Developing a Lab Experiment for Demonstrating the Performance of an Off-Grid Solar Array

The proliferation of photovoltaic systems in the last decade demands skilled technologists familiar with the theoretical and practical aspects of solar system technology. Hands-on experiments play a key role in the development of students’ creativity and instinctive understanding of concepts. In this paper, we explain the process of developing a lab manual to introduce diploma-level undergraduate students to power-electronics aspects of a solar system. Experimental test setup and different equipment used for data acquisition purposes are detailed first. We then briefly explain theoretical concepts such as solar panel modeling, maximum power point tracking, total harmonic distortion, pulse width modulation, and filter design. MATLAB/SIMULINK is used as the simulation platform for virtual experiments due to its user friendliness and capabilities. Hands-on and simulation-based experiments and the results are explained and analyzed. This steppingstone project serves to solidify students’ learning of practical aspects of solar energy harvesting through experimental learning.