Plug in -Electricity Desk

28/05/2025

21/04/2025

Solar panel shading is the reduction in sunlight reaching solar panels, leading to a decrease in electricity generation. This can occur due to various obstructions like trees, buildings, or even temporary conditions like clouds. Shading significantly impacts a solar panel's efficiency and power output, potentially reducing energy production by a large margin.

24/02/2025

As shared by zesco limited.
ZESCO ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIP: Flooding can compromise electrical systems, causing electrical fires, shocks, and even death. In times of flooding, treat all electrical appliances, equipment, and electrical outlets with caution. Do not stand in water covering electrical outlets, appliances, or conductors. Avoid fallen electricity lines and report to ZESCO immediately. Avoid areas where you see sparks or hear popping or buzzing noises coming from electrical installations. Do not operate electrical equipment or appliances that have come in contact with water. To report such electrical incidences, call +260211363636, WhatsApp +260762626977.

28/12/2024

This still applies now as it did then

14/12/2024

Lifting and handling of solar panels.

Solar panels and associated equipment can be heavy.on average dimensions will be about 2.2m by 1.1m with an average weight of 28 to 30Kg.this size makes it awkward to handle.
if not done properly solar panel pose a risk to the people handling them and also brings in the risk of damaging them if no much care is taken.
It is important to determine how your panels are going to be moved especially during installation.
Where possible and where needed, ensure you have enough manpower to handle the installtion process. Ensure to also do a proper risk assessment identifying all associated risks and put in appropriate controls.
Stay safe

10/12/2024

A hybrid inverter is a electrical device that basically manages the flow of electricity between solar panels, batteries, and the utility grid in a hybrid solar power system.
It's able to function as below:
1. Solar Power Conversion: Converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home or business.

2.Battery Charging: Charges batteries using excess solar energy or electricity from the grid, storing it for later use.

3. Battery Discharging: Discharges stored energy from the batteries to power your loads during periods of high demand, low solar production, or grid power outages.

4.System Monitoring and Control: Provides real-time monitoring of system performance, energy consumption, and battery status

10/12/2024

Looking for solar panels.
Well on the market currently in Zambia, the common and recommended brands are:
Trina solar panels
Jinko solar
Canadian solar
Solar german
JA solar.
LONGI solar
Hz solar
Fivestar solar panels
The most common rating on the market is the 550W,48V monocrystalline solar panels.

Note:
The monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient panels on the market.

10/12/2024

How solar panel system works
1.Sunlight activates the panels
Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells which absorbs sunlight during the day.

2. Light is converted to DC electricity through a process the phovotaic effect.
The PV cells in the panels convert the light into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC voltage is channelled to an inverter.

3.Before the inverter some setups have a charge control in the circuit.
The charge controller is basically there to control the charging of the battery. It also Protects the battery from been overcharged which may lead to it been damaged.

4.An inverter is key device in converting the DC voltage to AC voltage which is what we need for our household electricity needs
The inverter is also key for charging of your energy storage system which in this case is your battery.

5.During the day, when u have sunlight, you are able to generate your electricity through the panels and sunlight interaction however in the night your battery which was charged during the day becomes your source of the DC electricity which is converted to AC electricity vai the inverter.

6.The AC electricity output from the inverter is fed into the home either through a meter box but mostly fed to the AC distribution box in your home for distribution to various power points... Ie sockets, lighting points, etc

10/12/2024

Simple tips on home safety.
Stay safe😉

20/09/2024

Safety tip when dealing with solar panels.

Be reminded that as soon as a solar panel is exposed to sunlight it immediately starts to generate electricity from the sun.
Do not touch any naked wire from the PV module and be cautious not to be exposed to any part of the wiring which may be exposed. Especially for a 48V system you need to be very careful.
48V Dc is able to give you a good shock.
Stay safe and be careful.

15/09/2024

Basic components of a solar system

Solar Panels: These are the primary components that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. The solar panels generate DC power when exposed to sunlight.

Solar Charge Controllers:
The charge controller regulates the amount of electricity flowing from the solar panels to the batteries. It ensures that the batteries are charged optimally and prevents overcharging, which can damage the batteries.

Batteries:
The batteries store the electricity generated by the solar panels. In a 48V solar system, the batteries are typically designed to operate at 48 volts DC. They store energy during periods of sunlight and release it when needed, such as during the night or when there is less sunlight.

Inverter:
The inverter is responsible for converting the DC power stored in the batteries into AC (alternating current) power, which is the standard form of electricity used in most homes and businesses. The inverter allows you to power AC appliances and devices using the solar energy stored in the batteries.

21/06/2024

Almost all of us will agree that the current load management by zesco has thrown us off track in terms of meeting our daily energy electricity needs.
Plug in - the electricity desk will take some time to discuss and share the available energy and alternatives to the current electricity deficit we face as a country as well as at individual household level.
Watch the space.