Solar Power/Electricity

A lot of families who serve interior, live in villages that are off-grid and therefore they have no electricity. Even those of us who live in town and have access to electricity, experience frequent power cuts.

 Those who live interior usually depend on solar power for their electricity. Some villages don't get a lot of sun because of frequent cloudy days, while other villages get many hours of intense sun (of course, these villages also require more power to run a fan to keep cool!)

 Some families have elaborate solar systems and some have very simple systems. Some have more of a grasp of the complexities of their solar system and some know much less.

 Several of our pilots have an interest in solar systems (or backup battery systems) as a hobby but also desire to develop more of an understanding to be able to help families who live interior.   Inevitably electrical things break.  I've had some opportunities in the last few months to fly with a pilot who has a good understanding of solar/battery systems and been able to observe as he has helped several families interior with their solar systems.

 A little time spent by a pilot in the village, combined with a little know-how and a few tools often help reduce the stress level of those who live interior.  This allows them to focus on ministry rather than dealing with things that aren't working properly.

Note the Volt/Amp meter we installed using a green tupperware container.

Helping install a very nice battery system.

Brand new solar panels going up.

Making sure the solar panels are secured to prevent them from blowing away

A simple battery system we installed for a translator in town,
 so she can work on the computer with a fan blowing to keep cool, even when the power is out.