1. DIY SOLAR HOME SYSTEM

Welcome to this 5 days course that will equip you on the know-how and practical solar home system sizing and installation for your home.

Step 1: 

Key Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of solar energy and its applications in home systems.

2. Explain the components of a solar home system (panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters, etc.).

3. Design a basic solar home system based on household energy needs.

4. Calculate energy requirements, system sizing, and cost estimation.

5. Install and maintain a small-scale solar home system (theoretical/practical guidance).

6. Evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of solar home systems.

Essential Questions to Guide Learning:

• How does solar energy work, and why is it important for homes?

• What are the key components of a solar home system, and how do they function together?

• How do you size a solar home system for different energy needs?

• What are the best practices for installation and maintenance?

• How cost-effective and sustainable are solar home systems compared to grid electricity?

Step 2: 

Assessment Methods:

1. Quizzes & Knowledge Checks (Formative Assessment)

   • MCQ quizzes on solar energy basics, components, and system design principles.

   • Short-answer questions on calculations (e.g., load assessment, battery sizing).

2. Case Study Analysis

   • Learners analyze a household’s energy consumption and propose a solar solution.

3. Design Project (Summative Assessment)

   • Learners create a Solar Home System Design Plan for a given scenario, including:

     • Energy demand calculation

     • Component selection (panel wattage, battery capacity, etc.)

     • Cost estimation

     • Sustainability benefits

4. Peer Review & Discussion

   • Learners share their designs and critique each other’s work.

5. Final Exam (Optional)

   • Comprehensive test covering theory, calculations, and troubleshooting.

Step 3: 

Course Structure:

Module 1: Introduction to Solar Home Systems

• Topics: Solar energy basics, benefits of SHS, types of systems (on-grid/off-grid).

• Activities: Video lecture, infographics, discussion forum ("Share your experience with solar energy").

Module 2: Components of a Solar Home System

• Topics: Solar panels, batteries, charge controllers, inverters, wiring.

• Activities:

  • Interactive diagram labeling exercise.

  • Virtual lab simulation (e.g., testing different component setups).

Module 3: System Sizing & Design

• Topics: Load assessment, solar irradiance, battery bank sizing, cost estimation.

• Activities:

  • Step-by-step calculation exercises (Excel/Google Sheets tool provided).

  • Case study: "Design a system for a rural home with X kWh/day usage."

Module 4: Installation & Maintenance

• Topics: Safety precautions, mounting panels, wiring, troubleshooting.

• Activities:

  • Video demonstration of installation.

  • Simulated fault-finding exercise (e.g., "Why is the battery not charging?").

Module 5: Economics & Sustainability

• Topics: Payback period, subsidies, environmental impact.

• Activities:

  • Debate: "Is solar worth the initial cost?"

  • ROI calculation assignment.

Bonus: A certificate upon completion to motivate learners.

1.1. MODULE 1

Module 1: Introduction to Solar Home Systems

1. Solar Energy Basics

Key Notes:

• Solar energy comes from the sun → converted to electricity via photovoltaic (PV) panels.

• How it works:

  • Sunlight hits solar panels → generates DC electricity.

  • Inverter converts DC → AC (used in homes).

  • Excess power can be stored in batteries or fed back to the grid.

2. Benefits of Solar Home Systems (SHS)

Key Notes:
✔ Cost-saving – Reduces electricity bills.
✔ Reliable – Works in off-grid areas.
✔ Eco-friendly – No pollution, reduces carbon footprint.
✔ Low maintenance – Few moving parts, long lifespan (20-25 years).

"Why Go Solar?"

• 💰 Save Money 

• 🌍 Clean Energy 

• ⚡ Energy Independence 

3. Types of Solar Home Systems

"Which Solar System Fits You?"

• On-Grid → [House + Grid Lines]

• Off-Grid → [House + Battery + Solar Panel]

• Hybrid → [House + Grid + Battery]

1. • •  

2. Discussion Forum Prompt:

   • "Have you or someone you know used solar energy? Share your thoughts!"

Bonus: Quick Quiz 

1. What converts sunlight into electricity?

   • (a) Inverter

   • (b) Solar Panel 

   • (c) Battery

2. Which system needs batteries to work?

   • (a) On-Grid

   • (b) Off-Grid 

   • (c) Hybrid

1.2. MODULE 2

Module 2: Components of a Solar Home System

1. Solar Panels (PV Modules)

• Function: Convert sunlight → DC electricity.

• Types:

  • Monocrystalline (High efficiency, expensive).

  • Polycrystalline (Mid efficiency, affordable).

  • Thin-film (Lightweight, flexible, lower efficiency).

• Key Term: Wattage (W) = Power output (e.g., 300W panel).

2. Batteries (Energy Storage)

Key Notes:

• Function: Store extra power for use at night/cloudy days.

• Types:

  • Lead-Acid (Cheap, heavy, shorter lifespan).

  • Lithium-ion (Light, long lifespan, expensive).

• Key Term: Capacity (Ah/kWh) = How much energy is stored.

3. Charge Controller (Battery Protector)

Key Notes:

• Function: Regulates power from panels  to the batteries (prevents overcharging).

• Types:

  • PWM (Basic, cheaper).

  • MPPT (More efficient, costly, best for large systems).

4. Inverter (DC → AC Converter)

Key Notes:

• Function: Converts DC (from panels/batteries) to AC (for home appliances).

• Types:

  • Pure Sine Wave (Best for sensitive electronics).

  • Modified Sine Wave (Cheaper, may harm some devices).

"Inverter Types"
🔌 Pure Sine Wave → Laptops, TVs, medical devices
🔌 Modified Sine Wave → Lights, fans, basic tools

5. Wiring & Safety Gear

Key Notes:

• Cables: Thick, UV-resistant (for outdoor use).

• Fuses/Disconnects: Prevent fires from overloads.

• Mounting Structure: Rust-proof frames for panels.

"Safety First!"
⚡ Use DC-rated switches
🔥 Install fuses near batteries
☀️ Secure panels with strong racks

1. Discussion Prompt:

   • "Would you choose lithium or lead-acid batteries? Why?"

Quick Quiz 

1. Which charge controller is more efficient for large systems?

   • (a) PWM

   • (b) MPPT 

2. True or False: Modified sine wave inverters are safe for laptops.

   • False 

   • True

Bonus: Component Cheat Sheet (PDF)

1.3. MODULE 3

Module 3:

 Solar Home System Sizing & Design

Key Concepts

1. Load Assessment (How Much Power Do You Need?)

Step 1: List all appliances + their power (Watts) and usage time (Hours).
Step 2: Calculate Daily Energy (Watt-hours, Wh) = Power (W) × Hours used.

📌 Example:

2. Solar Irradiance (How Much Sun Do You Get?)

• Measured in peak sun hours (average sunlight intensity per day).

• Example: If your location gets 5 peak sun hours, a 100W panel produces:

  • 100W × 5h = 500Wh/day.

🌍 Check Your Sun Hours:

• Use Global Solar Atlas or PVWatts.

3. Solar Panel Sizing

Formula:

Total Daily Energy (Wh) ÷ Peak Sun Hours = Panel Size (W)  

📌 Example:

• Need 450Wh/day ÷ 5 sun hours = 90W panel (round up to 100W).

4. Battery Bank Sizing

Step 1: Decide Days of Autonomy (backup days, e.g., 2 days).
Step 2: Factor in Depth of Discharge (DoD) (e.g., 50% for lead-acid).
Formula:

(Total Daily Energy × Backup Days) ÷ DoD = Battery Size (Wh)  

📌 Example:

• 450Wh/day × 2 days = 900Wh

• 900Wh ÷ 50% DoD = 1,800Wh (or 1.8kWh) battery needed.

• If using 12V batteries: 1,800Wh ÷ 12V = 150Ah battery.

5. Cost Estimation

Activity 3: Step-by-Step Calculation (Excel/Google Sheets Tool)

📊 Downloadable Tool Includes:

1. Load Calculator (Enter appliances → auto-sums energy needs).

2. Solar Panel & Battery Sizing (Input sun hours → suggests system size).

3. Cost Estimator (Compares budget vs. premium components).

Activity 4:

Case Study – Design a Rural Home System

• A family in Khakhameka uses:

  • 3 LED bulbs (10W, 4 hours/day).

  • 1 Fan (50W, 6 hours/day).

  • 1 Phone Charger (5W, 2 hours/day).

• Peak Sun Hours: 4.5.

• Backup Needed: 2 days.

Task:

1. Calculate daily energy needs. (Answer: 290Wh/day)

2. Size the solar panel. (Answer: 65W → round to 100W)

3. Size the battery (50% DoD). (Answer: 1,160Wh → 12V/100Ah battery)

4. Estimate cost. 

Cheat Sheet: Solar Sizing Formulas

• Daily Energy (Wh) = Power (W) × Hours Used

• Panel Size (W) = Daily Energy ÷ Peak Sun Hours

• Battery (Wh) = (Daily Energy × Backup Days) ÷ DoD

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Forgetting inverter losses (add 20% extra panel power).
❌ Ignoring battery DoD (e.g., using 100% of lead-acid kills it fast!).
❌ Underestimating cloudy days (always add backup days).

Watch theStep by step video tutorial

1.4. MODULE 4

Module 4:

Solar Home System Installation & Maintenance

1. Safety Precautions

⚠️ Work Safely!

• Turn off all power (solar panels + batteries) before wiring.

• Wear gloves & goggles (battery acid is dangerous!).

• Use insulated tools to avoid shocks.

• Never touch bare wires or live terminals.

📌 Remember:

• Solar panels generate power even when it’s cloudy!

• Batteries can explode if short-circuited.

2. Mounting Solar Panels

Where to Install?

• Best Spot: Rooftop or ground with no shade (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere).

• Angle: Tilt panels to match your latitude for max sunlight.

How to Mount?

1. Fix mounting brackets (roof/ground).

2. Attach panels securely (use rust-proof bolts).

3. Leave gaps for airflow (prevents overheating).

📌 Pro Tip:

• Check for strong winds/snow load in your area!

3. Wiring the System

Step-by-Step:

1. Connect panels → charge controller (use thick, UV-resistant cables).

2. Connect charge controller → battery (match + and – terminals!).

3. Connect battery → inverter → home appliances.

📌 Key Rules:

• Fuse all connections (prevents fires).

• Keep wires short & tidy (less power loss).

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem 1: Battery Not Charging

✅ Check:

• Are panels in sunlight?

• Are all wires connected tightly?

• Is the charge controller working (LED lights on)?

Problem 2: Inverter Not Powering Appliances

✅ Check:

• Is the battery charged?

• Is the inverter turned on?

• Is the inverter big enough for the appliance?

Problem 3: Low Power Output

✅ Check:

• Are panels dirty? (Clean with water + soft cloth.)

• Is there shading on panels?

Activities

1. Video Demonstration

📹 Watch a step-by-step installation (10 mins):

• Mounting panels → Wiring → Testing the system.

2. Fault-Finding Exercise

🔧 Scenario: "The battery isn’t charging. What’s wrong?"

• Learners check:

  • Loose wires?

  • Blown fuse?

  • Dead charge controller?

Quick Cheat Sheet

1.5. MODULE 5

Module 5:

 Solar Economics & Sustainability

1. Payback Period

What? Time needed to recover your solar investment through savings.

Formula:

Total System Cost ÷ Annual Savings = Payback Period (Years)

Example:

• System cost: 19,500

• Saves 2,400/year on electricity bills

• Payback = 

  19,500÷2,400 = 8 years

📌 Note: Shorter payback = Better investment!

2. Environmental Impact

✅ Benefits:

• Zero pollution (No CO₂ emissions).

• Reduces fossil fuel use (Coal, diesel generators).

• Sustainable (Sunlight is unlimited!).

📌 Fun Fact:
A 5kW solar system cuts ~5 tons of CO₂ yearly = Planting 100 trees!

Takeaway

✔ Solar pays back in 3-7 years (then FREE power!).
✔ 1 solar home = 1 less diesel generator polluting the air!

2. EARN CERTIFICATE FOR COMPLETING THE COURSE QUIZ

https://forms.gle/E5cZ6Jt7URrivX4U8