Design, installation and field testing of a solar PV system for a greenhouse in Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo

Abstract

This study aimed to design, install and field test a Solar PV System for a Greenhouse in Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo. The system comprises two 500-Watt solar panels linked in series, generating a total output of 1000 kW to power the setup. A 1.8 kW Hybrid Inverter facilitates smooth switching between grid and solar power sources. Additionally, a 12V 200Ah battery stores surplus energy during sunny periods. This study also aims to test the reliability and functionality of the solar-powered system under sunny and cloudy conditions. The results from the reliability test finds that the state of charge of the battery maintained a full charge of 100% from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During sunny weather the peak generation is reaching 690 W, while in cloudy weather the peak generation is reaching 874 W. The results from the functionality test guarantees that the system is reliable and continuously providing electricity from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Moreover, the electricity generated by the solar panels meets the energy demand of the greenhouse. An economic analysis was also conducted, comparing the greenhouse's average annual electricity bill and kilowatt-hour consumption over the year. Data was gathered from the previous six months' bills to calculate the net return on investment which yielded a return of 109.02%. Furthermore, the payback period was determined to be 0.917 year or 335 days indicating when the return on investment was achieved.