Expansion and reorganisation of the solar grid

Of the sun!

During the first quarter of 2013 we were able to achieve an extension of the solar power system. The maximum power needed by the submerged pump is 4800 watts and we were missing the last few panels to reach this capacity. It's done now and the pump can run at full speed!

To optimize our solar system we were missing six panels. Thanks to the kind sponsorship of our partner ARaymond we could make this last step of the installation. In the end, five panels of 230W were enough to meet the demand. The sixth panel has been transformed into a panel with reduced output and has been equipped with batteries and other equipment to provide some eletricity for the main hut. It will allow the team to use a light inside the hut or to recharge the cell phones of the team members. This extra power for the needs of the team is welcome!

The work consisted both of the expansion of the wire fence (to have sufficient space for five new panels) and of the moving of six already installed panels. Indeed, during my last visit, I found that the location was poorly chosen by the technicians, because the panels were shaded by the water tower during the first two hours of the day. Their performance has now been optimized.

And of water!

We also improved the irrigation network, mainly by hunting for leaks all along the pipes. Furthermore, leaks in the main basin were sealed, but the cement used for the initial construction is not of very good quality so a perfect seal for the long term is not guaranteed.

So we'll eventually create larger basins, plus smaller ones which will be distributed across the entire #Moringa_oleifera plantations. This will also allow better storing of water collected during the hours when the solar powered pump is working.