CDAE106 SL: Renewable energy workshop

DOMINICA 2010

PV Installation in Dominica

                 The service learning project we did in Dominica was a photovoltaic installation at the Calihaut Government School. The project was part of a number of demonstrations of renewable energy sponsored by the organization SLIC (Sustainable Living Initiative Center).  The demonstrations’ purpose was to educate the people of Dominica how beneficial and practical renewable energy could be for them.  The project required us to work closely with members from SLIC and members from the local community.  We worked together to install as much or the PV system we could.  During our time there we were able to put in an inverter, control box, changeover switch, and batteries which were able to wire all together.  All that needs to be done is mount the PV panels, and connect the system to the breaker so the school can use the power.  The electricity generated would be able to power the lights of the school in case the power went out.  As our time in Dominica came to an end we gave a number of presentations to the children at the school talking to them about renewable energy and how much potential their island has for it.  Our hope is that our partners will be able to finish the project even though we are gone.

                 This project made for a great learning experience for us and the people of Dominica.  We were able to apply the material we had learned in class to do hands on work to install an actual renewable energy system.  The people of Dominica learned how beneficial renewable energy could be, and they learned how to install a system.  While working together we learned a lot about the culture of Dominica and the people, and I think our partners learned a lot about us in the process as well.  It was really great to be working with people who were very kind and thankful, and appreciated what we were working together to do.  Overall the experience was excellent.  Both we and the people of Dominica learned a lot about renewable energy and each other, and in the process we made good friends as well.

COLIHAUT GOVERNMENT SCHOOL