GEA installs $3.5 M solar PV system at Low Wood Primary School

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) recently conducted the installation of a new 3.3kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system to the sum of $3.5 Million at the Low Wood Primary School, Demerara River. The installation of the system, which was done January 15 to January 17, 2024, is expected to benefit – 22 students and 4 teachers.

Following complaints of a non-functional system, a team of GEA engineers visited the school and carried out an assessment on January 10. Several issues were identified, including depleted batteries that were unchangeable, a defective inverter and other components requiring an upgrade to meet the existing load.

According to GEA Energy Engineer, Samuel Blackman, a load refers to any appliance or device that consumes electricity such as lights, refrigerators, water dispensers, microwaves, to name but a few. Blackman highlighted that a load analysis was critical to accurately size the photovoltaic components of the school’s system and determine the electrical requirements of the building.

He said: “You do not want to oversize or undersize the components of a PV system. Proper sizing is important so the system can fulfill the load requirements of the building. It is the individual loads that add up to size a system appropriately.” From the load analysis assessment, the primary school was successfully equipped with a 3.3kWp (kilowatt ‘peak’ power output) system, that includes a battery capacity of 19.2kWh (kilowatt hour) and inverter capacity of 5kW (kilowatts).

This solar system installation will provide adequate electricity supply and enable use of all electrical appliances and equipment, including a fan, photocopier and water dispenser, six 4ft LED (light emitting diode) lights, laptops and network devices for internet connection in the primary school. Blackman fondly recalled that several students immediately gathered with excitement around the water dispenser after the school was powered. Further, both students and teachers expressed immense appreciation and gratitude at the opportunity to access solar energy.