A photovoltaic installation for the Sona school! As the construction of the buildings nears its end, we are logically starting work related to the electrification of the site. Our local team is leading the work under the supervision of Mihret Mitiku and Ignacio Larrain, administrator of the Foundation and specialist in these issues. Our choice fell on a photovoltaic solar installation. It will develop a power of 4600 Watts peak for a daily consumption of 3.2 KWH. It will be one of the largest solar photovoltaic power generation facilities in an Ethiopian school.
This project received support from the Australian Government under the Small Grants Program. We were awarded around USD 3,000 to finance the production of photovoltaic electricity to power the water filtration system.
Objectives of Sona's electrification
The solar power generation system is designed to comfortably meet the needs of the site. First of all, the lighting of workplaces (classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and library). Likewise, the teachers' residences will benefit from lighting. A few 220-volt outlets will be installed to power office equipment. A small revolution in Sona and in these remote areas of Simien!
In addition, a specific photovoltaic solar installation will be dedicated to water purification. In the coming months, spring water will be supplied to Sona. Although naturally pure, the water will be stored at the school and purified before consumption. Ignacio Larrain, who also manages the 'water' section, has defined a purification system based on filtration followed by sterilisation using low power consumption UV LEDs.
At the service of children, as always
Electrification will translate in a very concrete way for children. In particular, it allows:
- Classroom lighting, allowing the extension of working days which may be made necessary by the duplication of classes given the large influx of students.
- Lighting the library and the common room for evening work (preparation for entrance exams to high school or university).
- Water purification for the satisfaction of primary needs and also a real health education policy.
- Lighting the infirmary for care in better conditions and a wider schedule (in partnership with the SMMMS).
The photovoltaic installation in figures
- 16 solar panels of 250 W (for lighting)
- 4 solar panels of 150 W (for water treatment)
- 10 batteries 150 Ah gel, storage capacity 18 KWH
- 58 LED light points 30W, 3000 lumens.
Electrification of the Sona school in photos
To read also
The report and video of our last trip from December 2020 / January 2021.
The website of SMMMS (Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service).