Community Lifelines Programme - Energy Sector - Solar Energy
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Solar Energy
Solar Energy can be used for a variety of purposes. Its heat can be used directly for drying, water heating, with special dishes and reflectors it can be used for cooking and by using photovoltaic cells (PV) it can be used for electricity generation.
Click here for more information on Solar Energy
As the Pacific islands are blessed with good insolation (Watts per square metre) resource, this is a very applicable form of alternative energy. Agricultural produce are often dried directly in the sun or using a greenhouse device to increase temperatures. These applications deserve further attention as they have the potential to save the use of firewood in traditional wood-fired dryers. In remote areas, increasingly PV solar panels are used to generate electricity, saving the use of kerosene lamps and car batteries.
Solar PV Evaluation of PREFACE project in Ha'apai, Tonga
SOPAC carried out an evaluation of a Solar PV project in the Ha'apai group in Tonga. The evaluation comprised of Energy Officials visiting the remote island households that were provided with Solar PV systems. After gathering of data thorugh interviews and technical monitoring, a discussion between the participants focused on how these type of projects can be set up in the most sustainable manner.
Download the workshop report here
The data gathered were used as input into a study on the Economics of Rural Uses of Renewable Energy Systems.
For more information contact:
Paul Fairbairn
Manager Community Lifelines Programme
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