Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Powered System for Lighting and Refrigeration for Use in Rural Areas

Power from solar photovoltaic system was used for operation of lights, fan and a refrigerator. A solar panel of 315W (open circuit voltage 18V) was used to operate the system. The direct current (DC) power of the solar panel was converted into single phase alternating current (AC) with the help of an 800 VA inverter. A battery was used to provide back up to the system in the absence of solar energy. With this system a load of 268 W consisting of three tube lights, one fan and a refrigerator was operated successfully.