ABSTRACT
This study aims at establishing monthly average electric energy demand of various household types and the Insolation level in order to develop a sustainable design framework and design kit for Photovoltaic home systems application in the area. A field survey using multi stage stratified purpose sampling was adopted in Zaria Metropolis where a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) households were drawn from twelve (12) clusters to assess basic household energy demand. Meteorological data were also collected from the seven states of north western Nigeria to estimate and evaluate insolation potentials of twenty one (21) locations drawn through stratification method. Web-based computer design Kit running on the Hypertext preprocesses (PHP) and MySQL scripting language was also developed. The design kit utilises the averages of different household's energy demands and Insolation levels of locations as data base for sustainable implementation. Six household types: single member; nuclear; shared; extended; collective living and provider managed were identified in Nigeria with 1456.67 kWh as the overall average monthly energy demand of the households. The extended household recorded the highest average of 1841.70kWh per month while the single member household had the lowest (808.50kWh). The study found out that, both the sunshine and temperature base estimation models are adequate for estimating insolation level within the study area. The study also established the insolation levels of between 5.0257kWh/m2/day and 11.5337kWh/m2/day throughout the year within the locations. The estimated insolation data of locations is recommended for use in similar climatic conditions. The design criteria/method developed is therefore recommended for manual use and the Solar Home System Design Kit is adequate and appropriate as an alternative households power supply in Nigeria.