Provide electricity to 500 students in Belize

With this report, our project is nearing completion!

As noted in our last report, BRE sent two technicians to Holy Cross in early May to complete the roof repair and preparation work identified in the site engineering report. After completing that work, volunteers applied the white-reflective roof coating underlying the location for the 24 solar panels (on top of the office complex). The remainder of the roof coating was applied to other areas of the school deemed most important. Staff reports suggest a significant cooling effect just from this reflective coating alone. 

Between Sept 7-12, BRE sent additional installation technicians to HCAS. These technicians first completed an inventory of equipment delivered in late April, noting that all panels and ancillary components were accounted for and in good working order. Over the next several days, the technicians completed the installation of the solar panels, micro-inverters, and wiring necessary to get the 24 Canadian 210W PVC panels (yielding approximately 500kWHours power per month) connected and running.The attached photos document results of the installation.

BRE then powered up the solar farm for checkout and quality control. Power-on was completed and quality checks indicated all panels were generating electricity at expected levels. Because the system features online monitoring capability, we can assess power production on a per panel per hour basis. Additional pictures document this feature, including panel layout, energy generated, and carbon offset.

After checkout, the system was powered down pending installation of a "smart meter" by the Belize Power company. This is needed so HCAS does not get overcharged for electricity they no longer need.

Once the Belize power company installs the "smart meter," we will immediately turn the system on and begin realizing our dream of eventual energy independence at HCAS. At that time I will post a project completion report with the hope to embark on a "second phase" of the system going forward. Because the system has independent micro-inverters, additional build-out can austensibly be done one panel at a time. This may be very attractive for growing the farm in the future.

.Again, we are extremely excited to reach this point in our Phase 1 project, and are deeply thankful to our many supporters for making this possible on behalf of the children at Holy Cross Anglican School.