By John McHenry | Project Leader
Dear Supporters,
We continue to be grateful for all you have done to make our solar panel power production systems possible at Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize. Our two systems, combined, are providing about 35-40% of our overall demand, including the office/computer-lab system (system 1 and 3) and the classroom/cafeteria system (system 2). While I have not been to Belize since late June, construction progress on the new housing for school professionals has continued and is nearing readiness for Phase 4 solar panel installation (see pictures). As I noted in my previous report, a new electrical service meter and breaker box have been installed, and most of the interior wiring has been run. At the time of my last visit, I also met w/ our local provider, Solar Energy Solutions Belize (SESB), to get an update on the Public Utilities Commission grid-tied auction as well as to discuss their role in our Phase 4 installation.
An unforeseen challenge arose over the summer in that, apparently, for business reasons, our partners at Baker Renewable had to dispose of equipment they had planned to donate. Hence, that donation is now off the table. This means that we will pursue working directly with SESB to purchase and install our Phase 4 system, which we are estimating will cost $15K plus installation. We believe a 16-panel system consisting of 240W units will meet the needs of the new building; however, we must still factor in the possibility (or not) that BEL will actually follow-through on stated plans to allow net-metering. If they don't, then we will have to be careful in sizing the system such that we are not significantly over-producing power during low-demand periods.
In my next report, I will update all of you with better numbers on the projected cost of the Phase 4 system, as well as a more well defined timeline for installation. Given the challenges discussed above, we really need as many of you as possible to help us meet our funding goal for Phase 4.
Warm regards, John
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