Solar Powered Computer Lab and ClassroomsPrepared By Ankit Garg

OverviewThe following project was used to provide a reliable and clean energy source to power lights and a couple computers at a Secondary School. This is a good project for schools in rural areas that are away from any major power grids. It is especially a good option for schools that are situated in areas where there is lots of sun since the system does rely on solar power. The project could also be done at orphanages, business offices, dispensaries or any place that needs a source of light during the evenings and use of a couple computers during the day.

Project SummeryThe project was done in a rural part of the Sonipat District in Haryana. It started as a project to get a reliable light source but due to having extra funds we were also able to purchase three laptop computers. Laptop computers were chosen because they could be transported easily and they use very little electricity making it easy to run on solar power. The expensive equipment of this project was purchased in Dar es Salaam where there is a larger variety of things at a much cheaper price. This did produce a small hassle of transport, but with the help of the schools headmaster it was less painful. Once the equipment was brought to the school we hired a solar installer to install it. During the instillation a teacher stayed with the installers so that if there were any small problems in the future he would understand the workings of the system and be able to make the slight adjustments to fix it. After installation the solar system pretty much runs itself. With the solar system installed my school is able to have four classrooms fully light for at least five hours during the evening and have two laptops running throughout the day time. The teachers also use the time when computers are not in use to charge various things such as cellular phones.

Materials 1. Solar Panel 85 W2. 35 amp Controller3. Solar Battery4. AC Lights5. DC Lights6. Cable 4 mm Gauge7. Cable 2.5 mm Wire8. 1000 watt Inverter9. Laptop Computer10. Various Hardware (nails, screws, switches, paint, wood, etc.)

Suggested Steps to follow1. Form a meeting where those who are involved in the project can add input to what they need from

the project. This should also be a time to start setting up a simple budget to see how much money can be raised for the project since 25% of the total project funds must be paid for by the community.

2. Once the total amount that can be raised is known for both the community and PCPP Grant the volunteer can start looking at what can be purchased. During this time the PCPP Grant write-up should be started since the more detailed it is the better chance it has of getting through without a problem. Also the one in charge of donors back stateside should be informed that they need to start finding the people who will fund the project. My father was responsible for this and was very

successful so attached at the bottom of this document is his tips. Attached after these tips is a rough estimate of solar prices as well as an example of how to budget the project.

3. Once you have a general idea of what you want and can afford, start contacting various solar dealers in your area as well as those in a major city to help get a more accurate idea on prices. If it is only slightly more expensive to buy locally then that is the best option because remember you are going to have to pay more for transport from the major city.

4. After you have limited your search and found the company you want to deal with, contact the one you plan to install the system and ask for their advice on the matter. If it checks out with them and nothing more is needed to be added to the budget start finishing up the PCPP Grant write-up.

5. Once the Grant is finished and is being processed in Washington start organizing a basic time-line that you will follow once it has cleared. Depending on the funds requested from PCPP, the time to receive the funds will vary, but it should take about a month if the donors are organized. This time-line should consist of when you will purchase and receive the equipment, means of transport, installation and any other small things that need to be taken care of. This is also an important time to make sure the community has started to rise or has already raised its portion of the project cost.

6. Once the funds have been received then you can follow your time-line that you constructed by starting with the purchase of materials and transporting to site. Then finishing off with the installation of the system. During this time recites should be saved and duplicated to save time in the future. You can also purchase a recite booklet to help since some places will be difficult to receive recites from. Another word of advice is that make sure when you buy any equipment that there is some kind of warranty that protects you if there are defects when it is all set up at your site.

7. Once the system is set up and running properly it is now time for you to organize all the recites that you collected along the way and started doing the final write-up which goes over how the project turned out and where all the money went. I also included thank you notes from those that were directly affected by the project to show their appreciation to the donors.

8. After all this has been completed it is now time to grab a drink and give yourself a pat on the back because you have made it through this long and rewarding process.

Advantages of Solar PowerThe advantages of using solar power as a source of energy are that you are not relying on oil which is a very expensive commodity and is no longer a reliable one. During this time the accessibility and fluctuating oil prices make it difficult to predict what may happen in the future. This is why solar energy is considered reliable source of energy because the sun is not going anywhere and it is always free. Also solar power is a clean energy source so it does not produce any harmful pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, so as not to add to the already great problem of global warming.

Lessons LearnedThe first lesson was to make sure and check more then one solar company for prices to be sure to get the best system for your buck. Once you have found a company that has good prices and are helpful then you can ask them to refer you to a reliable dealer in computers. By using a referred company as a starting point then you can have them do the introductions and possibly get you a better deal on the computers you are buying. As for transporting the equipment, for me this was the worst part of the whole process because it was the only time all the expensive equipment was not in my possession. I eased the stress a little by having my headmaster (a host country natural) present to help negotiate transport prices and also share my burden. As for finding a reliable solar installer for instillation, you can either go to a site that already has had solar installed and check to see how the work was done. However if this is not an option then you can ask the company you are buying from if they know of any installers in your area. The last suggestion I have is to maybe install a system first and check its ability

to run things before going out and buying computers. I bought three laptop computers only to find that the system I installed can only run two at one time. Lastly be prepared to go over budget so be sure to overestimate the costs of things like transport and labor so as not to get stuck with an unfinished project. Also, be sure anything electrical you buy for the system can run on the system. We bought a great laser printer which required more energy than we could generate, so it’s now useless for the school!

References1. Allen Fox, foxa329@gmail.com2. Dale Fox, daleafox@gmail.com 3. M.A. Kashililika, Ngana Secondary School, P.O. Box 497, Kyela, Tanzania (0784381683)4. David Kwegela, P.O. Box 539, Tukuyu, Tanzania (0784451197)5. Aglex Company Limited, P. O. Box 9818, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (0222700069)