Hi Ryan,
At present, homes are equipped with basic electrical infrastructure, including lighting, ceiling fans, refrigerators, and standard internal wiring. There is no access to air conditioning. Electricity supply is provided through a combination of solar photovoltaic systems and diesel generators, reflecting the remote context and absence of grid connectivity.
From a functional standpoint, each home requires:
Reliable lighting and small power outlets
Refrigeration capacity for food security
Ventilation (ceiling or wall-mounted fans)
Safe and compliant electrical wiring
Backup power capability during low solar generation periods
Given the remoteness of the location and limited on-site technical capacity, any solution must prioritise simplicity, durability, and low maintenance requirements.
Standalone Power Systems
Standalone (off-grid) solar systems are appropriate in this context and, in many cases, preferable. Decentralised systems reduce dependency on shared infrastructure and allow households to maintain essential services independently. However, system sizing must align with realistic load expectations. Introducing energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioning would significantly increase system size, battery storage requirements, and reliance on diesel backup—raising both capital and operational costs. Therefore, rather than scaling up mechanical cooling, the more sustainable strategy is to reduce cooling demand through building design.
Climate Control Approach
While improved climate control would enhance thermal comfort, conventional air
conditioning is not ideal in this remote setting due to:
High energy demand
Increased maintenance requirements
Limited local technical servicing capacity
Dependence on diesel during extended cloudy periods
Instead, housing design should prioritise solar passive design principles, tailored to the tropical climate. Key measures include:
Elevated structures to promote underfloor airflow
Wide roof overhangs for shading
High-level ventilation openings to release hot air
Cross-ventilation through building orientation
Reflective roofing materials to reduce heat gain
Insulated roof spaces
Use of locally appropriate, low-thermal-mass or breathable materials
By integrating passive cooling strategies, internal temperatures can be significantly moderated without increasing electrical demand. Ceiling fans, which have relatively low energy consumption, can then provide effective air movement to enhance perceived cooling.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Evelyn
Evelyn Todio