Powering Iroto: The Real Story Behind Our 199.8kWp Solar Hybrid System

At Crimson Power, we believe every solar project is more than just equipment — it’s a coordinated effort across design, engineering, people, and execution. Our recent installation at Iroto, a 199.8kWp solar hybrid system located in Iloti, Ogun State, is a shining example of this philosophy.

This blog takes you behind the scenes — from design to commissioning — to show what it really takes to deliver smart, clean energy.

1. The Vision

The goal was clear: design and implement a reliable solar hybrid system capable of powering most of the facility’s daytime energy needs and supporting essential nighttime operations.With this came the promise of reduced diesel usage, lower energy costs, and improved sustainability — all tailored to the local context.

We kicked things off with drawings, logistics planning, and delivery coordination — using dedicated WhatsApp groups to manage vendors, installations, and internal teams in real time.

2. Execution Begins: Mobilizing Teams, Materials & Momentum

With the design phase complete, execution kicked off in full gear. Contractors were finalized and mobilized for both the solar frame structures and the power house construction, while procurement of key materials and equipment moved swiftly. Deliveries were tracked, stock counts managed, and temporary storage coordinated on-site.

We created dedicated WhatsApp groups for different workstreams — from civil to electrical — ensuring real-time updates and decision-making. Installation teams were formed, logistics aligned, and every stakeholder had a role to play.

There was energy in the air. For many on the Crimson Power team, this was a defining project — filled with new challenges, steep learning curves, and the excitement that comes with breaking ground on something impactful.

3. The Ground Mount Structure: Where Delays Met Determination

What should’ve been a straightforward task — building 60 ground-mount structures for 360 panels — turned into the project’s biggest hurdle.

Delays in fabrication, inconsistent updates, rust-proofing concerns, and concrete casting missteps pushed the timeline and tested everyone’s patience. Weld joints weren’t sealed properly, and some of the early casting lacked quality finish — prompting repeated on-site revisions.

Eventually, Crimson Power took over tighter supervision, corrected quality lapses, and got the project back on track. From re-sealing welds to cleaning up cable routes, our team leaned in and turned things around.

4. Power House Challenges: When We Had to Step In

The power house — meant to host the inverters and batteries — was another challenge. Though initially the responsibility of a separate contractor, persistent issues like leakages, unfinished plastering, and loose POP ceilings forced us to take control.

We repainted, sealed up leaks, cleaned out construction debris (more than once), and prepared the space ourselves to meet the level of finish and safety required for electrical infrastructure.

5. System Installation: Precision in Every Detail

This was the heart of the project — where Crimson Power's technical expertise took center stage.

5.1 Solar Panel Mounting

We installed 360 panels across 60 platforms in a carefully designed layout that maximized solar gain and ease of maintenance. Cables were routed underground through protective conduits, reducing exposure to weather and damage.

5.2 Inverter Setup

Three hybrid inverters were mounted in the power house, configured for seamless integration with grid, generator, solar, and battery inputs. The wall-mounted installation ensured proper airflow, accessibility, and thermal safety.

5.3 Battery Bank Installation

The 150kWh battery system was installed adjacent to the inverters, safely enclosed and anchored to custom-built racks with space for ventilation and servicing. The battery system is integrated into the inverter logic for automatic energy switching and load prioritization.

5.4 Internal & External Wiring

DC and AC cables were routed cleanly through labeled trunking, armored conduits, and isolators. We implemented grounding and surge protection, and all wiring was tested for continuity, safety, and voltage drop.

6. In-House Fabrication: Our Panel-Building Capability

One of the often-overlooked but vital aspects of a solar project is protection and distribution. At Iroto, Crimson Power designed and built the electric protection and distribution panels in-house — a reflection of our growing capability in panel fabrication and electrical systems integration.

This allowed us to:

• Customize protection schemes to suit the hybrid nature of the system

• Ensure fast coordination between components

• Maintain full control over quality and delivery timelines

7. Commissioning & Final Handover

We ran complete system tests — checking inverter sync, battery communication, generator interaction, and load balancing. Our remote monitoring portal was activated for live system visibility and performance alerts.

The client was given a detailed walkthrough, training session, and digital handover pack including:

• System design specs

• Wiring diagrams

• Warranty documents

• Maintenance checklists

8. The Result: Energy, Delivered

The Iroto facility now runs on a smart solar hybrid system that supports daily operations and key nighttime loads, drastically reducing its dependence on diesel.

It’s more than a project — it’s a case study in resilience, technical excellence, and responsive project management.