Photovoltaic Unit
The Photovoltaic Unit has the main objective of carrying out research and development activities in the area of solar photovoltaic technology. The areas under consideration include solar cell materials and technology, inverters and charge controllers, and system design and implementation. The unit comprises both research and technical staff.
Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity through solar modules. The modules are made up of solar cells connected in series and parallel to increase voltage and current. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from light, which is used to power equipment or to recharge a battery bank.
The first practical applications of solar photovoltaics were to power orbiting satellites, spacecraft and pocket calculators, but today the majority of solar photovoltaic modules are used for stand-alone, mini-grid and grid applications. The unit has carried out studies of different types of module and developed many research and pilot projects in photovoltaic application.
Photovoltaic Technologies and Projects
SERC Solar Compact Generator
The Centre has developed compact DC and DC/AC solar generators. Each can be used to power electrical appliances such as lighting, a laptop, a television, a decoder, a fan and other small household appliances.
Solar-Powered Evaporative Cooler
A solar-powered evaporative “desert” cooler built around a suction fan, wooden-strip cooling pads and a submersible pump, all driven by a solar energy system.
Garu Village Mini-Grid
A 10 kW stand-alone solar mini-grid pilot project at Garu village. SERC staff carried out the module installation, power distribution from the solar PV power house, and the installation of street lighting for the community.
Village Solar PV Mini-Grids
Solar PV mini-grids installed in village communities in Sokoto State, providing electricity where the national grid does not reach.
Institutional and Community Installations
Photovoltaic installations delivered by the unit include the 7.2 kW Danjawa solar PV electrification scheme, solar water pumping at Birjingo community, a 2 kW solar PV back-up for the UDUS internet system, and 4.5 kW of solar PV electrification at SERC itself.
Compact Generator Construction Training
The unit trains young men and women in solar PV system installation and in the construction of solar compact generators, building local skills for assembly and maintenance.