Project Title: Solar Rehabilitation Project
Project Location: Mango Island and Mo’unga’one Island, Ha’apai group.
Project Duration: 1 year ending 2009
Project Cost: USD 206K
Project Summary:
Tonga’s project involves the rehabilitation of solar home systems on two outer islands in the Ha’apai group – Mo’unga’one and Mango. A total of 64 solar lighting systems are to be installed in homes, churches, schools and community halls on both islands to allow for lighting. The Energy Planning Unit in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is responsible for the coordination of the project.
Project Development:
To date Tonga’s project is the first of the six projects to be completed. Altogether there were 52 solar home systems installed on both islands - Mango and Mo’unga’one. 37 solar home systems were installed on Mo’unga’one which has a total population of 184 in 37 households while 15 systems were installed on Mango which has a total population of 140 in 23 households. 10 more systems will be installed once installation fees are settled. An extra 2 portable systems which will be used for hire purposes and is available to both island communities to utilize, therefore bringing the total number of systems provided for both islands to 64.
System components:
Amongst other technical specifications, each household received a 2x85W solar panel with a 100AH 12V deep cycle battery. In addition one 0.5 Watt LED night light was provided together with four 13Watts Compact Fluorescent Lamps, with one installed as an out-door lamp. Larger buildings like churches and community halls received extra lights.
The solar systems will provide a sustainable source of clean lighting which will encourage an increase in productivity during evenings allowing children to study and adults to undertake further income generating activities. The lamps will also increase self-sufficiency as well as reducing people’s reliance on expensive and harmful imported kerosene.
