INDUSTRIAL SOLAR MINI-GRID SOLUTIONS: 57KW OMNI-AGRO MICROGRID PROJECT
Production consumes a substantial amount of electricity which is why most developed countries allow industrial users to pay lower electricity prices compared to other users. They enjoy this privilege because of their more stable demand patterns for electricity and the requirement to use electricity at higher voltages without incurring the extra cost of stepping down the voltage.
In a survey carried out by the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) in 2006, the major challenge facing the manufacturing sector was highlighted as electricity. The study confirmed that only 10 percent of manufacturing concerns in Nigeria could operate at 48.8% of installed capacity, 60 percent of the companies operating were able to cover their average variable costs while 30 percent had to completely shut down due to poor supply of electricity.
The study proved that many industrial estates in the country suffer an average of 14.5 hours of a power blackout. As a result of the inadequate supply of electricity, many end users of electricity – households and large enterprises, now generate their in-house power to boost production with the use of fueled generators or solar systems.
Although Nigeria is one of the largest African countries with natural crude oil deposits, fuel is only available to the populace at a relatively expensive price. What this translates for the Industrial sector is the high running cost of diesel generators which apparently equates to an increase in the cost of production and ultimately, low profit. As a result of this unbearable running cost, OminiAgro Innovation Limited sought out BASSCOMM Nigeria limited to design and install a solar solution that will reduce the monthly expenses on diesel to the barest minimum.
OMNIAGRO Innovation Limited, so far, has invested in establishing one of the most thriving factories in a rural community of Delta State, Nigeria. They specialize in the manufacturing of toothpicks, garri and plastic products such as spoons, and containers. The OmniAgro factory since its establishment provided over 200 jobs for youths and women. About 60% of the factory staff are women and they have been empowered. This has impacted the lifestyle of the people in the rural area, providing skills, equipping them with tools and improving their overall work process.
The factory was diesel-powered and occasionally with a public utility grid. The high cost of diesel had always been a threat to profitability and resulted in mechanical breakdowns. This was accompanied by production loss, logistics difficulties, diesel supply expenses, maintenance and the difficult situation of sourcing spare parts in the locality.
BASSCOMM’s team installed a hybrid system made up of AC-DC coupled unit that integrated the diesel generator as backup. The results in terms of the power of the inverters and the photovoltaic array were very successful. The installation included:
• 168 Solar Panels offering 42kWp
• 3 Victron Quattro 10kVa Inverter/Chargers
• 1 Fronius ECO 27kW Solar PV Inverter
• 2 SmartSolar Charge Controllers 250/100A
• 24 Nos. 2V 1000Ah Lead Acid batteries 48kWh total capacity
Savings Recorded
The current capacity installed is capable of generating 59,338kWh per year and savings on CO2 Emissions equal 24 tons. Previously, the client’s monthly expenditure on diesel is estimated at 2,000,000 Naira and has successfully recorded financial savings of 50%.
As the best installer of solar solutions in Nigeria, contact BASSCOMM today for a long-lasting solar solution for all sectors. Call 09037756555 or email crm@basscommgroup.com.
