Project – Assessment of the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Residential Electricity Supply: A Case Study of Selected Households in Minna, Niger State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Electricity is a fundamental requirement for modern residential living because it supports lighting, refrigeration, food preservation, communication, entertainment, water pumping, and the operation of essential household appliances. Reliable electricity supply also contributes to household welfare, educational activities, security, and economic productivity. However, where public electricity supply is inadequate or irregular, households may experience disruptions to their daily activities and incur additional expenses to obtain alternative sources of power. In Nigeria, the challenge of unreliable electricity has encouraged many households to adopt alternatives such as petrol and diesel generators, rechargeable lamps, inverters, and solar photovoltaic systems. Sanusi (2022), in a study of urban households in Minna, reported serious limitations in public electricity supply and identified household reliance on alternative energy sources as an important response to the problem. This situation makes it necessary to assess alternative electricity technologies based not only on their availability but also on their ability to meet actual household electricity needs.

Solar energy has attracted increasing attention as a renewable energy source because it is naturally replenished and can be converted into electricity without the direct combustion of fossil fuels during operation. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight into direct-current electricity through semiconductor materials, while an inverter converts the generated direct current into alternating current for use by common household appliances. Depending on the system configuration, batteries may store excess electricity for use at night or during periods of inadequate sunlight, while a charge controller regulates energy transfer to protect the battery bank. Solar PV systems can operate independently of the public electricity grid or be integrated with grid supply as hybrid systems. The International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS, 2021) identifies system design, component quality, operating conditions, and reliability as important considerations in evaluating photovoltaic performance. Consequently, the suitability of solar PV for residential electricity supply depends on the performance of the complete system rather than on the installed solar panels alone.

The performance of a solar photovoltaic system refers to how effectively it converts available solar energy into usable electrical energy and supplies that energy to meet the demands placed on it. Performance can be assessed through indicators such as daily energy generation, electricity available for household consumption, battery charging and discharging behaviour, system availability, inverter operation, energy losses, and the extent to which the system meets the household’s electricity demand. The performance ratio, energy yield, and operational reliability are also useful indicators when the necessary technical data are available. These measures are important because the rated capacity of a solar panel or inverter does not automatically indicate how much electricity a household will receive under actual operating conditions. IEA-PVPS (2021) explains that assessing photovoltaic systems requires attention to their operation, energy output, and reliability under real-world conditions. Therefore, a meaningful assessment should consider both the technical performance of the installed equipment and the practical electricity needs of the household using it.

Environmental conditions have a substantial influence on the amount of electricity generated by solar photovoltaic systems. Solar irradiance determines the solar energy available to the panels, while module temperature, shading, dust accumulation, panel orientation, and installation angle can affect the electricity produced. Although solar panels are designed to operate outdoors, their actual output can differ from manufacturer ratings because standard test conditions do not represent every field condition. Research conducted in Minna by Alilu et al. (2021) examined the yearly performance and degradation of a monocrystalline photovoltaic module using monitored electrical and meteorological parameters. Similarly, Mohammed et al. (2023) investigated the influence of meteorological parameters on crystalline and amorphous photovoltaic modules in Minna and highlighted the importance of local operating conditions in evaluating module performance. These studies provide a relevant technical foundation for examining residential systems in the same geographical area, where actual output should be assessed under prevailing environmental conditions rather than assumed from manufacturers’ specifications alone.

The condition and maintenance of system components also affect the effectiveness of solar photovoltaic electricity supply. A residential PV installation may contain solar modules, batteries, an inverter, charge controllers, protective devices, wiring, mounting structures, and electrical connections. A fault in one component may reduce the performance of the entire installation even where the solar panels are functioning properly. For example, a deteriorated battery may be unable to store sufficient electricity for night-time use, while an undersized inverter may fail to support the simultaneous operation of household appliances. Poor installation, loose connections, excessive loads, and inadequate maintenance may also contribute to energy losses, premature component failure, or unexpected interruptions. Adesina, Ogunbiyi, and Makinde (2023), in their design, implementation, and performance analysis of an off-grid solar-powered system for a Nigerian household, considered load estimation, component selection, battery efficiency, inverter capacity, and commissioning tests. Their work demonstrates the importance of matching system components to household demand and assessing the performance of the complete installation.

The relevance of solar photovoltaic technology is particularly important in Minna, the capital of Niger State, where households require dependable electricity for domestic activities and may need alternatives when public supply is insufficient. Sanusi (2022) examined household electricity conditions in Minna and documented the difficulties associated with inadequate grid supply, alongside the use of alternative energy sources and public perceptions of renewable energy. This local context makes Minna a suitable setting for investigating whether residential solar PV systems provide the level of electricity supply expected by their users. However, the presence of solar installations does not necessarily mean that households receive uninterrupted electricity or that the systems adequately support all household appliances. Differences in installed capacity, battery storage, household size, energy consumption, system age, and maintenance practices may produce different performance outcomes across households. An assessment involving selected households can therefore help establish how these differences relate to the practical usefulness of solar PV systems for residential electricity supply.

Although solar photovoltaic systems offer the possibility of reducing dependence on the public grid and fossil-fuel generators, their value to households ultimately depends on their actual performance, reliability, and ability to meet electricity demand at an acceptable cost. Adesina et al. (2023) demonstrated the importance of assessing the energy demand of a Nigerian household before selecting and testing an off-grid solar system, while IEA-PVPS (2021) emphasised performance and reliability as key dimensions of photovoltaic system assessment. These considerations suggest that an evaluation of residential systems should go beyond identifying households that own solar installations. It should examine how much electricity the systems provide, how consistently they operate, whether stored energy meets night-time demand, what limitations users experience, and how maintenance and component condition affect their usefulness. Accordingly, this study focuses on assessing the performance of solar photovoltaic systems for residential electricity supply among selected households in Minna, Niger State, with a view to generating evidence that can inform household decisions, installation practices, maintenance, and wider adoption of solar electricity.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Inadequate and irregular public electricity supply remains a significant challenge for many Nigerian households, affecting domestic comfort, security, food preservation, communication, and the use of electrical appliances. Households may respond by purchasing petrol or diesel generators, rechargeable devices, inverters, and other alternative power technologies, each of which has financial and operational implications. In Minna, Sanusi (2022) documented serious limitations in household electricity supply and the use of alternative energy sources to cope with these conditions. Solar photovoltaic systems offer a possible alternative because they can generate electricity from sunlight and, when equipped with suitable batteries, supply power beyond daylight hours. Nevertheless, the adoption of solar technology does not automatically guarantee that a household will receive adequate, reliable, or uninterrupted electricity. The central problem is therefore whether installed residential solar PV systems perform effectively enough to meet the electricity needs of the households using them.

A second problem concerns the difference between the rated capacity of a solar photovoltaic system and its actual performance under household operating conditions. Solar panels may be advertised according to their rated output, but the electricity they produce in practice is influenced by irradiance, temperature, shading, dust, installation quality, and system condition. Battery capacity and health, inverter ratings, wiring, and the household’s pattern of electricity consumption also affect the amount of usable electricity available. Research in Minna by Alilu et al. (2021) and Mohammed et al. (2023) demonstrates the relevance of environmental conditions and measured operating parameters to photovoltaic performance. However, the performance of an individual module under monitored or experimental conditions cannot, by itself, establish how well complete residential systems meet the varying electricity requirements of different households. This creates a need to examine solar PV systems as installed and used in actual homes.

A further problem is that households may experience performance limitations without having sufficient technical information to identify their causes. Some systems may provide satisfactory electricity during the day but fail to maintain adequate supply at night because of insufficient battery storage, battery deterioration, or excessive electricity consumption. Others may experience frequent inverter shutdowns, reduced energy output, or inadequate capacity to operate several appliances simultaneously. Adesina et al. (2023) highlighted the importance of household load assessment, battery efficiency, inverter selection, and system testing in the design and evaluation of an off-grid solar installation. These issues suggest that household satisfaction alone may not provide a complete assessment of system performance. A structured investigation is needed to examine electricity availability, adequacy for household loads, operational interruptions, component condition, and maintenance experiences among selected solar-using households in Minna.

Finally, although existing studies have examined electricity deprivation in Minna and technical aspects of photovoltaic systems in Nigeria, there remains a need for evidence focused specifically on the performance of complete solar PV installations serving residential households in the study area. Sanusi (2022) investigated urban electricity conditions and household responses, while Adesina et al. (2023) assessed the design and performance of an off-grid system for a Nigerian household. Alilu et al. (2021) and Mohammed et al. (2023) also examined module performance and meteorological influences in Minna. These studies provide useful foundations, but their different research focuses leave room for a household-level assessment of system output, reliability, adequacy of supply, and factors associated with performance among selected residents. Without such an assessment, households, installers, and other stakeholders may find it difficult to determine whether installed systems are meeting their intended purpose or which technical and usage factors require improvement. This study therefore seeks to assess the performance of solar photovoltaic systems for residential electricity supply among selected households in Minna, Niger State.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to assess the performance of solar photovoltaic systems for residential electricity supply among selected households in Minna, Niger State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the electricity generation and supply performance of solar photovoltaic systems installed in selected households in Minna, Niger State.

2. Examine the reliability and adequacy of solar photovoltaic systems in meeting household electricity demand.

3. Identify the technical, environmental, and usage-related factors affecting the performance of residential solar photovoltaic systems in the study area.

4. Examine the challenges experienced by households in operating and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems and suggest measures for improving their performance.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will guide the study:

1. How effectively do solar photovoltaic systems generate and supply electricity to selected households in Minna, Niger State?

2. To what extent do residential solar photovoltaic systems provide reliable and adequate electricity to meet household demand?

3. What technical, environmental, and usage-related factors affect the performance of residential solar photovoltaic systems in the study area?

4. What challenges do households experience in operating and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems, and what measures could improve their performance?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis will be tested at the 0.05 level of significance:

H₀: There is no statistically significant relationship between the performance of solar photovoltaic systems and the adequacy of residential electricity supply among selected households in Minna, Niger State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study are expected to be useful to household residents, solar installation companies, maintenance technicians, government agencies, renewable energy policymakers, and future researchers.

Household residents: The study will provide information on the factors that influence the performance of residential solar photovoltaic systems. It may help households understand the importance of proper system sizing, battery selection, load management, routine maintenance, and appropriate use of electrical appliances. The findings may also assist prospective users in making informed decisions before investing in solar electricity.

Solar installation companies and technicians: The study may help solar installers and maintenance professionals identify common problems associated with system performance, including inadequate capacity, poor component selection, improper installation, and battery-related limitations. The findings may encourage better installation practices, improved maintenance services, and more accurate assessment of household electricity requirements.

Government and energy policymakers: The findings may provide useful local evidence for agencies and policymakers interested in expanding renewable energy adoption and improving residential electricity access. Understanding the performance and operational challenges of household solar installations may support the development of appropriate awareness programmes, technical standards, consumer protection measures, and renewable energy policies.

Renewable energy investors and suppliers: The study may provide insights into the practical experiences of residential solar users. Such information may assist suppliers and investors in understanding household needs, improving product selection, and identifying areas where affordable and reliable solar electricity solutions are required.

Researchers and students: The study will contribute to literature on renewable energy, residential electricity supply, and photovoltaic system performance. It may also provide a basis for future research on solar system efficiency, battery lifespan, energy consumption patterns, maintenance practices, and the economic benefits of household solar installations.

The residents of Minna, Niger State: By focusing on selected households in Minna, the study may contribute to a better understanding of how residential solar photovoltaic systems perform in the local environment. Its findings may help identify practical ways to improve electricity availability and reduce dependence on less sustainable alternative power sources.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the assessment of the performance of solar photovoltaic systems used for residential electricity supply among selected households in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Its geographical scope is limited to selected residential areas within Minna metropolis.

The content scope covers electricity generation and supply, adequacy of electricity for household demand, reliability of system operation, factors influencing performance, and challenges associated with the operation and maintenance of residential solar PV systems. Relevant indicators may include reported electricity availability, ability to operate household appliances, battery performance, frequency of system interruptions, and maintenance experiences. Where technical records or measurements are accessible, energy output and other measurable performance indicators may also be examined.

The study is limited to residential applications and does not primarily investigate commercial solar installations, large-scale solar farms, or industrial photovoltaic systems. The households included in the study will be selected according to the sampling procedure established for the research.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The study may encounter certain limitations during data collection and analysis. One possible limitation is the availability of accurate technical records on electricity generation and consumption. Some households may not have energy meters, monitoring devices, or historical records showing daily solar output. Consequently, some information may depend on respondents’ experiences and reports rather than continuous technical measurements.

Another possible limitation is the variation in solar system configurations across households. Differences in panel capacity, inverter ratings, battery technology, installation age, and household energy consumption may make direct comparisons difficult. These differences will need to be considered when interpreting the findings.

Financial and time constraints may also limit the number of households that can be studied and the duration of system monitoring. Furthermore, environmental conditions, including changing solar irradiance, temperature, and dust accumulation, may influence the performance of systems during the study period.

To reduce the effects of these limitations, the researcher will use a structured data collection instrument, obtain technical information where available, apply a consistent assessment procedure, and explain the limitations of the data when presenting the findings. The conclusions will be based on the evidence obtained from the selected households and will not automatically be generalised to every household in Minna or Niger State.

1.9 Operational Definition of Terms

Solar photovoltaic system: An electricity-generating arrangement that converts sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic modules and may include batteries, an inverter, a charge controller, wiring, and protective devices.

System performance: The extent to which an installed solar photovoltaic system generates usable electricity and supplies it effectively for household use, assessed through appropriate technical indicators and users’ reported experiences.

Residential electricity supply: The provision of electricity for domestic activities, including lighting, refrigeration, communication, entertainment, and the operation of household appliances.

Energy generation: The amount of electrical energy produced by a solar photovoltaic system over a specified period, usually measured in watt-hours (Wh) or kilowatt-hours (kWh).

System reliability: The ability of a solar photovoltaic installation to provide electricity consistently and operate with minimal unexpected interruptions under its intended operating conditions.

Energy adequacy: The extent to which the electricity available from a solar PV system meets the household’s required energy consumption and appliance demands.

Solar irradiance: The amount of solar power received per unit area at a particular location and time, commonly expressed in watts per square metre (W/m²).

Battery storage: The capacity of a battery system to store electrical energy generated by the solar panels for later use, particularly at night or during periods of insufficient sunlight.

Inverter: An electrical device that converts direct-current electricity from solar panels or batteries into alternating-current electricity suitable for most household appliances.

Maintenance practices: Activities undertaken to inspect, clean, service, repair, and preserve the components of a solar photovoltaic system to support safe and effective operation.

Selected households: The residential households chosen through the study’s sampling procedure to provide information on the performance of solar photovoltaic systems in Minna, Niger State.

Project – Assessment of the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Residential Electricity Supply: A Case Study of Selected Households in Minna, Niger State.