Photovoltaic System

The process of photovoltaic generation system starts at the workshop of Fito (engineer) in the capital city, Lima. Here we pre assembled the frame for the cells because we cannot weld the parts in the village.

We assembled the frame again in the village and put the panels. Fito and Jorge, another engineer who studies renewable energy at Catolico university, take care of wiring work.

While we are working, students gathered to watch the process. Usually they use car batteries for special occasion and there is no other source of electricity in this region. It's men's work to put the panels on the top of an iron pole to raise them.

The foothold in San Juan was not firm, and we almost broke the panels. It might be irreparable mistake if we had broken them. A panel costs more than 600 US dollar. After raising the pole, they fixed it with rocks and cement.

Only the wiring in the facility is left to be done. These two batteries can hold electric energy enough to watch video material for five hours if you charge them full during day time. The controller and the inverter is so delicate that we have to secure them by putting into a locked box. Those who trained to operate are allowed to touch it.

Some snap shot after the installation. Basically the systems are used for educational purposes. But they are also open to public for small amount of charge so that they can spare money to replace consumables such as battery. Consideration for the management is also important component of the project to assure the sustainability.