I'm running into some difficulties getting the electrical system at Kokobe Primary School installed.
In March, we received a quote of about M40,000 (US$ 4,800) from Ivan Yaholnitsky, of Bethel Business & Community Development Center (BCDC), for installation of a solar-powered electrical system at Kokobe Primary School. The system would power 50 XO-1 laptops, a network server, and a printer. It would consist of:
Last week, we received a revised quote of nearly M101,000 (just over US$ 12,000), an increase of 250%. Yikes!
We were hoping to get the system installed in the next couple months so it would be ready when we deliver the laptops in January. But I had based my grant proposals and fundraising on the March estimate, so we are now well short of the necessary funds.
Granted, the new estimate is for a MUCH larger system (see below), but we didn't request that. When I asked Ivan if we could install the original plan instead, he snipped that I should go to someone else. However, finding someone else, especially on somewhat short notice, who will work in the remote Ketane area may be very difficult.
At this point, I'm not sure what is going to happen.
- Janissa
October proposed system:
In March, we received a quote of about M40,000 (US$ 4,800) from Ivan Yaholnitsky, of Bethel Business & Community Development Center (BCDC), for installation of a solar-powered electrical system at Kokobe Primary School. The system would power 50 XO-1 laptops, a network server, and a printer. It would consist of:
4 - 80 watt PV panels 2 - 260 Ah batteries 1 - 20 A regulator 24 volt 1 - 1200 Watt 24 Volt Victron Inverter Wiring of classroom plugs, lights 1 -Distribution board and earthing
Travel & installation
Last week, we received a revised quote of nearly M101,000 (just over US$ 12,000), an increase of 250%. Yikes!
We were hoping to get the system installed in the next couple months so it would be ready when we deliver the laptops in January. But I had based my grant proposals and fundraising on the March estimate, so we are now well short of the necessary funds.
Granted, the new estimate is for a MUCH larger system (see below), but we didn't request that. When I asked Ivan if we could install the original plan instead, he snipped that I should go to someone else. However, finding someone else, especially on somewhat short notice, who will work in the remote Ketane area may be very difficult.
At this point, I'm not sure what is going to happen.
- Janissa
October proposed system:
Wiring of Classroom Block 4 - PV Panels 140 watt 4 - Batteries 260 Ah Victron Inverter 3KW Regulator 40-60 Ah 120 amp DC isolator/breaker 2 - 60 amp DC isolator/breaker PV Junction Box 4 - 120 amp copper cabling 18 - 40 amp copper cabling Panel box for isolator/breakers Battery case/stack 2 - Lightening Protection Earthing kit for modules Consumables Transportation Array frame and mounting Customs clearance of equip
