📖 ABSTRACT/OVERVIEW
Background: Access to reliable electricity remains a critical challenge in rural communities across South East Nigeria, where grid penetration is low and kerosene-based lighting still predominates. Solar-powered charging systems offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative for off-grid households. Aim: This study designed and constructed a solar-powered battery charging system optimised for rural household use in Enugu State. Methods: The system was designed using a 100W monocrystalline photovoltaic panel, a PWM charge controller, a 12V 100Ah deep-cycle lead-acid battery, and a DC-AC inverter. Circuit simulations were performed using Multisim software before hardware assembly. Performance testing was conducted over 30 days under varying weather conditions. Results: The system delivered a mean daily charge of 8.6Ah under full sun conditions and maintained voltage stability within plus or minus 0.3V across all load conditions tested. The system successfully powered LED lighting, a small fan, and a mobile phone charging unit simultaneously. Cost analysis indicated a payback period of approximately 2.3 years. Conclusion: The constructed solar charging system is technically viable, economically feasible, and appropriate for rural household deployment in South East Nigeria. The study recommends scaling this design for community-level micro-grid integration, with potential adaptation for primary health care centres and schools. Keywords: solar energy, battery charging, rural electrification, Enugu, photovoltaic.
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