Solar power for Kleines Heim
A battery-backed photo-voltaic (PV) power plant for demand-driven solar power supply was inaugurated this week at Pension Kleines Heim, the tourism student training facility of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), in Windhoek West.
The installation was done by German companies, deea solutions, and Terrawatt Planungsgesellschaft. The Renewable Energy Solutions programme was put together by the German Energy Agency.
The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Prof. Tjama Tjivikua, the German Ambassador, Mr. Christian Matthias Schlaga, a representative of the German Energy Agency, Mr Markus Gebhardt, the CEO of deea solutions GmbH, Mr Daniel Gudopp and the CEO of Terrawatt Planungsgesellschaft mbH, Mr Falk Zeuner.
The grid-connected battery-backed solar system with a capacity of 15 kWp was built by two German companies, deea solutions GmbH and Terrawatt Planungsgesellschaft mbH, using products sourced exclusively from German manufacturers.
The poly-crystalline PV modules were provided by the Freiburg-based manufacturer SI Module, whereas the inverts are supplied by Kaco New Energy from Neckarsulm. Hoppecke lead-acid batteries are used for energy storage.
In addition to the design and installation of the system, workshops and training on solar power with Namibian personnel were held. One of the aims of the project is to collect important information on power outages in the region to provide tailored solar system solutions in Namibia and neighboring Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. The dena RES Project Namibia is part of the worldwide dena Renewable Energy Solutions Programme coordinated by the German Energy Agency and co-financed by the German Government within the German Energy Solutions Initiative.
