Electrification project
with solar energy for the Changuaral community
The “Changuaral” community is located in the Cayapas Mataje Mangrove Ecological Reserve between San Lorenzo on the coast of Ecuador and Tumaco in Colombia.
The black population of Changuaral lives mainly from the capture and commercialization of the shell and artisanal fishing. The average monthly gross income of a family is less than US$50, much of which is spent on transportation.
The Project was co-executed by the Changuaral community, CODESO and FEDARPOM S.L., the Federation of Afro-Ecuadorian Artisans Collectors of Mangrove Products based in San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Telefax 593-6-2780315, fedarpom@yahoo.com.ar
The main financing provided the Project for the Development of the Indigenous and Black Peoples of Ecuador PRODEPINE RCN Telefax 593-6-727937, prodrcn@yahoo.com. There was also support from the Illustrious Municipality of San Lorenzo.
The shell is harvested by the women and children of the community within the mangrove protected area. It is important that the community has its photovoltaic energy system to be able to carry out daily tasks such as educating children also at night, having access to information on radio and television.
The solar system helps preserve the mangrove ecosystem.
Water pumps with solar photovoltaic energy, they do not need transformers, poles. Installation without connection to the public electricity network. Profitable with low daily costs, Irrigation systems, for livestock, with a long useful life.
Electric solar systems independent or autonomous. Support and protection of medical and computer equipment, radio communication, electric fences. Photovoltaic panels, MPPT regulators, stationary batteries (lithium), and pure sine wave inverters.
The solar energy system initially consists of 18 Isofoton I 110 panels with a total of 1980 Wp (peak watts), 13 MAC seasonal accumulators of 12 V (volts) 150 Ah (ampere hours), 5 30 A regulators and 2 Triplite APS inverters 1250 W (110 V alternating current generation for the local electrical grid).
Currently, the communities located around Changuaral are questioning whether to complete the renovation of the Health Subcenter, which is important for families in the region. Ways are being sought to acquire medical equipment, a refrigerator, medicines, etc. In addition, the water system must be improved, as seen in the photo on the left.
In case you want to support this and/or other communities, contact us by email.
The 23 families have the chance to listen to the radio and use blenders and fans during the day. At night they can use their low energy consumption lamps and their (few) televisions until approximately 10 pm.
The expectation of the community is to increase the solar system to be able to maintain a communal freezer to improve the commercialization of seafood.