Solar Energy Canada
Solar Energy Canada
Advice on setting up a Solar System for an NGO in Kenya?
I run a charity based in Canada. We are looking to provide our partner NGO in Kenya with a laptop, printer and Solar Power system (as they are outside any grid) that will allow them to reduce their costs.
The Solar Panel and battery would have to suffice to charge six cell phones a day plus use of the laptop for at least an hour (and ideally two hours) daily plus occasional use of the printer.
1. I have heard that there are laptops made specifically for use in the developing world with solar energy, and so are more energy efficient and are not as expensive. Is this so and where might I inquire about it?
2. Barring that, what are some things to look for when choosing which laptop/printer to purchase when relying on solar power and a limited budget?
3. What solar panel, battery and inverter combination do you recommend for these conditions? Is there a way of saving on the inverter/controller?
Thanks,
Santiago Perez
You might look for machines which will run directly on the DC power of the solar system and battery (maybe 12 or 24V DC). Even if you do find something that runs on the *nominal* voltage, you may wish to examine the specifications carefully to see that they will accept the range of voltages (maybe 10-14V) coming from the battery. It might be a little more efficient (no energy lost as heat in transformers and inverters) and reliable (no transformers or inverters to fail and stop the whole system).
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