Photovoltaic System Proposal
From two cadets at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy for the Maison Fortuné Orphanage, Hinche, Haiti
What is it?
- The project proposes to supply the Maison Fortuné Orphanage with a 6.66 kW Photovoltaic (PV) system of solar panels. The solar panels will be placed on the roofs of various buildings in the orphanage. They will charge batteries throughout the day which will in turn run the various appliances at the orphanage.
Why is it?
- This project serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it is an opportunity to improve the life of those at the orphanage and expand the capabilities with which the orphanage provides basic services to those living and studying there. By reducing the need for fuel at the orphanage, those funds can be used to expand classrooms and dormitories and thus bring in more children.
- The project is also a way for 2/c Joe Direnzo and 1/c Sam Hafensteiner [US Coast Guard Academy] to utilize their engineering education to solve a complex problem. This project allows them to not only learn about renewable energy, but how to coordinate, fundraise, and construct, among other things.
- Lastly, this project is a stepping stone for other cadets to explore similar problems. By completing this project, we hope that new projects will develop in which cadets explore alternative energy sources and helping out those in need.
What it will accomplish?
- Currently, the Maison Fortuné Orphanage is powered by a Kubota GL 6500S Generator. This generator costs approximately $700 to $800 dollars a month to run and requires bimonthly maintenance. In Haiti, fuel sources are unreliable and expensive and maintenance personnel and expertise is limited. The orphanage is looking to increase their energy capabilities in an efficient manner that will alleviate the current problems with the generator. The proposed solar panel system will help augment the power that is generated by the generator for the orphanage.
- The PV system will provide the orphanage with an energy system that is not subject to market fluctuation of fuel prices and fuel scarcity in the region.
- It will not require constant start-up and shut-off of the system as the generator does.
- It will produce a cleaner source of energy since it does not require the combustion of fossil fuels.
- In comparison to the cost of fuel and maintaining the generator, the PV system (even at $41,202) should pay for itself after a little more than four years. The majority of the system components have a life expectancy of 20 years, therefore the system will eventually allow for energy-related funds to be put to other use at the orphanage.
- The proposed PV system will reduce the energy used by the orphanage from the generator by approximately 31% on a monthly basis, using a conservative estimate.
What it will cost?
- The initial cost estimate puts the entire system at a price of $41,202. This assumes that the solar panels can be bought at wholesale price from the company Sun Electronics. This also assumes a rough estimate of wiring cost. With a 20% contingency added in, the entire cost of the project will be approximately $49,442. See below for the cost breakdown. Prices were taken from online stores that sell the various parts.
Rough Cost Estimate for Solar Project at Maison Fortuné Orphanage |
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Item |
Number |
Cost per |
Cost |
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Xantrex Inverter |
1 |
$3,500.00 |
$3,500.00 |
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Solar Panels (Evergreen wholesale) |
32 |
$596.00 |
$19,072.00 |
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Solar Charge Controller |
2 |
$540.00 |
$1,080.00 |
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Battery Bank |
24 |
$350.00 |
$8,400.00 |
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Xantrex Control Panel |
1 |
$250.00 |
$250.00 |
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Xantrex Power Dist. Box |
1 |
$1,200.00 |
$1,200.00 |
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Mounting Hardware |
32 |
$100 |
$3,200.00 |
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Miscellaneous (wiring, etc.) |
n/a |
n/a |
$4,500.00 |
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Total: |
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$41,202.00 |
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**$41,202.00 x 1.20 = $49,442.40 |
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Detailed parts needed for the project.
The preliminary PV system will include: 32 200W solar panels (Evergreen ES-A-Series 200 Watt B Module - 200 Watt Solar Panel), 2 Combiner Boxes (Blue Oak HCB4), 1 inverter (Xantrex XW Series Hybrid Inverter/ Charger XW6048-120/240-60), 2 charge controllers (XW MPPT 60-150), 1 power distribution panel (Xantrex WX Power Distribution Panel; XW Connection Kit; XW Conduit Box), and 24 Trojan 6 Volt Deep Cycle Gel Batteries (BCI group size GC2). Parts may be changed due to market prices. The design will also include connecting wiring as well as mounting brackets for the solar panels.
If interested in assisting with this project, please contact us at helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org