Roteang Orphanage (March, 2003)
Roteang Solar Energy Project Goes Live
This fall work was completed on a new solar power system for Roteang Orphanage. This system, installed by Khmer Solar of Phnom Penh, has been able to generate enough power to meet about 80% of the electrical needs of the orphanage – electricity used to pump 15,000 liters of water per day, provide refrigeration for medicines, lighting and fans. This will allow Roteang to reduce its reliance on diesel fuel, which has been used to run a generator 10 hours per day. The importance of this project was underscored last month as the price of diesel skyrocketed due to the impending threat of war.
The
system was designed by Khmer Solar, working with adoptive parent Jim Ganley and
Mr. Chun Dy Hok, the original architect of Roteang. The group decided to design
a system that would work in conjunction with a newer, smaller generator. Having
both solar power and a backup generator would provide free solar power most of
the time, and allow for a backup power source during Cambodia's rainy season and
also additional power during heavy demand peaks.
The system includes a bank of batteries that can store up to 3 days worth of electricity and can be charged automatically by both the solar panels and the generator. Prior to the installation of this system the orphanage could not afford to run the generator more than 10 hours a day, which precluded the use of refrigeration for medications. Since this system has been installed the orphanage has added refrigeration (paid for with a donation by the Zand/Hansen family) which has allowed it to begin treatment of several HIV children – a first for any orphanage in Cambodia.
The
system has a projected life of 20 to 25 years, and depending upon the cost of
diesel will pay for itself in 5 to 7 years.