Utilization of solar energy For power generation in Nigeria Oluka, Leonard Onyedikachukwu Department of Electrical Engineering University of Nigeria, Nsukka Olukaleonard2012@yahoo.com

Nigeria as a favoured country, found in the tropical countries of the world enjoys an average daily sunshine of 6.25hrs ranging from 4.5hrs- 9hrs at the coastal and the northern areas. Knowing that Nigeria has an annual average solar radiation of 6.25kw/m2/day, gives an impression that implementing solar energy is an opportunity for Nigeria to get renewable energy at low cost and minimize dependence on fossil fuels. For example, the total radiation received on a 1m2 surface at Ibadan varies from 16MJ-22MJ and 33MJ-37MJ in Kano. Using this as a bench mark, it is seen that even the minimum harnessible power in any part of the country is more than that required for powering an average 3-bedroom flat using low-power consuming appliances.

POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES Power generation involves converting energy from an available source to electrical energy In a form suitable for distribution and consumption. Solar energy is generated in two ways; Solar-thermal and solar-electric (photovoltaic) conversion. Solar-electric conversion is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity through the use of a photocell in a photovoltaic system made of a balance of system (BOS). Photovoltaic cells are made of semi-conductors. Basically, when light strikes the cell,some portion of it is absorbed within the semi-conductor material. The photon energy knocks electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely, P-V cells have an electric field that force electrons field by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. This flow of electrons is the current, and placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the P-V cell, current is drawn off for external use. This current, together with the cell’s voltage defines the power that the solar cell can produce. The components in the P-V module constitutes the BOS which is categorized into three categories: 1. Deep cycle battery 2. Inverters which convert the direct current produced by the PV module, into alternating Current using a battery and 3. Charge controller

CRITICAL CHALLENGES OF SOLAR ENERGY IN NIGERIA One of the challenges militating against the utilization of the solar energy for power generation in Nigeria lies in high initial cost. According to research, solar panels are expensive to install and maintain. The recent commissioned solar plant of 10KVA in the department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka by the current minister of power, Engr. Prof. Chinedu Nebo appeared to cost over N150,000/panel. This exorbitant cost makes Nigerians who wish to purchase solar panel for power generation, desist from doing so. Moreover, the absence of a comprehensive National Energy Policy continues to remain the greatest threat to the use of solar energy in the generation of power in Nigeria.

RECOMMENDATION For effective utilization of solar electricity in Nigeria for power generation, more research into the techno economies involving the costs of solar plants and their power efficiencies should be encouraged especially in the tertiary institution especially Electrical Engineering. This will go a long way to help us find possible ways of reducing the cost of manufacture of solar panels and thereby reduce the cost of purchase. However, private individuals and organizations should be encouraged by appropraite government authorities to invest in solar technologies in the country. In conclusion, government should create more awareness on the advantages derivable from renewable energy technology most especially the solar technology.

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