Abstract:
We designed, constructed, and characterized a solid-state inverter, one of the most expensive devices in a standard PV system, using locally made materials in Nigeria. The device is used to convert the DC generated by solar cells to AC for optimum utilization, and was designed with following specifications: waveform- square wave: rated output power- 50W, maximum power intake- 55W, frequency- 50Hz, input voltage- 18 – 22V, output voltage- 220 – 240V, maximum current intake- 4A. The characterization of the locally made inverter was carried out and the results show that the efficiency of this inverter varied with the solar intensity, which is in agreement with theory. The output square wave of the inverter has low power consumption, maximum utilization of available power, is economical, and is free from high frequency oscillations that may come from a nearby wave-generating- source.
