Hell's Point Solar Announcement

March 21, 2013 - PRLog -- NEWS

Solar Energy Powers Solomon Islands Hells Point Training Facility
Solar Inception and Willies Electrical Partner on Solar Remote Area Power System

BRISBANE – 21th March 2013 – Solar Inception Pty. Ltd. today announced commissioning of an off-grid solar energy system that will power the Hell’s Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training and Operations Centre located in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Working with local Solomon Islands contractor Willies Electrical and Solar Power, the Remote Area Power System (RAPS) harnesses solar energy to support the newly constructed EOD training facility.

Willies Electrical and Solar Power, known for its dedication to aiding Solomon Island communities and businesses through renewable energy solutions, will also help train local construction workers on how to safely install, commission and maintain the solar system, including fault finding and resolution.

“By using solar energy rather than fossil fuel, the training facility will realize lower energy costs, fewer maintenance issues, reduced noise and lowered greenhouse gas emissions,” said David Iro, owner of Willies Electrical and Solar Power. “Also, by working with the U.S. Government to provide training to local contractors, we are building community job capacity while ensuring that the system is properly supported and maintained.”

“It was a privilege to work with Willies Electrical on such an important solar installation,” said Doug Fletcher, General Manager of Solar Inception. “The climate conditions of the Solomon Islands make it an ideal locale for solar energy, and as more renewable energy systems are installed, additional job opportunities are created for surrounding communities. Willies Electrical and Solar Power is at the forefront of this green energy and economic advancement across the Solomon Islands.”

Australian-owned Solar Inception designed the RAPS, supplied highest quality solar equipment, then helped install and commission the system. The solar solution includes a 17.1 kW photovoltaic (PV) array of Hyundai Heavy Industries monocrystalline 225 W roof-mounted panels, and SMA PV and Off-Grid inverters/chargers. Energy storage and backup power is handled through a bank of flooded lead acid batteries that are automatically recharged by excess system energy with a capacity of nearly 150 kWh. An 11 kVA diesel generator set with automatic remote startup function provides extra backup protection in the event of poor weather.

The RAPS also includes a computerised monitoring system, The SMA Sunny Webbox, which supports remote monitoring and configuration capability that can allow anyone – whether in the Solomon Islands, Australia, or the U.S., to access real-time energy production and other data via a computer or cell phone.

Multi-National Cooperation, Financing

The Hell’s Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal site is a joint project between the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Australian High Commission and the United States Government (Department of State). The site ensures safe storage and disposal of unexploded ordnance from the Second World War, when the area was used to stockpile dangerous munitions.

Construction of the new Training and Operations facility, which opened in June of this year, was funded by the Australian Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) as part of its financial commitment to the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Program at Hell’s Point. The DCP invested over SBD 3.5m in the Australian Financial Year ended 30 June 2012. Other improvements included all new roads and demolition pits, world-class EOD render safe equipment and personal protective equipment.

Through the DCP program, the United States has also contributed more than US $1 million to the EOD project, and will be actively involved with Willies Electrical and Solar Power in training local workers to support the new solar RAPS.

About Willies Electrical and Solar Power

Willies Electrical and Solar Power drives design, supply, training, installation and back-up services for renewable energy projects in the Pacific Region. Established in 1998, the company is 100 percent Solomon Island-owned and is supported by reputable renewable energy companies from Australia. Solar projects completed by Willies Electrical and Solar Power include ANZ ATMs, distance learning centres, schools, hospitals, police stations, small businesses and above 2000 village homes. The company is also dedicated to community capacity building, and its “Umi Solar Direct” programme enables communities that cannot afford the cost of solar loans to instead “trade” produce grown in their gardens, which is then banked locally to help purchase and maintain solar systems.

The company prepares to serve multiple locations in the Pacific Region, including the Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. To contact Willies Electrical and Solar Power, email dif@solomon.com.sb.

About Solar Inception

Solar Inception Pty. Ltd. is an Australian-owned and operated company and a single-source provider of quality grid- and off-grid solar power products and professional services. The company is equipped to meet small through large-scale solar project needs. Financially strong, with highest-quality manufacturing partnerships and an established distribution channel, Solar Inception is positioned for continued success and longevity in a shifting market. The company serves solar customers throughout Australia, and in Asia, China, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. For more information, visit www.solarinception.com.au, email info@solarinception.com.au, or contact the company directly at its offices in Queensland: 07 3166 9598, Victoria: 03 9017 1010, or South Australia: 08 8468 0810.

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For your convenience, several high-resolution, print-ready photos of the installation are available in the link below.

Photo captions are;

Photo A: From left – David Iro Fulaga (Willies Electrical and Solar Power), Mark Lasley (US Department of State), Warrant Officer Tim Chislett (Australian High Commission), and Jeremy Tranter (Solar Inception)
Photo B: Completed 17.1 kWp rooftop solar array at Hell’s Point Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training and Operations Centre.


Photo A:

http://www.solarinception.com.au/PR/Hells%20Point%20RAPS_Photo%20A.jpg

Photo B:

http://www.solarinception.com.au/PR/Hells%20Point%20RAPS_Photo%20B.jpg


Contact:

Natalie Coe

Solar Inception Pty. Ltd.

natalie@solarinception.com.au
Direct +61 7 3339 1327 (tel:%2B61%207%203339%201327)