Final Project: Solar-Charge Nexus – Revolutionising Sustainable Energy Solutions

My final project is a solar e-charging station, which I chose as part of the solar energy initiative I’m working on with my organization. Our R&D department has developed an e-cycle for solar engineers who often travel long distances on foot to maintain and repair solar home lighting systems. These engineers also visit remote villages or cities to sell solar products, but transportation facilities in these areas are very limited.
To solve this problem, we are setting up a rural electronics workshop equipped with a 300-watt solar system to power tools like soldering irons for repairing solar products. The idea behind the solar e-charging station is to allow women to charge their e-cycles while also providing villagers the opportunity to purchase e-cycles and utilize the charging facility. This project will promote sustainable transportation in rural areas and help maximize the use of solar energy.

Introduction

The Solar-Charge Nexus is a sustainable solar e-charging station designed to support electric mobility in rural areas. This project aims to provide off-grid charging infrastructure for e-bikes, empowering solar engineers and local communities with clean energy solutions. The station will enable e-cycle charging, promote renewable energy adoption, and serve as a rural electronics workshop for solar product maintenance and sales.

Problem Statement

Solar engineers often travel long distances on foot to maintain and repair solar home lighting systems. Additionally, e-cycle users in rural areas face limited access to charging facilities. This project addresses the following challenges:

Lack of charging infrastructure for e-bikes in rural areas.

Limited transportation options for solar engineers and entrepreneurs.

Dependence on grid electricity, which is unreliable in remote locations.

Need for sustainable livelihood opportunities using solar technology.

Proposed Solution

The Solar-Charge Nexus will provide an independent, solar-powered e-charging station that allows users to charge e-bikes and solar devices efficiently. It will also serve as a rural electronics repair hub, enabling local businesses to thrive through solar product maintenance.

1. Solar Power System (System Design & Components)
Component	Specification (Example)	Quantity
Solar Panel	200W–1000W, Monocrystalline/Polycrystalline	1-2
MPPT Charge Controller	36V/48V, 20A–50A	1
Battery (Li-ion/Lead Acid)	36V/48V, 50Ah–200Ah	1-2
DC-DC Converter	5V, 12V, 36V, or 48V (as required)	1
Solar Mounting Stand	Adjustable angle for max sunlight	1
2. Charging & User Interface
Charging Ports	USB (5V, 2.1A), DC (12V, 5A), 36V/48V for E-Bike	3-5
LCD Display	16x2 or OLED for battery & charging status	1
Microcontroller	ESP32 / Arduino / Raspberry Pi (for smart control)	1
RFID/NFC Reader	For payment system	1
Rapid Card Payment System	Contactless card-based payment module	1
LED Indicators	Red/Green for charging status	2-4
Push Buttons	On/Off & Mode Selection	2-3
3. Electrical & Safety Components
Fuses	20A/30A (as per circuit)	2-3
Surge Protector	230V AC / 36V-48V DC	1
Wiring (Copper)	8AWG for solar, 12AWG for low-voltage	As needed
MC4 Connectors	For solar panel connection	2 pairs
Circuit Breaker	20A-50A	1-2
Cooling Fan	12V for heat dissipation (if needed)	1
4. Structure & Casing
Enclosure Box	Weatherproof, Metal/ABS Plastic	1
Mounting Frame	Metal/Aluminum for panels	1
Locking Mechanism	Securing battery compartment	1
Rubber Seals	Waterproofing for electronics	As needed
5. Optional Smart Features
IoT Module (Wi-Fi/GSM)	ESP8266/Sim800L (for remote monitoring)	1
Energy Meter Sensor	INA219 / ACS712 (for current measurement)	1
GPS Module	NEO-6M (for tracking portable stations)	1
Mobile App (if needed)	To check charging status remotely	1

Applications & Impact

✅ Sustainable Transportation – Supports eco-friendly e-mobility in rural areas.

✅ Income Generation – Enables solar engineers & villagers to offer repair services.

✅ Renewable Energy Adoption – Promotes off-grid solar solutions.

✅ Smart Monitoring – Allows real-time tracking of energy usage & payments.

✅ Scalability – Can be expanded to power other rural applications.

Future Improvements

🔹 Expand Solar Capacity – Increase panel wattage for higher power output.

🔹 Hybrid Energy Integration – Incorporate wind or biomass energy.

🔹 Better User Interface – Develop a mobile app for seamless monitoring.

🔹 Multiple Payment Options – Add UPI, QR code, and mobile banking support.

🔹 Portable Charging Stations – Develop a compact, mobile version for remote deployment.

Conclusion

The Solar-Charge Nexus is an innovative, scalable, and sustainable solution for rural e-mobility and solar energy adoption. By integrating solar power, e-charging, and smart monitoring, this project will enhance livelihoods, energy security, and environmental sustainability. 🚀

Project Documentation by: Pradeep Kumar

Fab Academy 2025 Student | R&D Project Manager | Solar Innovation Enthusiast