Swiss Partners
Zenna AG, Murg
www.zenna.ch
Lukas Küffer
Local Partner
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Documentation
Swiss Contribution
ZENNA is a consulting company specialising in photovoltaics and has over 10 years experience. In collaboration with ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, AMPS GmbH Betteries, Welcome Solar Energy Solutions Belize Ltd. SESB, the cdw Foundation – energy in ideas and the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy and Logistics (MPUEL), Belize, ZENNA will implement the project plan.
Description
Remote households outside of solar-powered electric mini-grids without financing options for a solar home system usually rely on diesel generators for electricity production. Within the scope of this project, a mobile battery pack with 2nd-life battery cells from e-mobility will be developed. In La Gracia, a battery pack charging and delivery service will be implemented as an extension of the existing solar-electric mini-grid (see REPIC 2015.9). E-pickups will be used for the delivery service to the remote households around La Gracia. As an addition to the existing mini-grid and a basis for the delivery service, a carport with a photovoltaic roof will be built in the centre of La Gracia.
Results
A show system was set up at the local partner SESB (Solar Energy Solutions Belize Ltd.), which was presented to representatives of the local energy supplier (Belize Electricity Limited) and the Ministry of Energy (Energy Unit), among others. The correct billing of electricity consumption is ensured for all customers by new electricity meters. The first test phase has shown that a moderate expansion of the electrical grid is the most economical solution for less distant customers. For more distant customers, 0.8 kWp PV modules are installed with the mobile battery packs. This extends the autonomy and the battery packs only need to be replaced during longer periods of bad weather, which makes the planned delivery service unnecessary.
Impacts
The users in six households are now customers of the local energy supplier BEL (Belize Electricity Limited) and pay a fixed price per kWh. Electricity costs are lower than those from diesel generators.
Because the users spend some of the savings on electricity for food refrigeration, washing machines, lighting and communication devices, their quality of life has improved.
The grid operator no longer has to bear the costs of expanding the grid, and the sale of electricity generates revenue.
The six households save a good 5 tonnes of CO2 per year.