Solar-powered PC labs

Markus Pam explains the benefits of using photovoltaic solar panels to power computer equipment in Nigerian schools.

“One of the major challenges of the scheme was the lack of access to a stable power supply”
-Markus Pam

In November 2002, 35 secondary schools and colleges were selected in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria as the pilot phase for PC Labs for Schools (Diginet Centres), funded by the Education Trust Fund Nigeria in collaboration with SchoolNet Nigeria.

Each site was provided with the DireqLearn thin client solution, which included 20 network computers with a server, VSAT connectivity (KU Band), educational content - GCSE curriculum (UK), and technical training for 140 teachers.

One of the major challenges of the scheme was the lack of access to a stable power supply, as the grid supply is either not available at all or sporadic and as such not reliable. Fifteen of the schools were selected to be powered by solar photovoltaic, while others were to be powered by generators.

Pamtronics Nigeria Ltd. was subcontracted to perform the installation of the solar power system for the 15 schools. The requirements for each site contained the following main components: solar modules (5170 peak watts), comprised of 94 pieces of 55 watts Isofoton modules; inverters (6000 watts), two units of Mastervolt 300 watts; charge controllers (120 watts/24 volts, six pieces of 20 A Steca controllers); and batteries (4000 AH/12 volts), 20 pieces of 200 AH/12 volts (Fullriver).

Installation was completed between 2003 and 2004, and each is functional to date. This scheme has proven very effective in ensuring reliable power supply for the PC labs, which serve as internet cafes and computer training centres for the community around the schools after school hours.

The system powers the 20 PCs, a server, VSAT, a printer, eight lights and four fans for the labs. Reports indicate that unlike the generator-powered centres, which worked for only a short time after installation, due to the lack of a sustained source of fueling or generator breakdown, the solar-powered centres continued working stress-free for years. This was the case even without any maintenance arrangement put in place, as it was not contained in the contract agreement.

Markus Pam is Managing Director and CEO of Pamtronics Nigeria Ltd.

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The schools that had solar panels installed as part of the PC Labs for Schools project were:

Government Secondary School, Akim Qua, Calabar, Cross River State
Government Girls College Dala, Kano, Kano State
Government Technical College, Kano
Rumfa College, Kano
Gboluji Grammar School, Ile Oloju, Ondo State
Government Secondary School Gwale, Kano
College of Arts and Islamic Studies, Minna, Niger State
Loretto Special School, Adazi, Anambra State
Government Science School, Akim, Calabar, Cross River State
Government Science School, Biliri, Gombe State
Government Technical College, Kumo, Gombe State
Government Day Technical College, Gombe, Gombe State
Government Science School, Gombe, Gombe State
Government Girls Secondary School, Doma, Gombe State
Government Secondary School Tarauni, Kano, Kano State