Many locations around the world do not have reliable energy sources. A lack of reliable energy in these remote ations, resist growth and development in the population. Ramifications from a lack of energy can be as elementary as milk poiling due to lack of refrigeration or as complex as illness due to the absence of health care.

Fortunately, there are several reliable and self-sustainable energy sources. Some of the energy sources available are generators, hydroelectric, wind, and photovoltaic power. Generators are very reliable sources of energy, but are hazardous to the environment. In the process of producing energy CO2 is emitted from the generator. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes a greenhouse effect and destroys the ozone. Hydroelectric power is efficient and clean, but there are geographical constraints. In order to implement a hydroelectric power station a source of flowing water is essential. Wind power is a clean energy source, but one of the drawbacks is that it requires sustained winds. Photovoltaic power generation is an abundant source of clean energy and low maintenance.

Photovoltaic energy is a natural source that does not affect the environment. This ecofriendly solution provides flexibility in the design. It is a compact and portable system that can easily be added to any structure. It is important to have adaptability in the system to allow expansion. The system can be conveniently moved if the exposure to the sun is obstructed by a new structure. A solar system captures energy from the sun, which is abundant in South Africa. The solar panel is the first subsystem that converts the sun’s rays into electrical energy. Once the energy is converted it must be regulated and distributed. When the power generated is greater than the power drawn, power will be distributed directly to the load and the excess will be stored into a battery bank. If the battery bank is full then the excess energy must be dumped. When the power generated is less than the power drawn, the battery bank will be used to supplement the lack of power being generated. An inverter is needed to convert the energy into usable power for consumption.

Providing power will set a strong foundation for the village to prosper. The power will provide energy for lighting and computers. The computers will be a source of knowledge and entertainment for the community. This energy will also be used for essential communication devices, such as cell phones and radios.

Solar power generation sets the boundaries between progress and retrogression. The energy will give them access to educational information on the internet. Applying this knowledge to a real world problem will help in the development of this community. Communication is another benefit of electricity.

Now the community will be able to get emergency information from a radio and the internet. This project will set a foundation of energy independence. The flexibility of the design will allow for future expansion of the system. Our expectation from the community is to take advantage of the benefits that this system will provide to them and grow as a community.