Republic of the Philippines

Tarlac State University

College of Engineering
Tarlac City
PROJECT PROPOSAL
I. PROJECT PROFILE
A. Project Title:

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC LIGHTING SYSTEM AS A

REDUCTION STRATEGY FOR TARLAC STATE
UNIVERITYS ELECTRIC POWER CONSUMPTION

B. Proponent:

JOSEPH CARLO M. PINEDA

C. Implementing Unit:

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

D. Stand Classification:

ENGINEERING

E. Project Site:

TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY (MAIN CAMPUS)

F. Project Duration:

AUGUST 2016 JANUARY 2017

G. Total Project Cost:

6,262,500.00

H. Brief Executive Summary of the Project:

A large percentage of Tarlac State University (TSU)s budget is allocated for its electric
power consumption which can be minimized using alternative sources like solar power. Solar
power is the conversion of sunlight to electric energy and it is the most abundant source of
renewable energy available today. With this type of sustainable alternative, the university can
reduce its electricity expenses and the use of energy from polluting and non-renewable resources.
This project will focus on the lighting system of TSU Main Campus as it consumes the
highest amount of electricity in the university. The photovoltaic (PV) solar power system, the
method of converting solar energy into direct current electricity using semiconducting materials
such as solar cells, will be utilized in supplying energy for the electric lights inside the university
premises.

II. PROJECT PROPOSAL PROPER

A. Introduction
Based on the 2015 Statement of Appropriations of Tarlac State University (TSU), 5% of
its quarterly budget is allotted for electricity expenses. About one-third of the electricity usage is
spent for its lightings. As a proposed solution, solar power system, particularly photovoltaics
(PV), will be employed to contribute to the financial stability of TSU. With this strategy, the
monthly expense for the lightings will be deducted from the university budget.
Solar power, as a substitute for fossil fuel-burning resources, can also provide significant
benefits to the environment. The use of this substitute from non-polluting energy source will
yield electricity while contributing to the reduction of our carbon footprint.
In doing this, it requires high funding for the installation of PV solar power system, but
the initial cost of the installation can be recovered in the long run which is about 8 to 10 years.
The benefits that can be derived from this alternative energy source will have greater importance
than its cost.
B. Rationale
The photovoltaic (PV) solar power system is the conversion of solar energy into useful
energy forms by directly absorbing radiation from sunlight with the use of solar cells. It is now
used by various facilities and houses that consume large amount of electricity because of the cost
savings it delivers and its low-maintenance. Since sunlight is present everywhere, there will be
no run-out of energy source when using this system. Aside from the cost savings, PV will also
help in cutting the use of resources that emit air pollutants like fossil fuels.
With increasing demand for PV system because of the growing price of electricity,
manufacturers provide more equipment and materials for the system which makes the initial cost
of the installation less expensive. This is a good strategy in establishing a sustainable and longterm solution to the problems regarding electricity generated from accustomed energy resource.
Photovoltaic array reconfiguration for maximum power transfer, an innovation by Solar
Photovoltaic Laboratory (SPL) of the University of the Philippines, offers a possibility to solve
the increasing cost of electricity in the Philippines. It will be applied in doing this project to

supply the electricity needed to power a portion of TSU Main Campus using clean and renewable
substitute.
The lighting is the primary focus of this project as it consumes 30-40% of the electricity
used by the university. By connecting the PV to the lighting system through a power grid, all
lightings at TSU will depend on solar energy capacity. With SPLs solar power innovation, the
lighting system power grid will acquire maximum power output from the installed solar arrays.
C. Project Description
It requires an average of 400 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of alternating current to light the main
campus of TSU in one day. In order to supply this amount of electricity, at least 1000 solar
panels with average power output are needed. These units of solar panel will be purchased
through bidding.
As an initial investment, 700 solar panels with power output of 235 watts will be
purchased to supply half of the electricity needed to power the lighting system of TSU. If the
result is beneficial, additional solar arrays will be installed to provide full electric capacity for the
lighting system of the university.
Methods of installation
The solar panels will be assembled into arrays to receive broad amount of energy from
sunlight. These will be installed on the rooftop of buildings at the main campus. Five separate
installations on different locations will be done to easily distribute the electricity all over the
campus.
The grid-tied electrical system will be utilized to obtain better efficiency rates, net
metering, and lower equipment and installation costs. Grid-tied is a system of connecting the PV
to the utility power grid. An isolated power grid for the lighting system of TSU may also be
employed in order to make its electricity source fully dependent to solar power.
The Solar Photovoltaic Laboratory (SPL) and the Department of Energy (DOE) will
assist in the installation and monitoring of the system. Students can also observe the completion
of the project to gain knowledge for their future researches.

Requirements and cost of a PV system

The key component in building a PV solar power system is the solar cell. Solar cells are
manufactured into modules. These modules (solar panel) are then arranged into solar arrays.
Solar panels are priced according to their standard testing power output. The average price of a
solar panel ranges from 30 to 50 per watt.
A DC-AC inverter is also a basic component in a PV system. Since the solar panels only
convert the solar energy to direct current (DC), an inverter is needed to transform it to an
alternating current (AC) which is generally used in electrical systems. The lifespan of an inverter
is only about 5 years so it requires to be replaced on a regular basis.
The wirings of the system must also be considered. A standard wire copper gauge will be
used to connect the PV system to the power grid. The battery and charger are optional
components. There are used to run the inverter in case of power shortage.
Sites of installation
Buildings that use most of the lighting operations will be assessed. The following parts of
TSU are the possible locations to install the solar arrays:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

College of Business and Accountancy

Smith Hall
Business Center
College of Engineering
Administration Building

D. Objectives
1. To utilize solar power as an alternative energy source for TSUs lighting system
2. To minimize the electricity expenses of TSU through the use of sustainable and
renewable energy
E. Significance
On the completion of this project, transformations which are necessary for the progress of
TSU as an institution will be generated. It will make the quality of education better with
innovative way of seeking alternative energy source for its electricity.
The following are considerable benefits that can be derived from this project:
1. Cost savings

Cutting one-third of the electricity expenses will help TSU to achieve financial stability.
This saving can be allocated for other purposes like improvement of the facilities and expanding
its faculty to provide a quality learning to its students.
2. Technological advancement
With this project, students from the colleges of engineering, science, and technology will
have a useful basis for their studies and researches regarding solar power technologies. It will not
only provide environmental and financial benefits, it will also take part to the technological
advancement of TSU.
3. Reducing carbon footprint
This project aims to contribute to environmental preservation by reducing the use of
energy from non-renewable and polluting resources such as fossil fuels since solar cells do not
release any type of toxic substance. The burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity creates
greenhouse gases that causes earths climate to change. Using this project, TSU will reduce its
carbon footprint, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted, while lighting its premises.
4. Low maintenance
The use of PV system does not require extensive maintenance. Solar panels usually only
require cleaning at least twice a year. After its initial cost, it only needs minimal spending for its
maintenance and repair work. The inverter is the only part that needs to be changed after 5 years
of use because it works continuously to convert solar energy into electricity.
F. Project Components/Strategies of Implementation
The project shall include the following major activities and strategies of implementation:

Major Activities

Strategies of Implementation
Experts from Solar Photovoltaics Laboratory (SPL) of
UP Diliman and DOE will be consulted to establish

1. Consultation to specialists

broader knowledge about the use of solar power.

Consultants will gather the solar requirements and basic
information of the university.
Significant benefits will be emphasized in the

2. Sourcing of funds

presentation of the project to TSU Board of Regents to

get their approval and secure financing for the project.

3. Purchasing of supplies needed

Equipment and materials needed will be purchased

through bidding.
Photovoltaic solar panels will be assembled into arrays
on the rooftop of TSU buildings. Five separate

4. Installation of the PV system

installations on different locations within the main

campus will help distribute the electricity from the new
source easily.
With the assistance of SPL, the installed system will be

5. Testing of the PV system

6. Briefing of maintenance and control

personnel

inspected and monitored for a month to prevent possible

malfunctions during its full operation.
The personnel that will operate and maintain the system
will undergo training and briefing to fully understand the
operation of a PV system.

G. Implementing Schedule
The timetable below shows all the activities that must be undertaken for the completion
of the project.

Activities
1. Consultation to specialists in solar power
2. Purchasing of equipment and materials

2016
Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Dec.

Jan.

X
X

4. Installation of the solar arrays

6. Testing for possible malfunctions

Nov.

3. Preparation of the project site

5. Linking the energy source to the lighting system

2017

X
X

7. Briefing of maintenance and control personnel

8. Full operation

H. Estimated Budget
1. Facilities and equipment

Qty.

Unit

700

Units

Description

Unit Cost

Total Cost

Talesun TP660P-235W Solar Panel

8,500

5,950,000

Units

Sunny Mini Central 7000TL Inverter

38,000

190,000

200

Feet

THWN-2 #2 AWG Copper Wire

65

13,000

Units

Power-Sonic 12v 7AH Battery

1,400

7,000

Units

12/24v Noco Genius Battery Charger

4,300

21,500

Unit

Siemens GNF322 Safety Switch 60A 240v

3,000

3,000

Sub-total:

6,184,500

2. Maintenance and operating expenses

Installation fee

30,000

Maintenance (operation personnel) @ 4,000/mo.

48,000

TOTAL

6,262,500.00