF SOLAR ENERGY

IN THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING OF YABA COLLEGE OF

TECHNOLOGY,
LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

BY

P/ND/22/3130082 ADEDAPO KAYODE EMMANUEL

P/ND/22/3130085 ALAUSA TOHEEB OLAMILEKAN
P/ND/22/3130095 AJADI SODIQ AYOMIDE
P/ND/22/3130106 MICHEAL CHUKWUEBUKA OBASI
P/ND/18/3130016

A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING IN

PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMA (OND) IN CIVIL ENGINEERING.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
YABA-LAGOS, NIGERIA.

FEBRUARY, 2025.
 DECLARATION

I AJADI Sodiq Ayomide, hereby declare that this document is my original

work. It has not been copied from any other sources of information and
data used in this write-up have been duly acknowledged and referenced.
I understand that any form of plagiarism is unethical and will be subject
to disciplinary action.

Signature

………………………………………………….

Date: …………………………………………
 DEDICATION

This work is dedicated to my family, Mr. AND MRS. AJADI, and to other
fathers, mothers, and friends, whose unweaving support and
encouragement have been the bedrock of my journey. I am deeply
grateful to my mentors, who have guided me with wisdom and patience,
and unknowingly, the dedication is a humble acknowledgement of your
influence in my life.

Sincerely,
AJADI SODIQ AYOMIDE.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our sincere gratitude goes to God Almighty for giving us the strength,
wisdom, knowledge, and guidance throughout the project, we want to
thank everyone who helped with this project. Special shoot-out to our
Head of Department (HOD) for always being there for us. Huge thanks to
our Supervisor for guiding us every step of the way. And of course, thanks
to our parents for their constant support.

We couldn’t have done it without the resources provided by our school.

This project is a team effort, showing what we can achieve together. It’s
been a great learning experience, getting us ready for whatever comes
next.
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that this project work was carried out by

P/ND/22/3130082 ADEDAPO KAYODE EMMANUEL

P/ND/22/3130085 ALAUSA TOHEEB OLAMILEKEN
P/ND/22/3130095 AJADI SODIQ AYOMIDE
P/ND/22/3130106 MICHEAL CHUKWUEBUKA OBASI
P/ND/18/3130016

In the School of Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State, In

partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Ordinary National
Diploma (OND), in Civil Engineering of the Yaba College of Technology,
Lagos State.

………………………………………………..
Engr. MRS ADENIRAN BAKARE
Supervisor
Date: ……………………………………….
 ABSTRACT
This project involves the design, installation, and commissioning of a
solar energy system at the School of Engineering, Yaba College of
Technology. The 100 kW solar energy system will provide a reliable and
sustainable source of electricity, reducing the college's reliance on the
national grid and mitigating the impact of power outages on academic
activities. The system will consist of 300 solar panels, mounted on the
rooftop, and connected to an inverter and electrical grid. The project aims
to promote sustainable energy, reduce energy costs, and provide a
teaching and research platform for students and faculty. Expected
outcomes include a reduction of 150 tons of CO2 emissions annually,
energy cost savings of 40%, and enhanced educational and research
opportunities in renewable energy.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy

Efficiency, Education, Research.
 TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION--------------------------------------------------------------ii.
DEDICATION---------------------------------------------------------------iii.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT---------------------------------------------------iv.
CERTIFICATE---------------------------------------------------------------v.
ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------------------------vi.
TABLE OF CONTENT-----------------------------------------------------vii
TABLE OF PLATES--------------------------------------------------------viii
LIST OF FIGURES----------------------------------------------------------ix
LIST OF TABLE-------------------------------------------------------------x
 TABLE OF PLATES

 Electrical Plates
1. Main Distribution Board (MDB) plate: indicates the electrical distribution board
2. Distribution Board (DB) plate: labels the distribution board for the solar energy system
3. Circuit Breaker (CB) plate: identifies the circuit breaker for the solar energy system
4. Earth Fault (EF) plate: indicates the earth fault protection device
5. Isolator plate: labels the isolator switch for the solar energy system

 Solar Energy System Plates

1. Solar Panel Array plate: identifies the solar panel array
2. Inverter plate: labels the inverter unit
3. Mounting Structure plate: indicates the mounting structure for the solar panels
4. Solar Energy System Control Panel plate: identifies the control panel for the solar energy system

 Safety and Warning Plates

1. Warning: High Voltage plate: warns of high voltage electrical components
2. Warning: Electrical Shock Hazard plate: warns of electrical shock hazards
3. Caution: Solar Panels Hot Surface plate: warns of hot surfaces on solar panels
4. Emergency Shutdown plate: indicates the emergency shutdown procedure

 Identification and Information Plates

1. System Identification plate: provides system identification and details
2. Manufacturer's Information plate: provides manufacturer's information and contact details
3. Installation Details plate: provides installation details and dates
4. Maintenance Instructions plate: provides maintenance instructions and schedules
 LIST OF FIGURES

 Electrical and Solar Energy System Figures

1. Single-line diagram of the solar energy system: shows the electrical connections and components of the
system
2. Solar panel array layout: illustrates the arrangement of solar panels on the rooftop
3. Inverter and electrical connections diagram: shows the connections between the inverter, electrical
panel, and grid
4. Mounting structure design: illustrates the design of the mounting structure for the solar panels
5. Solar energy system control panel layout: shows the layout of the control panel for the solar energy
system

 Site and Installation Figures

1. Site plan of the School of Engineering: shows the location of the solar energy system installation
2. Rooftop layout and solar panel placement: illustrates the placement of solar panels on the rooftop
3. Installation of solar panels and mounting structure: shows the installation process of solar panels and
mounting structure
4. Electrical connections and wiring diagram: illustrates the electrical connections and wiring of the system
5. Completed solar energy system installation: shows the completed installation of the solar energy system

 Technical and Performance Figures

1. Solar irradiance and temperature data: shows the solar irradiance and temperature data for the location
2. System performance curve: illustrates the performance curve of the solar energy system
3. Efficiency and power output graphs: show the efficiency and power output of the solar energy system
4. Energy yield and carbon emissions reduction graphs: illustrate the energy yield and carbon emissions
reduction of the solar energy system
5. System monitoring and control system screenshots: shows the screenshots of the system monitoring and
control system

 Other Figures
1. Project timeline and milestones chart: shows the project timeline and milestones
2. Budget and cost breakdown chart: illustrates the budget and cost breakdown of the project
3. System maintenance and troubleshooting flowchart: shows the flowchart for system maintenance and
troubleshooting.
CHAPTER 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 AIM & OBJECTIVES
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
1.3 SCOPE OF STUDY
1.4 SIGNIFICANT OF STUDY
1.5 CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

CHAPTER 2
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 COMPONENT OF SOLAR INVERTER SYSTEM
2.1.1 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS
2.1.2 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SOLAR SYSTEMS (SOLAR PANEL)
2.1.3 INVERTER
2.1.3 BATTERIES
2.1.4 CHARGER CONTROLLER
2.2 TYPE OF INVERTER
2.3 BATTERY
2.4 TYPES OF BATTERY
2.5 SOLAR REGULATOR
2.6 ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR PANEL AND INVERTER
2.7 DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

CHAPTER 3
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 MATERIALS USED
3.2 METHODS OF INSTALLATION
3.3 MATERIALS REPLACED IN SOLAR INVERTER
3.4 IMAGES DURING INSTALLATION
3.5 ENERGY LOAD AND AUDIT
3.6 COST ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 4
4.0 SERVICING
4.1 REPLACEMENT
4.3 BATTERY HEALTH CHECKS
4.4 FIRMWARE AND SOFTWARE UPDATE
4.5 OBSERVATION
4.6 MAINTENANCE
4.6 LIMITATIONS

CHAPTER 5
5.0 CONCLUSION
5.1 RECONMENDATION
REFERENCE
AUTOCAD DRAWING

CHAPTER 1

1.0 Introduction
The increasing demand for electricity in Nigeria has placed significant pressure on
the national grid, leading to frequent power outages and unreliable electricity
supply. This situation affects various sectors, including educational institutions,
where stable power is essential for academic activities, research, and practical
training. The School of Engineering at Yaba College of Technology relies heavily on
electricity for laboratory experiments, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and
other engineering applications. However, the intermittent power supply has led to
disruptions in learning and research activities.

Renewable energy, particularly solar power, has emerged as a viable solution to the
energy crisis in Nigeria. Solar energy is abundant, sustainable, and environmentally
friendly, making it an attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based power
generation. The installation of a solar energy system in the School of Engineering
will ensure a steady power supply, reduce dependence on the national grid, and
promote the adoption of green energy technologies. Additionally, it will serve as a
hands-on learning tool for engineering students, providing practical exposure to
renewable energy systems.

The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with the dwindling reserves of
fossil fuels and the alarming rate of climate change, has necessitated the exploration
of alternative energy sources. Solar energy, being one of the most promising
renewable energy sources, has gained significant attention in recent years. Nigeria,
with its abundant sunshine, is endowed with vast solar energy resources, making it
an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.

The School of Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, being a premier institution

for engineering education and research, has recognized the importance of
renewable energy and has taken the initiative to install a solar energy system. This
project aims to design, install, and commission a solar energy system to provide a
reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the school.

The objective of this project is to reduce the school's reliance on the national grid,
decrease energy costs, and promote sustainable energy practices. The project also
aims to provide a teaching and research platform for students and faculty,
enhancing their knowledge and skills in renewable energy technologies.

This report documents the design, installation, and commissioning of the solar
energy system, highlighting the technical specifications, installation procedures, and
performance evaluation of the system. The report also discusses the benefits,
challenges, and lessons learned from the project, providing valuable insights for
future renewable energy projects.
1.1 Aim & Objective:
Aim:
This project aims to design, install, and commission a solar energy system to provide
a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the School of Engineering, Yaba
College of Technology. The project seeks to reduce dependence on the national grid
and fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and provide a sustainable power solution
for academic and research activities. Additionally, the project aims to serve as a
learning platform for students and faculty members by integrating renewable
energy technology into the institution’s curriculum.

Objectives:
The objectives of this project are:

 To reduce the school's reliance on the national grid: By generating electricity

from solar energy, the school will reduce its dependence on the national grid,
thereby decreasing the strain on the grid and reducing the likelihood of power
outages.

 To decrease energy costs: The solar energy system will provide a significant
portion of the school's energy needs, resulting in a substantial reduction in
energy costs.

 To promote sustainable energy practices: The project aims to promote

sustainable energy practices and raise awareness about the benefits of
renewable energy among students, faculty, and staff.

 To provide a teaching and research platform: The solar energy system will
serve as a teaching and research platform for students and faculty, enhancing
their knowledge and skills in renewable energy technologies.

 To reduce carbon emissions: By generating electricity from solar energy, the

school will reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and healthier
environment.
 To ensure reliable and efficient system operation: The project aims to ensure
that the solar energy system operates reliably and efficiently, providing a
consistent source of electricity to the school.
1.2 Statement of the Problem

The unreliable power supply in Nigeria has posed serious challenges to educational
institutions, particularly technical and engineering schools that require continuous
electricity for effective learning and research. The School of Engineering at Yaba
College of Technology has experienced difficulties in running electrical and
mechanical laboratories, limiting students' practical experience. Furthermore, the
high cost of diesel and electricity bills strains the institution’s financial resources. To
address these issues, an alternative and sustainable energy source is needed.

1.4 Scope of the Project

This project focuses on the design, installation, and evaluation of a solar energy
system for the School of Engineering. The scope includes:

 Assessment of the energy consumption patterns of the school.

 Selection and procurement of solar panels, inverters, batteries, and other
necessary components.
 Installation and testing of the solar power system.
 Integration with the existing power supply network.
 Maintenance planning and performance evaluation of the system

1.5 Significance of the Project

This project is significant as it aligns with global efforts to transition to sustainable
energy sources. It will enhance the academic experience at Yaba College of
Technology by

 Promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels

 Providing energy cost savings and improving energy security
 Offering educational and research opportunities for students and faculty
 Contributing to environmental sustainability and reductions of carbon
emission
 Enhancing the school’s reputation and aligns with national goals and policies
 Ensuring economic, environmental, educational, and institutional benefits,
making it a significant and impactful initiative.

1.6 Contribution to Knowledge of the Project

The Installation of Solar Energy in the School of Engineering at Yaba College of
Technology contributes significantly to knowledge in several key areas, including
renewable energy technology, sustainable development, engineering education, and
energy management. The project provides both theoretical and practical insights
that can benefit students, faculty members, researchers, and policymakers.

1. Advancement of Renewable Energy Knowledge

 The project serves as a case study on the design, installation, and

implementation of a functional solar photovoltaic (PV) system in an academic
institution.
 It provides insights into solar energy potential in Nigeria, offering data on
energy generation, efficiency, and feasibility in the region.
 The project demonstrates best practices in solar system design, component
selection, and energy storage solutions, contributing to the growing body of
research on solar energy adoption in educational institutions.

2. Enhancement of Engineering Education and Practical Training

 The solar installation serves as a practical laboratory for students, allowing

them to gain hands-on experience in solar power system design, installation,
and maintenance.
 It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application,
improving students’ understanding of renewable energy technology and
power system integration.
 The project introduces students to cutting-edge technologies, including solar
inverters, charge controllers, battery storage, and energy management
systems.

3. Contribution to Sustainable Development and Energy Security

 By implementing a renewable energy solution, the project aligns with

Nigeria’s energy transition goals and contributes to discussions on sustainable
power generation for academic institutions.
 It provides a working model for other educational institutions, businesses, and
government agencies interested in reducing reliance on the national grid and
fossil fuels.
 The findings from the project can inform policy recommendations on how to
effectively integrate solar energy into Nigeria’s educational infrastructure.

4. Economic and Environmental Impact Studies

 The project contributes valuable data on the cost-benefit analysis of solar

power adoption, helping institutions and stakeholders evaluate the financial
viability of renewable energy investments.
 It provides insights into carbon footprint reduction, demonstrating the
environmental benefits of transitioning from fossil fuel-based electricity to
solar energy.
  The research findings can be used to develop sustainable energy models that
optimize energy efficiency, reduce costs, and promote clean energy adoption.

5. Integration of Solar Energy with Existing Power Infrastructure

 The project explores the technical challenges and solutions in integrating solar
energy with an existing electrical grid, providing practical knowledge for
engineers and researchers.
 It contributes to knowledge of hybrid energy systems, where solar power
works alongside the national grid and backup generators, ensuring
uninterrupted electricity supply.
 The project enhances understanding of energy storage solutions, particularly
the use of battery banks for energy backup and load balancing.

6. Framework for Future Research and Development

 The project provides a data-driven foundation for future research in

renewable energy optimization, energy policy development, and advanced
solar technologies.
 It encourages further research in solar panel efficiency, battery storage
innovations, and smart grid integration.
 The findings from the project can be used to propose new models for solar
energy adoption in urban and rural settings.