Are you passionate about renewable energy? Are you looking to master a high-demand skill in 2025? At Jemmatech Engineering Consultant, we empower individuals like you to design, install, and maintain solar power systems from scratch, no prior experience required.
In this post, we break down the key components of a solar power system in the simplest, most practical way. Whether you’re a curious learner, a DIY enthusiast, or an aspiring solar technician, this guide will help you get started on your solar journey the right way, with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.
Why Solar Power Skills Matter in 2025
As global demand for clean, sustainable energy surges, the ability to install and maintain solar systems has become a highly valuable and marketable skill. But learning solar installation isn’t just about earning a living, it’s about creating impact.
At Jemmatech Engineering Consultant, we believe everything begins with determination. Once you decide that this is the skill you want to learn and apply in 2024, the possibilities are limitless.
Understanding the Building Blocks of a Solar Power System
A solar system, like any machine, is a combination of parts that work together seamlessly. Each component plays a vital role in converting sunlight into usable electricity for homes, offices, and commercial buildings.
Let’s walk you through the complete block diagram of a solar power system, using clear, real-life analogies and expert insights from our training programs at Jemmatech.
Solar Panels – The Power Generators
Think of solar panels as the engine of your solar system. They convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity, which is the foundation of all solar installations.
Types of Solar Panels:
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Monocrystalline – Highly efficient and long-lasting
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Polycrystalline – Cost-effective and widely used
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Thin-film/Other – Less common, lower efficiency
Each solar panel is rated in watts and comes with a specification sheet that includes:
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Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
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Short Circuit Current (Isc)
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Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp)
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Maximum Power Current (Imp)
These specs help determine the correct charge controller and system sizing.
Charge Controller – The Battery Guardian
A solar charge controller sits between the solar panel and the battery. It regulates how energy flows into and out of the battery, preventing overcharging and ensuring longevity.
Types of Charge Controllers:
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PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) – Simple and budget-friendly
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MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) – More advanced and efficient
Never connect solar panels directly to batteries. Doing so will damage the battery cells over time. Always use a charge controller for professional and safe installation.
Battery – The Energy Reservoir
The battery is where energy is stored for use at night or during cloudy days. It acts like a storage tank, holding electricity until needed.
Battery Options:
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Lithium-ion – Advanced technology, longer lifespan, 100% discharge-friendly
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Flooded/Tubular batteries – Durable, but require maintenance
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Sealed batteries – Maintenance-free but limited lifespan
At Jemmatech, we train you on how to connect batteries in series or parallel, and how to determine the appropriate voltage system (12V, 24V, 48V) based on your load needs.
Inverter – Converting DC to AC
Most of our home appliances run on Alternating Current (AC), not DC. That’s where the inverter comes in, it converts DC stored in the battery into AC that can power everything from your television to your refrigerator.
Types of Inverters:
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Pure Sine Wave – Clean, stable output, safe for sensitive electronics
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Modified Sine Wave – Less stable, may not support high-end devices
At Jemmatech, we teach you how to match your inverter voltage (12V, 24V, etc.) with the battery bank and how to choose between inverter types depending on your client’s appliance needs.
Loads – AC and DC Appliances
Loads refer to the appliances powered by your solar system. They fall into two categories:
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AC Loads – Bulbs, TVs, fans, fridges, etc.
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DC Loads – Solar pumps, DC refrigerators, LED DC lighting, etc.
Understanding voltage compatibility (12V, 24V, 48V) between the appliance and your system components is key to performance and safety.
Breakers – Your First Line of Protection
Electrical safety is non-negotiable. Every solar system must include circuit breakers to protect components from damage due to overload or short circuit.
Breaker Placement:
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Between solar panels and a charge controller (DC breaker)
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Between the charge controller and battery (DC breaker)
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Between the inverter and the AC load (AC breaker)
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Optional: DC breakers for direct DC loads
Many modern inverters come with built-in breakers, but it’s always best to design for redundancy and safety.
Surge Protectors – Guard Against Lightning
In regions like Nigeria, where lightning and power surges are common, surge protective devices (SPDs) and lightning arrestors are essential to safeguard expensive components like inverters and batteries.
Cables – The Connective Tissue
The right cable size ensures system efficiency and safety. Using undersized cables can lead to:
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Overheating
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Voltage drops
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Inverter tripping or damage
Our training at Jemmatech covers cable sizing calculations based on current flow, distance, and system configuration (series or parallel).
Energy Audit – The Foundation of Any Design
Before installation, conduct an energy audit. Unlike what many think, system size doesn’t depend on the number of rooms but on the power consumption of appliances.
We teach you how to:
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Calculate total wattage
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Determine daily energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
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Use this data to size your system accurately, including panels, batteries, inverter, and controller
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install a solar power system by myself?
Yes, if you have the right knowledge and training. At Jemmatech, we offer beginner-friendly training to help you confidently install your system or serve clients professionally.
What size solar system do I need for my home?
The size depends on your daily energy consumption, not the number of rooms. Conduct an energy audit to determine total wattage and kWh per day.
What’s the difference between PWM and MPPT charge controllers?
PWM is cost-effective but less efficient. MPPT tracks and maximizes power output from solar panels, especially under variable weather conditions.
Which battery is best for solar systems?
Lithium-ion batteries are the most efficient and durable. However, tubular and sealed lead-acid batteries are still widely used due to their affordability.
Can I use solar power at night?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity during the day, and this energy is stored in batteries for nighttime use.
Do I need both a charge controller and an inverter?
Yes. The charge controller manages battery charging, while the inverter converts stored DC power to AC for your home appliances.
How long does a solar system last?
With proper installation and maintenance, a quality solar system can last 20 to 25 years or more, depending on the components used.
Can solar power run heavy appliances like air conditioners?
Yes, but the system must be properly sized to handle high-power devices. This includes selecting high-capacity inverters and battery banks.
Conclusion
Installing a solar system is more than connecting wires; it’s a science and a craft. At Jemmatech Engineering Consultant, we believe in training the next generation of solar engineers with practical knowledge, expert insights, and unwavering support.
- Want to learn how to size every component correctly?
- Need hands-on guidance to build solar systems from scratch?
- Interested in becoming a certified installer?
You’re in the right place.
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