INTEGRATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF SOLAR POWER

INVERTERS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS TOWARDS ENHANCED SUSTAINABILITY IN

KWAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

BY

RAHEEM MURITALA OLAITAN

20/25PE078

PATRIARCH TONGO

20/25PE086

UGBERAESE JERRY OLAMILEKAN

20/25PE086

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

SCIENCE EDUCATION

B.SC (E.d) PHYSICS

UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN, NIGERIA

P.M.B 1515, ILORIN

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Educational institutions encounter multifaceted challenges in implementing solar power

solutions. Financial constraints, regulatory complexities, and technical intricacies can pose

formidable barriers. Moreover, the educational community must navigate an evolving

pedagogical landscape, balancing the demands of curricular integration and educational

outcomes with the imperative of sustainability. Despite these challenges, the rewards of

embracing solar power in education are abundant. (Abas, Kalian, & Khan, 2015; Singh, 2021),

the 21st century has ushered in a new era of global awareness and action surrounding two

pressing challenges: the pursuit of sustainable energy sources and the transformation of

education for a rapidly changing world. At the intersection of these challenges lies a

transformative opportunity—integrating solar power into educational institutions. This paper

explores the global landscape of solar power in education, delving into the initiatives, challenges,

and benefits that characterize this dynamic endeavor. The world faces an imminent energy crisis

fueled by the finite nature of fossil fuels, environmental degradation, and climate change.

Concurrently, these challenges are curtained in education sector by radically transforming to

equip future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges. The

convergence of these concerns presents a unique synergy, where the adoption of solar power in

education serves both environmental sustainability and educational innovation. Solar power
transcends its role as a mere energy source; it is an educational tool. By harnessing energy from

the sun, educational institutions can reduce their carbon footprint while also imparting students’

invaluable lessons on renewable energy. Solar panels become fixtures on rooftops and symbols

of commitment to sustainable practices and a tangible means to inspire future generations to

embrace clean energy solutions (Ralph, 2OO4).

Across the country, educational institutions have embraced the potential of solar power,

pioneering initiatives that redefine the role of schools and universities in the pursuit of

sustainability (Egbewole, 2025). Dated to (February 6, 2025) as commissioned of 90KVA solar

inverter to the University of Ilorin to address the electricity challenges facing the institution,

donated by an indigenous company, (Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd). The company also donated

one Hillux van to enhance the operational capacity of the University. Solar installations on

campuses have become more than a cost-saving measure; they are beacons of hope in an

increasingly energy-hungry world. Initiatives such as the University of Ilorin, Kwara State

University, Malete, and other public and private institutions involved in the implement of

harnessing solar energy for usefulness in curtain the ongoing electricity challenge in the country,

exemplify the diverse range of projects driving the adoption of solar power in education. Nigeria

faces significant challenges in the education sector, and any support for academic institutions

will have a lasting impact (Alhaji Rahman, 2025).

The benefits to enhance the sustainability of use of solar power in education sector are;

environmental benefits manifest in reduced carbon emissions and a decreased reliance on non-

renewable energy sources. Economic advantages include long-term cost savings and potential

revenue generation through excess energy production. Furthermore, solar-powered campuses

sustainability (Numbi, Malinga, 2022). This research paper reviews the state and nationwide

landscape of solar power integration in educational institutions. It examines the diverse

initiatives undertaken higher institutions, state and nationwide analyzes the challenges

encountered, and explores the multifaceted benefits realized. Additionally, this paper will

investigate the role of policies and regulations in shaping the adoption of solar power in

education and conclude with future trends and recommendations to further advance this vital

intersection of sustainability and learning. As the sun rises in this era of solar-powered

education, we hope this paper will illuminate the path for educators, policymakers, and

stakeholders alike, guiding them toward a future where sustainable energy and education

coalesce, creating a world where knowledge truly shines.

Education is the best legacy for a society such as ours here in Africa, quality education is needed

if we must progress. For effective educational institutions, adequate power is needed. In reality,

there are many hindrances to educational progress. One very vital is the inadequate power supply

that affect educational institute. The world bank stated according to research done by United

Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO, 2014), that 46 countries in

Sub-Saharan African report lack of electricity in vast majority of their public institutions. More

of their schools especially primary and secondary school in Nigeria are located in rural area

where electricity distribution is limited and most people not alone people institutions do not have

access to power.

Solar power can solve the problem of electricity educational institutions in Kwara state and

nationwide. It comes with a noiseless, clean and affordable energy that make learning and
research easy. The lowest primary school electrification rate is located in sub Sahara Africa.

Solar companies in Ilorin Kwara, one of its fastest growing electronics and solar company,

FEMTECH and its branches emerging faster than expected because of the value they are

offering, that make education easier and more relevant in such that, it offers a longer study time.

One of the drawbacks of students is not having longer time to study. Most students in Nigeria do

not have enough time to study during the day and depends on oil lamps or unreliable power

supply from NEPA to study. This has made study ineffective. Solar systems gives students more

study time in that it conserves energy from the sun during the day and give power at night,

thereby giving students the study time they need to excel. (Beebeejump Int’l Limited, 2020)

highlighted that, Universities can have night classes without the fear of power outrage. A case is

a study of University of Ilorin students, whereas, there are always non-compulsory night classes

for students. They actually utilized the light opportunity to study, whether assignment or

personal studies.

Solar power is the cheapest of all the renewable energy solution. ( (FEMTECH, 2019)), It is

cheaper than using grid supply and generator. Running an educational institution means that the

management has to provide electricity for the comfort of the student, to aid learning in terms of

research powering equipment etch. Using non solar options will increase the expense of power

supply. With solar 24hours guaranty is assured. So cheaper sources of power supply means

school can be running lower cost thereby making them affordable for parent/guardians. It also

gives avenue to buy other educational materials like textbook that was forgone just to pay the

tuition fee.
 To have a unique and modern experience while learning, students have to interact with IT

equipment like laptop, Desktops etch. These equipment aid learning. Some schools have

computer labs which have been abandoned for quite some time all because of inadequate power

supply to power educational equipment. Adequate of power supply makes education lucrative

and attractive to students.

Solar systems do not make noise of any form, which makes it the best fit for education. The

popular generator that schools use to generate electricity as an alternative to the epileptic grip

power supply makes a lot of noise, it affect assimilation for students. When used at home

students do not get concentrate well. Using a solar system eliminate this and improves education.

Quality education is the best for anybody involved in it. Having a constant supply of power

improves education and makes it more attractive. Solar power provides clean, affordable and

noiseless energy for educational purpose.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

This part enumerates the problem the study seeks to solve in this research paper;

Inadequate supply from the national grid, land and water pollution from the oil spillage in the oil

producing industries among other factors have led Nigeria and indeed the world to look for

alternative power supply such as solar power inverter. While higher institution may have

struggled to acquire electronic technologies with the lean resources available to them, they seem

to find it difficult it difficult most times to provide information to the students through the

institution radio broadcasting either because of the epileptic power supply from the national grid,

or the rising cost of fuel for generators to power their server and other electrical/electronic

appliances for twenty four hours daily. This has been a challenge to many higher institutions in
 many states and indeed in Nigeria at large (Amaefule, 2012). It is within this background this

study seek to investigate how solar power inverters can be used as an alternative source of power

to help provide for round the clock electronic services in public university institutions in kwara

state and nationwide.

To the effect of these parts, the following problems/questions listed below are concerned.

a. How do we determine the best type of inverters from a selection provided in today’s market?

b. What processes is/are required for the determination of the actual operating

characteristics/properties of an inverter, when given an inverter whose operating characteristics

are not given?

c. How do we know the amount of distortion introduced into the output of an inverter by the

presence of harmonics?

d. How do we carry out a troubleshooting operation for a faulty inverter?

1.2 Purpose of the Study

The aim of this study is to smooth the progress of use solar power inverter as an alternative

source of power to help provide for daily basis utilization of electricity.

The Purposes of this study thus follow:

a. To analyze the efficiency and reliability of solar power inverters in higher institutions in kwara

state.

b. To assess how solar power system enhanced educational outcomes through hands on learning

experiences.
c. To evaluate the impact of solar power inverters in higher institutions towards enhanced

sustainability in Kwara state.

d. Also to assess educational benefit of integrate the performance of solar inverters in Kwara state

e. To provide an encyclopedia of information on solar power system for students who wish to

major in the field of solar power system installation.

1.3 Research Questions

The following research questions were raised to guide the study.

1. What are the benefits that can be derived from the use of solar power inverters as

alternative source of power in higher institutions in Kwara state?

2. To what extent can solar power inverter benefits the students of higher institutions in

Kwara state?

3. Can solar power inverters fully replace the unreliable power supply in higher institutions

towards enhanced sustainability in Kwara state?

4. What is the extent to which universities in Kwara state are aware of solar power inverter

as alternative source of power supply?

1.4 Scope of the Study

This solar power source makes it possible to provide a clean reliable supply of alternative

electricity free of sags or surges which could be found in the line voltage frequency. The

solar power system (SPS) system achieved this by direct current from solar panel and by

rectifying the standard main supply, using the direct current to charge the batteries and to

provide clean alternative power by passing the energy a filter system. It has zero change over

time and LEDs which indicates mail fail and battery discharge level and it provide 100%
 protection against line noise, spikes surges and audio frequency interference. Boylestad

(2007).

1.5 Significance of the Study

The followings are meant to be the beneficiaries of the study:

a. Higher institutions in Kwara state

b. Private establishment in kwara state

c. Houses in Kwara state

d. Worship organization

e. Cinemas and sports show centers

One after the other, the followings is explanation in which each of mentioned

beneficiaries can actually benefit from the introduction of solar power inverters systems.

a. Higher institutions in Kwara state will be more benefits from the use of solar-

inverters technology if being considered as alternative power supply for their daily

routes.

b. Private Organization in the state can make use of affordable solar-inverter technology

to minimal the cost of power supply subscribing on monthly due.

c. Houses in the state can utilized the availability of solar system in reducing the cost of

electricity supply or fuel consuming on a basis.

d. Worship places, the likes of church and mosque in the state can reduce the amount of

fuel buying on a daily basis to their popular generator in the absence of unreliable

electricity during the worship service.

and sports show center as alternative to unstable electricity. But, none of gases and

fuel is affordable to consume unlike solar inverters. Solar power inverters can be used

to power any type of TV plasma for cinema or sports show with hitch free outage in

the course.

1.6 Classification of Major Terms and Variables

Definition of Terms;

A.C – Alternating Current

D.C- Direct Current

Multifaceted: Having many different aspects or features.

Hindrances: This is a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or

someone.

Inverters: An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy

system. It is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel

generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses. In DC,

electricity is maintained at constant voltage in one direction. In AC, electricity flows in both

directions in the circuit as the voltage changes from positive to negative.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG); is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless,

and non-corrosive. It is also a cheaper, greener, and more efficient alternative to the

traditional petrol and diesel fuels for vehicles.

LEDs stand for Light Emitting Diodes. LEDs are semiconductor devices that emit light when

an electric current passes through them

company in Nigeria. The company was responsible for generating, transmitting, and

distributing electricity in Nigeria.

TV Plasma is a television display that contains millions of minute compact fluorescent lamps

that are turned on and off, according to the electronic instruction.

REFERENCE

1. Abas, Kalian, & Khan, 2015; Singh, 2021.

2. Ralph (2004).

3. Egbewole, (2025).

4. Alhaji Rahman, (2025).

5. FEMTECH (2019).

6. Numbi, Malinga, (2022).

7. UNESCO. (2014).

8. Beebeejump Int’l Limited, (2020).

9. Amaefule, (2012).

10. Boylestad (2007).

11. Theraji and A.K, (2004)