Photovoltaic Unit
Solar energy can be converted into electricity with the aid of solar cell
devices. These cells are interlinked to form modules, which can be used
as single units or interlinked to form photovoltaic arrays capable of
supplying electricity for a wide range of applications like lighting, wat
er pumping, communications(reapter stations,GSM stations, TV, Radio), education,
(audio-visual aids in schools, computers), cathodic protection,battery
charging, health(vaccine refrigeration), telemetry etc.
The centre is also researching on dye sensitized solar cells and has acquired
facilities for monitoring the performance of photovoltaic components and systems to
ensure that they meet international standards and can perform satisfactorily in our
local environment
In addition to research in solar cells fabrication and performance, NCERD also installs
solar electricity systems for both commercial and domestic uses. We also conduct
intensive training courses on solar PV installation and maintenance for youth empowerment
Specific Activities and Programmes
- Installation of some research equipment in all laboratories
of the Centre
- Provision of solar street light and water boreholes in the Centre,
University and some villages under the capital and zonal intervention projects.
- Maintenance of existing solar streetlights, solar water boreholes
and solar rural and office electrification projects within the
University and the Centre.
- Installation and maintenance of solar streetlights and water
boreholes in various locations in South east and South-South zones
of the country.
- Strengthening and consolidating of research collaborations with
local and international bodies.
- Research, development and characterization of Dye Sensitized Solar
cells in the Centre.
- Modeling and simulation of the performance of Crystalline Silicon solar
cells using the PVSol Software package.
- Training of Scientists, Engineers, Technologists and Technicians on
the applications of solar PV systems.
- Growth and Characterization of Thin Films of such materials as
CdTe, CdInSe, GaAs, etc, using different methods in collaboration
with th Physics Department of the University of Nigeria.
- Investigation of PV systems failure rate in the south eastern
region of Nigeria and their causes. This is in collaboration with
the Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Nigeria
- Fabrication and characterization of more Dye sensitized solar PV
Cells (Applying many different dyes).
