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| SolarJooce specialises in the provision of solar appliances and systems for use in rural areas. |
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How does solar energy work, using a Solar Home Kit?
 A solar home kit is composed of four critical components; Solar Panels, Charge Controllers, Batteries and Inverters. These components are necessary to have a Solar Electric (Photovoltaic - PV) system that functions efficiently.
Solar Panels
Solar panels are the main components of the system. The solar panels charge the batteries. Several solar panels wired together create what is called a solar array. The overall size of the solar array will determine the amount of power or energy that will be produced from a solar electric system.
Charge Controllers
Although charge controllers come in many different sizes and types, they all perform a similar function. Charge controllers prevent the solar panel or array from overcharging the battery.
Batteries
Batteries store energy for solar electric systems. Batteries play the role of storing the energy your solar panels produce during the day. Batteries will provide you with the energy you need. at night. Appliances (e.g fridges, TV, computers) that are powered by solar electric systems receive their power from batteries rather than directly from the output of a solar panel. A solar panel produces a high voltage that can damage electronics if appliances are powered directly.
Inverters
The last major part is the Inverter. The inverter converts the DC energy stored in your batteries and turns it into the AC power you use in your home. Inverters are rated by wattage and the quality of their output.
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Where are solar systems being used?
 Solar systems are generating clean electric power all over the world. Today, we can solar panels at work on top of tall city buildings and atop huts in rural villages.
Solar systems can power anything from water pumps, fridges, cookers and fans, to televisions, computers, and all kinds of lighting.
They are especially well suited for places where electricity supply is poor, too expensive or cannot be accessed easily. In many remote areas, they are regarded as the least expensive way of meeting energy needs.
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Can solar systems power micro-enterprises?
Definitely, and here is an example:
Okwuni is the most popular man in the Nigerian village of Idumuje Ugboko (Delta State).
In a community that has no access to electricity, he is one of the very few people with light. How? He bought and installed a 280W solar electricity kit, which powers his fridge, television and electric sockets.
On football match days, Okwuni’s backyard is packed full with neighbours who come to watch the game on his large screen TV, while they drink a cold beer or soft drink, and also charge their mobile phones. He makes an income by charging his neighbours a small entry fee to watch football matches. They also buy cold drinks from him, and pay to have their phones charged.
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Can I install a solar system myself?
Smaller items - such as solar lamps – can be referred to as ‘plug-and-play. Anyone can switch them on.
Other items such as a basic lighting kit that powers a few lights are very easy to put together.
However, for more complicated solar units that power much bigger items, an experienced solar engineer will first visit the site to determine its power needs, and then design and install the panels.
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How do I know if I have enough sunlight for any kind of solar system?
A solar system needs unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most or all of the day. The good news is that Nigeria has some of the highest levels of sun exposure in the world so there’s no need to worry about getting enough sunlight to power any systems or appliances, small or big. |
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How big a solar energy system do I need for my home?
The size of solar system you need depends on several factors - such as how much electricity is consumed, how much sunshine is available, the size of your roof (for placing solar panels), and how much one is willing to invest. For example, a 60W solar panel/battery will power a couple of lights, a 12” TV, and a small fan for the night.
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Do solar panels (or solar-powered products) need frequent maintenance?
Most panels do not need cleaning. In most areas of the country, rainfall is sufficient enough to clean the panels. For those who live in very dusty and dry areas, all that is required is watering down or gently wiping the panels monthly. Water must not be sprayed on the panels when they are very hot. Harsh liquids must not be used to wipe down the panels. Panels must not be walked on or scratched.
For small, panel-fitted appliances – such as solar lamps – gentle wiping of the small panels with a damp cloth is required when the panel is covered by a film of dust or specks that will obstruct sunlight.
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How can I sponsor a community under the Solar for the Masses campaign?
For the next few months, Solar Jooce will focus on providing rural Nigeria with their first [basic] solar lighting appliance.
We will therefore offer only stand-alone solar lamps and combined solar lamp/phone charger for sponsorship. After you have submitted details of your sponsorship commitment (via our Order Form on the Sponsor a Community page), we will contact you to finalise details.
We will not only deliver your gifts personally to a rural community, but also take time to train a local resident on how to use/install the solar appliances.
The local rural resident becomes our contact person in the area.
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