Proposed Design, Installation, Operation & Maintenance of 1MW (Off-Grid) Solar

Power Plant for Surigao Education Center

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING

Submitted By:

FLORES, JERAMMY O.
BSME -4

Submitted To:

ENGR. FERDINAND A. MIGULLAS

Instructor

December 2024

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 Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction................................................................................................................3

History........................................................................................................................4

Subject of the Report..................................................................................................7

Ownership and Organization Chart............................................................................8

Location......................................................................................................................9

Chapter 2

Research Methodology.............................................................................................10

Design......................................................................................................................12
Cost Estimation…....................................................................................................13
Installation Cost…....................................................................................................16

Daily Connected Load…..........................................................................................18

Load Curve Data…...................................................................................................22

Load Duration Curve Data…....................................................................................23

Chapter 3

Engineering Economics Analysis..................................................................................24

References..................................................................................................................25

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 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

The growing demand for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has led to

significant advancements in solar technology, offering cost-effective alternatives to

traditional power sources. In line with this global shift towards clean energy, the

Sruigao Education Center aims to implement an innovative solar power system to

meet its energy needs sustainably and independently.

This proposal outlines the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of a 1MW off-grid

solar power plant for the Sruigao Education Center, located in a region where access to

reliable electricity can often be challenging. The off-grid nature of this system ensures that

the center will no longer rely on external power grids, providing consistent and renewable

energy to support educational activities, lighting, air conditioning, and other essential
services.

The proposed solar power plant will be designed to operate autonomously, utilizing

photovoltaic (PV) technology to harness solar energy, which will then be converted to usable

electricity. This sustainable energy solution not only addresses the immediate energy

requirements of the center but also aligns with broader environmental goals by reducing

reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

With an emphasis on energy efficiency, minimal environmental impact, and long-term

cost savings, the project will contribute significantly to the center’s educational

mission while promoting sustainability within the local community. Moreover, this

system's design ensures ease of maintenance, longevity, and reliability, guaranteeing

that the plant operates smoothly throughout its lifecycle.

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 History of Solar Power Plants

The history of solar power plants traces back to humanity's long-standing quest to

harness the energy of the sun. While the concept of solar energy dates back thousands of

years, modern solar power as we know it began with the advent of photovoltaic technology in

the 19th century.

In 1839, French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic

effect, a phenomenon where certain materials generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.

This breakthrough laid the foundation for solar energy technologies. However, it wasn’t until

the invention of the first practical solar cell by Bell Labs in 1954 that solar energy began to

move toward real-world applications. These silicon-based solar cells achieved an efficiency of

about 6% and demonstrated the potential to convert sunlight into a usable energy source.

The 1960s marked a turning point when solar cells were deployed in space programs

to power satellites, showcasing their reliability in remote and demanding environments. This

success spurred further research and development in photovoltaic technology.

The first ground-based solar power plants began to emerge in the 1970s during the

global oil crisis, which heightened interest in alternative energy sources. In 1983, the world’s

first solar thermal power plant, known as Solar One, was built in California's Mojave Desert.

Around the same time, photovoltaic solar farms also started appearing, albeit on a small scale,

due to high costs and relatively low efficiency.

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 History of Surigao Education Center

Surigao Education Center is a non-stock, nonprofit private, nonsectarian educational

institution incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines on November 25,

1987. That time, the school was known as Surigao Medical School of Midwifery, when it

opened as the first midwifery school in Surigao in 1978, the school changed its name to

Surigao Education Center and bought about the offering of new courses as part of the school

development plan.

Then Surigao Education Center in line with its objective of developing the

community saw the need to offer a Nursing program. Thus, the Nursing Program together

with other new courses was initiated on October 23, 1991. And then, in the school year of

1993-1994, Surigao Education Center had opened its door to the young men and women of

Surigao City and its neighboring provinces to the pioneer batch of Bachelor of Science in

Nursing Program, Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Basic Seaman Course (now

called Seafarer’s Rating Course) and Associate in Radiologic Technology, now offered as

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology.

Throughout the year Surigao Education has strived to be dynamic institution by

offering additional courses in Engineering in 1996. Course like Bachelor of Science in

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Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering and Architecture and other courses offering

followed such as Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Business Education, Bachelor of

Science and Information Technology. In addition to that, it has also offered course like

Teacher Education, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Civil Engineering, Electronic and

Communication Engineering and Computer Engineering. Responding to global realities and

demand of labor market, the school implemented the Ladderized Education System with a

global sense to adequately respond to these emerging needs

The program offered is recognized by the government through the Commission on

Higher Education. The school had also adapted ISO standards for quality management

system and is currently accredited with anglo Japanese American Registrar, Inc. (AJA). This

reflects the school’s commitment to quality education to the people of CARAGA.

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 Subject of the Report

The history of solar power plants reflects humanity's ongoing effort to harness the sun's

energy for practical purposes. Ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans, employed

passive solar methods by designing buildings that captured sunlight for heating. The modern

development of solar energy began in 1839 with Alexandre Edmond Becquerel's discovery of

the photovoltaic effect, which showed that sunlight could generate electricity. This discovery

led to the creation of the first solar cell in 1883 by Charles Fritts, though its efficiency was

under 1%. Significant progress was made in 1954 when Bell Labs developed the first efficient

silicon solar cell, setting the stage for current photovoltaic technology. In 1958, solar power

demonstrated its reliability when it was used to power the Vanguard 1 satellite.

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Ownership /Organization Chart

8
Location

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 CHAPTER 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Design of a 1MW Solar Power Plant

The aim of this project is to design, install, operate, and maintain a 1MW off-grid solar power

plant for the Surigao Education Center. The main objective is to provide a sustainable,

reliable, and renewable energy source to the center while reducing dependency on traditional

power grids, which may be unreliable or unavailable in the region. The system will be

designed to meet the educational facility's energy demands efficiently.

A detailed feasibility study and site assessment will be conducted to ensure the location is

suitable for a solar power installation. This will include an evaluation of the geographic and

environmental conditions, such as solar irradiance, shading factors, and available space for

solar panels. A geographical information system (GIS) analysis will be used to evaluate the

solar potential, and meteorological data will be reviewed to assess seasonal variations in solar

energy generation.

The solar power plant design will be based on the energy requirements of the Surigao

Education Center. Energy demand analysis will be carried out to determine the daily and

seasonal electricity consumption. Based on these requirements, the system will be designed to

generate 1MW of electricity, with consideration for panel efficiency, battery storage capacity

(if applicable), and expected energy losses. The design will optimize the use of available

space while ensuring the most efficient configuration of solar panels, inverters, and batteries..

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11
 Design of 1MW Off-Grid` Solar Power

Fig 1. Ground Mounted 3d layout of solar power plant

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 Cost Estimated

Fig 2. Scale Solar System

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The design of a 1MW solar power plant can be customized to meet your specific needs and

objectives. After consulting with a team of solar experts, the design can be adjusted to suit the

site and project goals. Below, we provide a basic framework for a 1-megawatt solar power

system. Key components are critical to ensuring the system’s success and efficiency. To

establish a 1MW solar plant, you will require a variety of high-quality solar components,

including solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, and other electrical components. The

quantity and power ratings of these components can be tailored to meet the system's

requirements, giving you the flexibility to adjust the number of panels, inverters, or other

parts to ensure optimal performance and alignment with your goals.

Thanks to government backing for green energy projects and technological improvements, the

cost of establishing a 1MW solar power plant has decreased recently. A 1 MW solar power

plant may now be established for about INR 4-5 crore. After installation, the system can

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produce electricity for more than 25 years.

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 INSTALLATION COST

Installation Cost of 1MW Power Plant We have broken down the total cost into smaller

components to help you better comprehend the investment in a 1 megawatt solar power

system. The prices of solar panels, solar inverters, and other accessories may now be

compared and examined separately.

Accordingly, 1MW will generate, 4 units x 1000kW = 4,000 units/day (1MW =

1000kW), & 4,000 units x 30 days = 1,20,000 units/month. 1,20,000 units x 12 months =

14,40,000 units/year.

Project Report for 1MW Solar Plant We see a huge demand for information regarding

the investment model for setting up a 1 MW solar system. We have decided to create a 1 MW

estimate series. So here it is:

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18
 1MW Solar Plant Balance Sheet Here is the balance sheet of 1MW solar power plant.

Labor costs for system installation, including panel mounting, electrical wiring, and

grid connection and Testing and commissioning to ensure the system functions optimally.

Estimated cost: $150,000 - $250,000

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 Daily Connected Load

BUILDING DESCRIPTION
CONNECTED LOAD
AIRCON (2 HP) 16412
CCTV 12
COMPUTER 300
ELECTRIC FAN 1632
1 FLUORESCENT 2160
(GRADE SCHOOL) LIGHT BULB 24
PRINTER 30
TV 57
WATER DISPENSER 420
TOTAL 21047

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIR PURIFIER 40
AIRCON (2 HP) 14920
COMPUTER 3000
ELECTRIC FAN 1904
2 FLUORESCENT 2670
(MONTESORY) LIGHT BULB 36
PRINTER 90
TV 285
WATER DISPENSER 840
WIFI ROUTER 15
TOTAL 23800

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

ELECTRIC FAN 1156

EMERGENCY LIGHT 15
3 FLUORESCENT 750
(GRADE SCHOOL) LIGHT BULB 12
TV 57
TOTAL 1990

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 8952

4
COMPUTER 2400
(COLLEGE OF ELECTRIC FAN 1496

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ENGINEERING & FLUORESCENT 2130
ARCHITECTURE) PRINTER 120
TV 342
WATER DISPENSER 420
WIFI ROUTER 30
TOTAL 15890

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 105932

CCTV 156
COMPUTER 65400
ELECTRIC FAN 4624
EMERGENCY LIGHT 75
EXHAUST FAN 840
FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL 25
5 FLUORESCENT 13080
(HIGH SCHOOL) LIGHT BULB 564
PIN LIGHTS 744
PRINTER 420
SERVER 1
SMOKE DETECTOR 3570
TP-LINK 15
WIFI ROUTER 315
XEROX MACHINE 500
TOTAL 196261

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 1492

ANGLE GRINDER 4500
BENCH GRINDER 500
CCTV 48
COMPUTER 900
ELECTRIC FAN 272
EMERGENCY LIGHT 5
6 FLUORESCENT 360
(MACHINE SHOP) HEAVY DUTY CUTTING GRINDER 25000
LATHE MACHINE 92 HP) 74600
LIGHT BULB 36
PORTABLE WELDING MACHINE 64000
POWER DRILL 1000
PRINTER 30
TV 57
WELDING MACHINE 70000

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 WIFI ROUTER 15
TOTAL 242815

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 2984

7 COMPUTER 300
(RADTECH) ELECTRIC FAN 544
FLUORESCENT 180
TOTAL 4008

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 17904

COMPUTER 6300
ELECTRIC FAN 1360
FLUORESCENT 870
8 FREEZER 300
(LIBRARY) PRINTER 60
TV 57
WATER DISPENSER 840
XEROX MACHINE 1000
TOTAL 28691

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 5968

COMPUTER 600
9 ELECTRIC FAN 544
(CAREGIVING) FLUORESCENT 600
LIGHT BULB 24
REFRIGERATOR 300
TOTAL 8036

BUILDING DESCRIPTION CONNECTED LOAD

AIRCON (2 HP) 7460

COMPUTER 900
ELECTRIC FAN 68
10 FLUORESCENT 450
(CME ANNEX) LED BULB 12
PRINTING MACHINE 100
WATER DISPENSER 420
TOTAL 9410

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23
Load Curve Data

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Load Duration Curve Data

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 CHAPTER 3
ENGINEERING ECONOMICS ANALYSIS

The financial and technical analysis for the proposed 1 MW off-grid solar power plant at

Surigao Education Center assesses the feasibility of designing, installing, operating, and

maintaining the system. The plant's primary goal is to supply electricity to the school and

allow for the sale of excess energy back to the local grid. The initial investment includes

expenses for design and engineering, solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, electrical

components, and installation and grid connection. The total initial cost is estimated to be

between P1,000,000 and P1,400,000.

Once the system is operational, ongoing costs will include routine maintenance, repairs, and

insurance, estimated at P15,000 to P30,000 annually. The plant is expected to reduce the

school's reliance on grid electricity, providing potential savings of P150,000 to P300,000 per

year. Additionally, selling surplus electricity back to the grid could generate extra income,

ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 annually, depending on local regulations and agreements.

The financial analysis, using metrics like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return

(IRR), and payback period, confirms that the investment is financially sound. The NPV is

positive, with an expected IRR between 12% and 15%. The payback period is estimated to be

around 4.8 years, and with the solar panels’ lifespan of about 25 years, the project offers

substantial long-term financial and environmental benefits.

However, certain risks must be considered, including variations in system performance,

potential regulatory changes, and possible challenges with grid connection. Despite these

uncertainties, the 1 MW solar power plant represents a financially viable, sustainable, and

environmentally friendly energy solution for the Surigao Education Center.

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 REFERENCES

Off-Grid Power Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainable Options for Energy

Independence (2024, June 7) Available: [Link]
power-systems-a-comprehensive-review-of-sustainable-options-for-energy-
independence/

Differences Between Off-Grid, On-Grid, and Power Plants Solar Energy (2023, October
2023) Available: [Link]
on-grid-and-power-plants-solar-energy?Lang=En

Off-Grid or Stand-Alone Renewable Energy Systems Available:

[Link]

What is an Off-Grid Solar Power Systems (2023, December 1) Available:

[Link]

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