Solar PV Components Inverters, Controllers and Solar Panels for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Curriculum Theme: Principles of solar photovoltaic (PV)
Focal competence: Demonstrate the knowledge of Solar PV System as a viable source of renewable energy for environmental sustainability
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration
Skills:

• discuss their function

Previous Lesson: Climates and Their Types
Topic: Solar Pv System: Components In Solar Pv Systems And Their Functions (Ii)
Subject Matter: Components in solar PV systems and their functions

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the main components of a solar PV system: inverters, charge controllers, and solar panels.
• Explain the function of an inverter in a solar PV system.
• State the basic input and output relationships of an inverter.
• Mention common labels found on an inverter.
• Describe the function of a charge controller.
• Explain the function of a solar panel.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of each component in a functional solar PV system.
• Participate actively in group discussions about solar PV components.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate safe handling practices for inverters.
• Properly identify and point out the components on a diagram or actual system.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively with peers during group discussions on solar PV components.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Senior Secondary Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Textbook for SS 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts showing solar PV system diagrams
• Pictures of inverters, solar panels, and charge controllers
• Actual samples of an inverter, charge controller, and a small solar panel (if available)
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the individual components of a solar PV system is fundamental for effective installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This lesson provides learners with essential knowledge of inverters, charge controllers, and solar panels, enabling them to grasp how these parts work together to generate and supply electricity. This knowledge is crucial for developing practical skills in solar PV technology and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have a basic understanding of electricity, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), and the general concept of renewable energy sources.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Solar PV System: Components and Their Functions (II)

Inverters

An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, typically generated by solar panels or stored in batteries, into alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC electricity is suitable for powering most household appliances and connecting to the national grid.

Place in a Solar PV System

In a typical solar PV system, the inverter is placed after the solar panels (and often after the charge controller and batteries in off-grid systems). It acts as a bridge, transforming the DC power from the solar array or battery bank into usable AC power for loads.

Basic Input/Output Relationships

1. Input: Direct Current (DC) from solar panels or batteries. This DC power has a specific voltage range.
2. Output: Alternating Current (AC) at a standard voltage (e.g., 230V in Nigeria) and frequency (e.g., 50Hz).

Common Labels on an Inverter

Inverters typically have several labels and specifications:

1. Input Voltage Range (DC): Specifies the acceptable DC voltage from the solar array or battery bank (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V, or a wider MPPT range).
2. Output Voltage (AC): The AC voltage the inverter produces (e.g., 230V, 120V).
3. Power Rating (VA/W): The maximum continuous power the inverter can supply (e.g., 1000VA, 800W).
4. Frequency (Hz): The frequency of the AC output (e.g., 50Hz, 60Hz).
5. Efficiency: Indicates how much of the input power is converted to output power, usually expressed as a percentage.
6. Waveform: Specifies the type of AC waveform produced (e.g., Pure Sine Wave, Modified Sine Wave).
7. Safety Certifications: Logos indicating compliance with electrical safety standards.
8. Manufacturer and Model Number: For identification and warranty purposes.

Safe Handling of Inverters

Proper handling and installation of inverters are essential for safety and optimal performance:

1. Professional Installation: Always have a qualified technician install the inverter.
2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure the inverter is installed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
3. Avoid Moisture: Keep the inverter away from water, rain, or high humidity to prevent electrical hazards.
4. Correct Wiring: Use appropriate wire gauges and ensure all connections are tight and secure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Grounding: Ensure the inverter is properly grounded to protect against electrical shocks.
6. Disconnect Power: Always disconnect both DC input and AC output power before performing any maintenance or troubleshooting.
7. Read Manual: Familiarise yourself with the inverter’s user manual for specific safety guidelines.
8. Avoid Overloading: Do not connect loads that exceed the inverter’s power rating.

Charge Controllers

A charge controller (also known as a charge regulator) is an electronic device that manages the power flow from the solar panels to the battery bank in a solar PV system.

Definition and Function

Its primary function is to regulate the voltage and current coming from the solar panels to prevent overcharging or deep discharging of the batteries. Overcharging can damage batteries and shorten their lifespan, while deep discharging can also cause irreversible damage. The charge controller ensures the batteries are charged safely and efficiently, extending their life and optimising system performance.

Solar Panels

Solar panels (also known as photovoltaic modules) are devices that convert sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity using the photovoltaic effect.

Definition and Function

They are the primary components responsible for capturing solar energy. Each panel consists of multiple photovoltaic cells, usually made from silicon, which generate an electric current when exposed to light. The main function of solar panels in a PV system is to act as the power generator, converting solar radiation into usable electrical energy.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Group Work.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson on the general overview of solar PV systems. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking students to recall any components they know in a solar PV system.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and mention components like solar panels, batteries, etc.

Learning Point: Recalling PV components

Step 2: Introduction to Inverters

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what an inverter is, its function (DC to AC conversion), and its place in a solar PV system. The teacher uses charts/pictures or an actual inverter to demonstrate its appearance and basic input/output terminals. The teacher also highlights common labels found on an inverter.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the charts/pictures/inverter, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Inverter definition and function

Step 3: Inverter Input/Output and Safe Handling

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion/Safety Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to discuss the basic input/output relationships of an inverter (DC in, AC out). The teacher then explains and demonstrates the importance of safe handling practices for inverters, such as proper ventilation, avoiding moisture, and correct wiring, using the provided instructional materials.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, take notes on input/output relationships, and observe safe handling demonstrations.

Learning Point: Inverter operation and safety

Step 4: Introduction to Charge Controllers

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces charge controllers, explaining their definition and crucial function in protecting batteries from overcharging and deep discharging. The teacher uses charts or pictures to show different types of charge controllers.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the visuals, and understand the role of charge controllers.

Learning Point: Charge controller function

Step 5: Introduction to Solar Panels

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Visualisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces solar panels, explaining their definition as devices that convert sunlight into electricity. The teacher highlights their primary function as the power generator in a PV system, using charts or actual panels for demonstration.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the solar panel visuals, and grasp its role in energy generation.

Learning Point: Solar panel function

Step 6: Group Discussion on Components

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Collaboration/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and guides them to discuss the functions of inverters, charge controllers, and solar panels, using the charts and pictures provided. They also briefly discuss how these components (including batteries from previous knowledge) work together.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups, comparing notes and reinforcing their understanding of each component’s function and interaction.

Learning Point: Component interaction understanding

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the main function of an inverter in a solar PV system?
2. State two common labels you would find on an inverter.
3. Mention two safe handling practices for inverters.
4. What is the primary role of a charge controller?
5. How do solar panels contribute to a solar PV system?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Component function assessment

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on inverters, charge controllers, and solar panels into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 0 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the importance of understanding the functions of inverters, charge controllers, and solar panels for a functional and safe solar PV system. The teacher encourages students to continue exploring solar energy.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s key takeaways.

Learning Point: Lesson summary

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Differentiate between the input and output of a typical solar inverter.
2. Research and list three different types of charge controllers used in solar PV systems.
3. Draw a simple diagram of an off-grid solar PV system and label the inverter, charge controller, and solar panel.
4. Explain why proper ventilation is important for an inverter.

Lesson Keywords

• Inverter – An electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
• Charge Controller – A device that regulates the voltage and current from solar panels to the battery.
• Solar Panel – A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity (DC).
• DC (Direct Current) – Electric current that flows in only one direction.
• AC (Alternating Current) – Electric current that periodically reverses direction.
• Photovoltaic (PV) – Technology that converts light into electricity.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: Provide simplified diagrams of the solar PV system components. Pair them with more knowledgeable students during group discussions and provide direct prompts for identifying functions. Focus on identifying the main function of each component.
For advanced learners: Challenge them to research different types of inverters (e.g., string inverters, micro-inverters) or the working principles of MPPT charge controllers. Encourage them to explain the consequences of a faulty component in a solar PV system.

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