Provide electricity to 500 students in Belize

Greetings ---

Planning for our Phase 3 solar installation is continuing. We participated in the recent Microsoft YouthSpark Bonus Day and were successful in raising more than $500 in matching funds. To you, our donors, we are thankful. Our analysis of the current 10KW system shows that we are about right in estimating an overall 40% offset in power consumption, so that at least another 5KW will be needed. I say at least because we have also been communicating with a company that builds small scale high efficiency wind turbines which could help fill gaps in solar production when clouds are prevalent, especially during the rainy season, and at night. Long term such a mix may end up being crucial. Based on the more in-depth meeting with BRE, they now believe there is still plenty of head-room to continue net metering with BEL although it may require additional breaker installation. This is good news indeed.

In terms of financing, as of this report date, our base for Phase 3 is $54,670.60 and we have reached a total $64,875.00 for a net of just over $10,000.00 toward our Phase 3 goal of about $28,000.This means we need to raise about $18K or just a bit more from this date moving forward in order to complete our Phase 3 funding goal.

We have also planned our next site visit which will occur the last week in March. I will be looking forward to going back and beginning the planning process with the Principal, Miss Grace, and staff to help create an energy-saving plan for the school.Thank you all, once again, for your continued investment in the lives of the children served by Holy Cross Anglican School. Best wishes for a great holiday season for you and yours.

I have attached a couple of recent shots of the area where many of the students that attend Holy Cross reside. 

JohnnyMac