Design of a Standalone Photovoltaic System for a Typical Household around Dessie City-Ethiopia

Abstract

Standalone, or off-grid, solar power systems consist of solar panels, charge controller, inverter and a battery bank. They are typically used in rural areas and regions where there is no access to the utility grid. They may also be appropriate where the grid is somewhat close to the site, but expensive to bring in - for example, across a neighbor s property. A number of systems have been installed with battery back-up where the grid is available but where the homeowner has experienced unreliable power in the past or believes that he/she will be subject to power outages in the future. This research deals with the design of a simple solar photovoltaic system for the house located around Dessie. Based on the house annual electric demand the photovoltaic (PV) system is selected and designed. The general over view of solar PV system starting from demand to design are explained in this research. The size of the PV panel, battery, inverter and cable are selected. Prices for electricity in US dollar’s/kWh also are calculated.