And just like that, the first 2 systems are on their way!
First System from Build 4! Nice!
As of 7pm tonight, Justin, Harrison & Levi have the first 2 systems ready for shipment. They leave tomorrow morning for Bamako, Mali. Cool stuff. The remaining 22 systems will be on their way shortly. . .
PV Mounting Structure Installation – Uganda
We were planning to finish the AC side of the shed wiring today (after two days delay, including a trip early Saturday morning), but we encountered yet another delay due to material orders not coming in on time (via the electrical contractor), so we pressed on to the DC side of the shed assembly.
The PV mounting structure was installed, as shown in the picture below. The structure went up very very quickly. I barely had time to click a few pictures before it was up. (I just wish they were as fast at obtaining all the necessary materials for the AC side, as they were at assembling the PV mounting structure!)
When it rains it pours!
Uganda Distribution System
The first Uganda installation is coming along nicely (though we’re experiencing typical delays, materials sourcing issues, etc.). Below is a quick sketch of the distribution system. Contractor negotiations (to drive down cost & save time) have been resulting in daily changes to this system. This drawing is two days old and already out-of-date. Life moves fast (or slow depending on your perspective).
Much of the last week has been focused on this distribution system. In the interest of getting a robust system in place quickly, that we can learn from, we have not optimized the cost of this system. Below are pictures of the piping containing the wires (before the pipes were buried).
Though this week we’ve been focusing mainly on the AC side of the system, the batteries were stacked so as to make enough space in the shed for working on the meter this weekend. (Too bad the batteries were stacked incorrectly, meaning re-situating each of the 6, 100kg modules!) Next week we’ll be wiring up the DC side of the system!
Every day on our drive to this pilot site in Ruhiira we pass two billboards as we leave Mbarara. The first shows the dangers of stealing electricity! (SharedSolar should decrease a consumer’s ability to steal electricity, because of the way the “shed” is designed and the nature of pre-payment.) The second picture is an interesting take on marketing and incentives. Some in some settings beer is marketed with sports cars and models, others with bananas.
