[imc-tech-solidarity] Solar panels

[Rossiter, Sam]

Further to my previous comments about solar panels (for powering laptops to be sent down South), I did a little research and found this out from a guy at DIY solar.- It's probably not worth considering for the more developed parts of S America, but I thought I would send it anyway unless it became useful for some of the more remote parts.
What impressed me about these people is the strong DIY ethic:

(from http://www.biodesign.org.uk/page.php?domain_name=biodesign.org.uk&viewpage=Info)

Affordable DIY solar power 
A low-cost technique for converting radios, cassette players, torches and small lanterns to solar-power is being pioneered in Africa by Graham Knight of BioDesign BioDesign has made the conversion of small appliances to solar power cheap and simple. It's strategy is to supply all the raw materials, unframed amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar plates, diodes and low-cost rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, that are necessary for the local assembly of 'D.I.Y' solar systems in developing countries. This mail order approach to solar power revolves around local people assembling the equipment by following simple instructions that are enclosed in the kits. Car batteries and specially adapted 'solar' lead acid batteries are typically used to store solar power.  This type of solar plate can be easily cut to the required size using a normal glass cutter. One square foot of high quality a-Si plate provides approximately 4 watts of power under full sunlight. The low-cost photovoltaic solar technique developed by BioDesign allows radios and even cassettes to be powered directly from sunlight without using rechargeable batteries. In this way a small 6v radio can become solar powered from as little as $5 (using a 1 watt a-Si panel). However this is only possible in circumstances where direct sunlight is available all the time. Although Africa has plenty of sunlight, a better approach is to use the solar panels to charge batteries which can then provide power at the users convenience. Once coupled with rechargeable batteries, this 'solar conversion' technique can be applied to a variety of needs, such as the provision of solar powered lanterns. Solar power for a 3w fluorescent light can be assembled for under $20 . After a full days charge, (+5 hours of direct sunlight), this solar converted lantern will give enough light for over 3 hours reading at night. 

Solar DIY kits 
To keep costs down and help people make the right decisions, BioDesign has developed a range of solar DIY kits to suit the users finances and needs. BioDesign are quick to point out that there are better ways to make solar panels, but this approach meets the needs of poor rural people, and at an affordable price. In the very basic kits the panels are supplied in sizes providing approximately 1 watt, at 6 volts, with a current of 150 milliamps. This is sufficient for powering most 6 volt radios. With the panels are included steel clips, thin electrical wire and other essential materials that enable a small solar panel to be assembled. . Village business BioDesign is keen to promote this DIY solar approach as a strategy for local entrepreneurs to establish Solar Conversion Enterprises (SCE's) which will assemble and market solar panels in developing countries. Leo Blyth has been working with BioDesign to run training workshops across East Africa as a way to help the establishment of sustainable local SCE's. His strategy is to provide a complete package of assistance to local entrepreneurs by supplying them with the relevant components at fair prices, teaching them how to size, prepare and assemble these components into tailor-made small solar conversion systems designed to precisely meet end users electrical needs. Trainees are taught to assemble the components into weather resistant reliable solar systems and to market the end product. A small number of these entrepreneurs have since established their own businesses to produce systems that meet rural people's small and simple electricity needs. A variety of problems from lack of investment capital to cultural tastes have effected the success of these endeavours. The economic basis, however, for encouraging people to use the solar systems is unarguable. In Kenya, Leo Blyth points out," If you are to regularly use a 6 volt radio you will likely use 4 size D cells costing Ksh200 every two weeks, or Ksh 5.200 a year. SCEs are now providing systems using only a solar panel for Ksh 500. This will provide power whenever the sun shines and within only a few months the users investment will be recovered, meaning swift benefits of free power that can he enjoyed for several years!" Najole, a trainee who has set up his own business, says. "I recommend the DIY solar svsteni because it is easy to assemble and cheap to buy. The maintenance is low and in direct sun a 6 volt, 2 watt panel produces enough current to run a cassette of 6 or 7.5 volts. Even with some clouds it can still power the radio or charge batteries for use later." "This will uplift the standard of rural and low income people, for with only a few shillings one is able to have a complete system and stop always having to pay high prices for throw-away batteries." 
cheers Sam





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