DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 500W SOLAR GENERATOR KIT

  • Musa Zaharaddden Federal University Dutsin-Ma
  • Bello Aliyu Federal University Dutsin-Ma
Keywords: Solar generator kit, Renewable energy, Portable power, Inverter, Portable Generator

Abstract

In response to the unreliable electricity supply in Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, this study proposes a clean and sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel generators widely used across Nigeria. The aim is to design and build a 500W solar generator kit that is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and capable of meeting typical household energy needs. The system is designed to power essential appliances such as a DC fan, mobile phones, a laptop, and five DC bulbs. The solar generator kit includes a 100W photovoltaic (PV) panel, a 12V 20Ah battery, a 20A charge controller, and a 500W inverter. These components are housed in a compact, custom-made metal frame measuring 14" x 9" x 7", with both AC and DC output ports for versatile use. Weighing 20kg, the unit is portable and ideal for off-grid environments. Performance tests showed that the generator could provide continuous power for up to 6 hours under a 450W load, delivering stable 230V AC and 12V DC outputs. It charges fully in 6–8 hours of direct sunlight, achieving an average efficiency of 85%. This project offers a sustainable power solution that can improve energy access while reducing environmental impact.

Author Biographies

Musa Zaharaddden, Federal University Dutsin-Ma

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Bello Aliyu, Federal University Dutsin-Ma

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

References

Chen, C.G., International Development Corp, 2008. solar power source. U.S. Patent Application 12/041,567.

Edeghe, M. B1, Babalola P. O (2018). 200 Watts Solar Generator for a Typical Barbing Salon. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 413 (2018) 012029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/413/1/012029

Jamil, M., & Shah, K. (2015). Development of portable solar generator. http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/1328/

Kabir, E., Kumar, P., Kumar S., Adelodun, A.A., Kim, K. (2018). Solar energy: Potential and future prospects, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews Elsevier. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.094

Kumar, V., Shiravastava, R.L and Untawade, S.P. (2015). Solar Energy: Review of Potential Green & Clean Energy for Coastal and Offshore Applications. International Conference on water resources, coastal and ocean Engineering (ICWRCOE). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqpro.2015.02.062

Munshi, N.A., Reavis, M., Richardson, D., Taylor, R., Tupper, M.L. and Fabian, P., Composite Technology Development Inc, 2016. Trifold solar panel. U.S. Patent Application 29/504,735

MUSA, M.N.B., 2018. Development of Thermo-Electric Generator.

Oluwasegun, A., Awolala, E. O., Ayodeji, T. P., & Akinyemi, M. L. (2025). Construction Rahman, M. M., Zhang, W., Zheng, Y., & Pearce, J. M. (2025). Open-source portable solar power supply for plasma generators. HardwareX, e00641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00641 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00641

Widyartono, M., Aribowo, W., Rahmadian, R., Wardani, A. L., & Hermawan, A. C. (2024). Designing a portable solar generator for emergencies. E3S Web of Conferences, 513, 02006. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202451302006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202451302006

Z A Abdul Majid, N Hazali, M A K M Hanafiah, A A Abdullah, A F Ismail, M H Ruslan, K Sopian and M S Mohd Azmi (2012). Design and Performance of 20 Watts Solar Generator. IOP Conf. Series: Materials Science and Engineering 36 (2012) 012040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/36/1/012040

Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
Zaharaddden, M., & Aliyu, B. (2025). DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF 500W SOLAR GENERATOR KIT. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(6), 314 - 321. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0906-3644