Design and construction of an affordable and portable solar kit for remote areas with Arduino-based remote switching capability

Solar power presents a viable and sustainable solution, playing a pivotal role in reducing the nation’s reliance on non-renewable energy, especially in Sub Saharan Africa where over 570 million people still lack electricity. In this study, a 500 W movable and portable solar generator was developed to address the energy needs of remote and underserved areas. The model featured a 200 W solar panel, a 20A charge controller, a 500 W inverter, and a 96 Ah battery, all embedded into a single compact unit. A distinguishing feature of this project is its emphasis on accessibility, affordability, and smart remote control. The design integrated a GSM-based remote switching mechanism, controlled via an Arduino Uno microcontroller, enabling real-time monitoring and enhanced usability. Preliminary testing revealed that under minimal sunlight exposure, the solar module generated a low voltage range of 11-13V while direct sunlight produced 12-15 V. Notably, a feedback configuration demonstrated high accuracy in real-time notifications of critical issues, contributing to the prevention of potential damage. Load testing indicated a power consumption of less than 100 W, with a little increase to 200 W recorded at 9:00 pm. This model achieved a performance ratio of 57.73 % and a monthly capacity utilization of 11.9 %. A cost estimated for the construction and implementation at (₦ 281,300), highlighting the profitability and affordability of the developed model. Overall, the solar generator proposed showed strong potential for deployment in off-grid applications, with significant implications for improving energy access and supporting critical services.