- A radio station cannot work without solar energy (electricity).
- A car manufacturing company cannot work or move ahead exponentially without power.
Few companies are solely dependent on electricity(Solar Energy), as cited above. Hence, electricity is crucial to businesses around the globe. Meanwhile, electricity generates in different ways. It can either be a Renewable or Non-Renewable Source of Energy. Examples of Renewable Sources of Energy are Solar, Hydroelectricity or Hydropower, Wind, to mention but a few. Examples of Non-Renewable Sources of Energy are coal, petroleum, fuel, Gas, fossils, Nuclear Energy. I can keep listing them out.
Nature of The Sun – How it generates Solar Energy
Solar Energy uses the rays of the sun to generate electricity. Why is the sun a means to generate enough Solar Energy?
Our sun is a natural nuclear reactor. It releases tiny packets of quantum called photons, which travel 93 million miles from the sun to Earth in about 8.5 minutes. Every hour, enough photons impact our planet to generate enough Solar Energy to satisfy the needs of global Energy for an entire year. And what are the devices or equipment used in the generation from Solar Energy to Electrical Energy?
Moreover, inverters, charge controllers, batteries and solar panels (PV) are the most vital devices or equipment used in the installation to generate electricity. Without these devices, there are no Solar power solutions.
Usefulness of an Inverter and a Charge Controller

An inverter is a direct current to an Alternate current (DC-AC) converter. It is measured in Kilovolt per Ampere (Kva) or Kilowatts (KW). Thus, Watt (W) represents Volt per Ampere. An Inverter plays a dominant role in the installation and, the capacity varies where energy auditing is necessary. There are different types of inverters; pure sine wave, modified sine wave and sine wave; besides, they are all action based on their uses.

A charge controller is like a small box that plays an enormous role in controlling, regulating and protecting solar panels and batteries. Thus, showing that the solar panel is working and the battery level is in good condition. An overcharged battery lifetime decreases with time.
Moreover, the charge controller aids in regulating and stopping it if the battery is charged, thereby increasing the battery lifespan. A charge controller also shows the current status of the solar system with the help of a light indicator on the box. It is easy to mount on the wall. It is mounted where the wires panels, the battery and the Load appliances are connected. There are different types of charge controllers – Pulse width modulation (PWM) and Maximum power point tracking (MPPT). They are measured in Ampere (A).
The Importance of Battery in Devices
A battery is very significant in devices (gadgets) and automobiles. It is used based on its importance. For instance, a mobile phone and a car have specific batteries. We can’t use a car battery for a solar energy system. The consequences for that action might not be a good one at all. The most significant function of any good battery is that: it stores and uses Energy; It stores and utilizes the Energy in the system. It can be connected either by series or parallel and measured in V× Ah or Wh.
In Electricity calculation, Watt per hour (Wh) is equal to Volt × Ampere per hour (V × Ah). For instance, a Battery with a capacity of 200AH (12V) will be 2400Wh while 100AH (12V) will be 1200Wh. In solar power solutions, batteries are of different types: Tubular, Deep cell, and gel. All are very effective based on their consumption.
Types of Solar Energy Panels

Solar panels (PV) are of three types, mainly Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and thin film. Monocrystalline is the best based on its longevity from 25 to 50 years; it is a safer option for residential and commercial buildings. Thus, it’s more expensive than the others. How do solar panels generate electricity?
For instance, PV (photovoltaic) solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity; additionally, the electricity supplied by IKEDC in Lagos, Nigeria: is an AC (Alternate current). With DC electricity, electrons flow in one direction around a circuit (DC), powering a light bulb (element).
The electrons travel from: the negative side to the positive side of the battery(in one direction). This movement passes through the lamp. For Solar Energy, the sun shines onto the solar panel. The Photovoltaic absorbs power from the sunlight, thereby generating a Direct Current.
The Direct current converts to an Alternative current with the help of an Inverter. Thus, the Alternate current flows to the Breaker box or Distribution box; in turn, it flows to any appliances used by electricity.
Installation of Solar Power Solutions
The above picture shows a completed installation of solar power solutions arranged in a battery rack. The inverter, battery, charge controller and solar panels have two cables: positive and negative. The solar panels connect to the other ends of the charge controller on the panel slot. The battery connects to an Inverter as well as to the charge controller on the battery slot. The distribution box also connects to the inverter to get the flow of converted DC which is the Alternate current to the electrical appliances in the building. Is it advisable to install solar power Solutions yourself?
No! It is not like fixing a light in the house. So, It is never advisable because it is dangerous to do it alone. Better still, if you are a trained installer with Electrical knowledge, you can install a solar power system. It is also advisable to ground yourself and be careful. Thus, an Inverter does not cause shock. Meanwhile, It is best to play safe.
Indeed, this is the cheapest, affordable and conservative form of power. But, to make it last longer, what can we do? How can we maintain this solar power system after installations?