Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day X+2
Written on January 26, 2011 at 9:55 am, by admin
Power! How totally thrilling, the system works! As we flipped breakers to bring the parts of the building up, lights came on along the corridor. Students gushed and ran for the new boombox still sitting in it’s original box. We plugged it in, and musica, maestro! Totally awesome.
Of course there are still some issues to sort out. The school’s wiring is sub-standard and contained various shorts, not exactly helpful to the situation. Now we are painstakingly going through each light fixture and outlet verifying its usefulness. We also need to make sure that the actual appliances work after sitting on shelves for 4-6 years.
At least we now have reliable power. We have been able to connect power tools and use them to put up the ceiling fans that have sat idle in their unopened boxes. In fact, my computer is being powered by the solar system right now as I type. Asi!
Now on the horizon:
installing the second ceiling fan
testing tv
testing the satelite tv modem
configuring the televisions for receiving broadcast lessons
measuring energy usage of all fixtures and appliances
workshop with students (basic solar system)
workshop with parents (basic solar system, maintenance, establishing battery fund)
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day X+1
Written on January 25, 2011 at 9:51 am, by admin
We’ve kind of lost track of the days. Frustrated by our error messages and inability to power up, and tired after many days working in the full sun, we headed away from the work site armed with books, print outs, and electrical diagrams. Once in touch with the internet again we were able to contact a couple of forms of tech support:
Friends – thanks for the hand holding, support, and ideas for moving ahead. It’s truly a relief to know that we’re not totally alone in this.
Formal tech support – OutBack?? Hello? Anyone there?
Google – Thanks to a great search engine that connected us to some rewiring suggestions.
The beach – sometimes you just need to get away from it to actually get down to it. Pacific Ocean, you are perfection.
And lastly, and most importantly we got support from Pacific Solar. Andrea is an elusive (as it turns out not so much) Frenchman living in Mazunte and operating a solar store. I’ve visited on-line, but never made direct contact with him. While at the turtle museum, we noticed that they had a solar array, complete with a similar OutBack system. The security gaurds let us take a look and referred to a Frenchman, “Andres” who does all of the solar stuff in town. Armed with a basic description and gestures toward a home in the hills, three of us set out to find him.
What a find! Andrea openned up his home and listened patiently to our situation. He asked lots of questions and told us his preferenes for installations. He gave us 2-3 specific changes to make to the system and encouraged us to stay in touch as we continued on. Available to help if we needed it, he felt pretty confident that his suggestions would sort out our issues. Fingers crossed.
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day 5
Written on January 17, 2011 at 9:48 am, by admin
Anti-climatic. We had everything turned on, but sadly our inverter kept showing an error. Time to troubleshoot. And find that darn manual!
On a more productive note, the batteries were filled and have been charged. At least we are producing some power, even if we can’t use it. Yet . . .
And Licha still fed us, despite our set backs. Crispy, small tortilla rounds, topped with her fish escabeche, as well as some done up with a pickled nopal relish. We ate as we puzzled over our next steps.
Today was also the day that the parents paid their portion of the system. When we first met with the principal and parents group, we agreed that Wider Circle would take on 90% of the system’s cost and the school would raise the remaining 10%. Since this summer, the school has held a community fundraising dance (cumbia band and proceeds from beer and taco sales), appeals to the school district, roadside donations, used clothing sale (of items donated by friends of Wider Circle), and a direct appeal to the parents of current students of 500 pesos (about US$40).
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day 4
Written on January 16, 2011 at 9:44 am, by admin
We started our day with a bit of stumble. The extension ladder had been locked in a classroom for which we did not have a key. We could only gaze at the ladder through the security bars. Chapulin took me to his house and we grabbed a couple of his. And these we lashed together to create our own extended ladder – scary but once again perfectly functional.
Mari came to the school early and wowed us with her chicken soup. A velvety rich broth with large hunks of chayote, potato, and onion as well as a sizable piece of chicken. Tender and flavorful and catapulted to the next lever by a sprinkle of minced, fresh green chiles. Delicioso, Mari, gracias!
Set up is basically done, and we are very excited to flip the switch tomorrow!
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day 3
Written on January 15, 2011 at 9:35 am, by admin
Wiring the system ran into difficulties as we ran out of the heavy gauge wire. Enterprising and economical, a couple of parents stepped in to rip out the old wiring from the grid and creatively re-purpose it for our project. Not ideal, but we were able to reach our wiring goals.
The panels are connected and hooked into the system. For those keeping track at home, we are installing an OutBack system, with charge controller, 4 deep-cycle batteries, and an inverter to be able to produce the right kind of current.
We have 10 160watt solar panels in series on the roof powering it all.
And fueling us are the nourishing and tasty lunches that a few of the parents have brought for us. Today we enjoyed an incredible fish soup – a large chunk of fillet in a slightly spicy tomato broth. Margarita also brought us hot, fresh tortillas and an amazing fresh salad made from nopales(cactus), diced tomato, radish, onion, and cilantro. Rico.
While installing the panels, we used concrete screws to drill into the thick slab roof. Up on the roof drilling away, we were unaware of the holes we were creating on the underside – chunks of a classroom ceiling had been falling out. Ooops! So we did a bit of re-thinking and avoided further damage to the ceiling. Now to seal up the holes, refill, and paint. Our punch list keeps growing.
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day 2
Written on January 14, 2011 at 9:32 am, by admin
Today we again started in the afternoon, soothed by the sweet agua de melon that one of the parents brought up to us. With the last of the of the mounting brackets tightened we also finished running the bulk of the wiring. That left the exciting task of raising the panels. Fausto, Clay, and German took it on and gently delivered all 10 panels safely onto the roof.
In place and covered with cardboard, the panels were connected to the charge controller and batteries. A small group worked on wiring the inverter, batteries and charge controller, while another group established a ground.
A great effort for today!
Telesecundaria solar electric project – Day 1
Written on January 13, 2011 at 9:20 am, by admin
The telesecundaria sits at the top of a steep hill. The area is cleared out, providing many hours of direct sun for the panels. As luck would have it, the school has a gently sloping roof facing south, maximizing the electricity we’ll be able to generate.
With school in session, the principal and parent’s group opted to dismiss classes early this week (noon release) leaving the building free for us to work in the afternoons. We began with a basic tutorial on the system being installed. Allie taught us how the systems works while sketching out our installation plan.
7 Wider Circle volunteers came out to join the 6 parents and teachers in the hot sun and get the project off the ground. The comite generously provided cold, fresh agua de sandia and we happily went about our tasks.
Divided into groups we unpacked the equipment and began assembling items. Mounting brackets were put on the panels and initial wiring matched to the electrical diagrams.
Running outside electricity was important to power various tools and set an initial charge on the batteries. Cables were hand carried down the hill to a cooperating neighbor, and an extension cord was used to access the power.
Worked like a charm though it made us a bit nervous. Ironically Allie will be teaching a course on OSHA saftey at the construction work site – we have definitely employed methods that are not recommended!
rats!
Written on January 6, 2011 at 11:10 am, by admin
We are 7 persons strong now, living in the “camp” we’ve created from adjoining our trailer, sleeper van, tents, hammocks, and a rented room. We’ve strung up a sun shade over borrowed tables, set up our kitchen area, and of course, the circle of chairs and hamacas with ocean view and perfect breezes. Decorated with glittering Christmas stars, tinsel, and twinkling lights, we even added pinatas. It’s downright festive.
But this is a Wider Circle trip, and we are getting things done in nearby Vigia. For the solar project, we are working with the PTA president, Salvador, and the telesecundaria principal, Seila. The equipment for the system is safely stored, and the wonderful clothing donations have been put to great use. The parents decided to sort the clothing, price it themselves, and have a sale to benefit the solar project. It turns out we have been underpricing items. The sale of donated clothes was first done with families of the telesecundaria students and subsequent donations and the leftovers will be sold at a community wide sale later in January. Hopefully we can time it with the installation and have on school grounds so everyone can see what we’re up to on the school roof. We are keeping busy gathering the last of the materials for the project (battery bank and assorted wiring) and working with parents on planning.
In addition to the solar install, we are working on a demonstration composting, waterless toilet. We are working out the kinks with the design and local materials, and Petra Lopez and her family will be able to use it this January. Wider Circle hopes to build dry composting toilets for residents, saving valuable water resources, preventing a place for mosquitos to breed, and creating rich, fertile compost for shrubs and trees. Later this week Salvador is coming to our aid with an instructive session on mixing and applying the final coat over our first adventures with adobe. Who knew throwing mud at a wall could be such fun.
Allie helped us get started and was conspicuously absent (on a beach in Costa Rica no less!) while I wrangled with the pick axe. She was also no where to be seen when the rats came running out of the structure we built this summer. Rats! Another Wider Circle adventure certainly.
Mexico 2010-2011
Written on December 17, 2010 at 2:37 pm, by admin
We’ve made it again! The Wider Circle vehicles departed the Midwest on December 8. Loaded with 10 solar panels, tools, and donation items, 4 of us made the drive, along with 3 dogs. The trip, while long and arduous at times, went smoothly and without crisis. Thanks to so many who made this trip possible and helped us along the way.
I drove the equipment truck and pulled a small trailer/camper with expert driving assistance from Miss Katy. Mary and Marti cruised in style (loaded to the gills) in a 1978 VW Westfalia. As one might imagine, we encountered some mechanical difficulties along the way.
My truck spurted out all of the transmission fluid, but was thankfully close to a mechanics. Please visit Dave’s DipStick on the Oklahoma/Texas border. Great guys, patched me up, and took only a few of Julia’s Christmas cookies in exchange. They were just happy to help our cause.
Next the VW shook something loose and we ended up in a muffler shop just a few hours from the Mexican border. As we waited the locals were pretty amazed to learn our upcoming itinerary through northern Mexico, pointing out a recent theft of C4 explosives in there town. Maybe just trying to scare us, or do small towns keep explosives lying around?? The mechanics were supportive of our Wider Circle trip, and once again provided their great services free of charge.
Another 30 minutes down the road, however, my truck was dripping fluid again. Thanks to the great Chicano body shop guys we met in the auto parts store parking lot – they quickly spotted the problem and wished us luck. 75cents later (teflon tape) and Marti had us up and running again.
Then we hit the border. Crossing at the Matamoros/Brownsville border is almost routine, except that things are different each time! Last summer it took us 3 days battling bureaucracy and hurricane. This time, just 3 hours. Once again, they weren’t sure what to do with us. There are no formal policies for importing solarpanels. After a shift change and our hounding questions they allowed us to bring everything in for $130. What a bargain.
So that night, we tucked ourselves in at the gated and upscale Best Western in Matamoros and set off at dawn.
As most of us are aware, Mexico is suffering under a quasi war. Low Intensity Conflict is the term that used to be used for military occupied regions that have resulted in the deaths of 10′s of thousands of Mexicans in the last 5 years. The LA Times has a concise history of what’s going on under their Mexico Under Seige section. Also check out recent articles in the Christian Science Monitor.
While keeping the anxiety levels in check, we proceeded as carefully as possible. We drove only during daylight hours, had working cel phones, and kept in visual contact between our vehicles. The highways were busy, and I don’t think we traveled for more than 30-45 minutes without seeing Military Police in their fancy Chargers or trucks full of troops. Lots of guns and most of the soldiers wore black face masks along with their military gear. Incredibly intimidating and weirdly comforting at the same time.
Of course what a perfect time for more mechanical difficulties! So in Soto La Marina, we gassed up and discovered that the trailer hitch had broken and was hanging on by just one last bolt (of the original six). Luck was with us again, as the welding shop was right across the street. We parked in the shade, let the dogs out, and waited with delicious tacos and cold beer. $20 later and I have a super reinforced trailer that can stand up to the Mexican roads.
After that, the rest of the trip was a piece of cake. We drove over the festival days for the Virgen de Guadalupe. We saw more than a couple of processions of pickups loaded with flowers, worshipers, and giant images of the Virgen Mother. In one, a young woman ran behind the Blessed Mother holding a burning torch aloft. The town we stayed in that night celebrated all night long – I can attest as I heard most of it – ending with a 5am mariachi mass.
Finally on day 6 we pulled into the beach town where my mother and child had already arrived. We found them enjoying a breeze and the magnificent pounding surf of the Pacific ocean.
And now begins the real project of the Telesecundaria Solar Electric System.
Back in Wisconsin!
Written on August 29, 2010 at 7:47 am, by admin
Hello Wider Circle supporters. Allie and Miche safely crossed the border into the US at the beginning of August. We’d like to thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers during our journey; it really kept us going.
Allie and Miche spent just over 3 weeks in El Vigía. In that time we transported and installed 8 computer workstations, bringing their total up to nine. The “InfoSala” is a clean, cool space with computers, rolling bookshelves, and whirring ceiling fans. Kids sprawl on the tile floor reading, doing puzzles, and drawing. And the sparse walls are now covered in framed class pictures and great National Geographic maps.
In addition, we are using Wider Circle funds to provide a stipend for a recent high school graduate. Briseida graduated July 2010 from the CBTA (local technical high school) in the field of Informatics.
With her computer background and knowledge of the community, she is a good fit for keeping the InfoSala open. Brisi will be responsible for managing the InfoSala, operating 20 hours a week, reporting user data to us, and communicating any issues they encounter.
With Miche focusing on the InfoSala, that left Allie with plenty of time to start a new project! In fact we’ve begun two new projects in El Vigía. During this trip Allie and a whole host of rotating volunteers, friends, and family helped start a dry, composting toilet project. To learn more about composting toilets, visit: SOIL or try here. The basic idea is to create a toilet facility serving a family that a) does not use any water b) does not breed bugs, and c) will produce useful garden fertilizer.
Using earthbag or superadobe construction method, we filled polypropylene bags with dirt from the yard. These were laid in place, tamped into bricklike shapes, and used to form the walls. The layers of earthbags are held in place with barbed wire and the shear weight of the bags themselves. We added a corrugated metal roof and the walls will be covered and sealed with an adobe stucco mixture (made from local clay and manure). We will be blogging separately about this and plans for winter 2010-2011 volunteers. Of course we will update the gallery soon, so you can check it out!
Lastly Wider Circle has begun steps to assist the middle school in El Vigía. The Telesecundaria has been serving approximately 40-50 students without electricity for the last 3 years. Operating without electricity is counter to the mission of the school, which is to provide rural access to higher education via closed circuit television broadcasts. We hope to install an off-grid solar electric system to fulfill their power needs. The solar project is just beginning. We will be in contact with more information in the weeks ahead. Dust off those checkbooks and clear your schedule for late January 2011!