top of page

Why the need for Solar Power?

 

The only power source in Toroa is an unreliable 1.5kw portable petrol generator. This is not ideal for two reasons: firstly petrol is an expensive commodity due to the isolation of Toroa – there is no road connection to Kirakira, the main centre on Makira, so everything has to be transported by boat. Secondly, the petrol generator is noisy and annoying when used to provide lighting in the evenings during seminars and meetings.

 

A solar energy supply for lights and for low-power devices (laptops, LED projector, battery chargers for tools) would be a significant addition to the CLC.  It would extend the educational opportunities available by enabling the use of DVDs and Powerpoint presentations.  It would also extend the use of the building, especially the lecture room and hall, into the evenings by providing lighting.

 

​


The Team from New Zealand

 

 

To supervise the installation of the solar system, a small work team from NZ is planning to head over to Toroa in January 2015. The team is:

 

Andy Alderson

Andy supervised the building of the Community Centre in 2010. His background in the building industry and his previous experience in going to Toroa will ensure the solar system is safely and securely attached to the building.

 

Frank Wetera

Frank grew up in Toroa Village, and is presently living in Auckland with his wife and children. His personal knowedge of key people in the village, and his fluency in pigin Englishh will help with communication with Village leaders and with the helpers.

 

Frank Walton

Frank (number 2) began his working life as an electrical engineer before he morphed into a science/physics teacher and then lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Auckland Uni. His role is to plan the solar system and supervise the electrical installation.

 

James Walton, son of Frank, works in On-line website development.  He came to Toroa to assist with the roof painting and solar installation, as well as take photos

 

SOLAR POWER PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED!
 

In January 2015 the team of 4 kiwis went to Toroa to work with local people to install a 2.5 Kw Solar Power system.  The Community Learning Centre now has lights, and 230v power to run small appliances and tools.  A 48" LED TV screen was also installed to enable training DVDs to be shown.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

bottom of page