Solar panels in Pu Ngaol

[Katie-Rose GotoParticipant]

One of the village households is said to have previously had a rooftop solar system installed, which was supposed to last for 20 years but only lasted 10 years.

Is there any information regarding why this is? Was it a case of misuse/poor maintenance by the end-user or was there something about the design that made it unfit for purpose to begin with in the setting of Pu Ngaol?

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Katie,

Thanks for your patience. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find specific information about a Pu Ngaol household with a previous rooftop solar. On the most recent trip to the village, it was observed that solar panels are not evident in homes, as most houses are connected through the grid.

You must have heard that from Gavin, one of our guest speakers during the Stakeholder Insights event, where he described a similar scenario where some solar panels became defective due to cracks caused by small stones thrown by children while playing. He also mentioned a need for more general knowledge on the maintenance side; that’s why he helped create a manual translated into Khmer. He heard this story in a different community, not specifically Pu Ngaol village.

In the same context, that might be something you can add to your recommendations if you decide to design your project with solar panels.

Regards,
Jean

[Gemma StoneParticipant]

The solar panels belonged to Nheng Heng. It says that he paid $60 upfront for the system that only lasted 10 years, but should have lasted 20 years.

Was the total cost for the system $60? And what was the capacity of the system, what did he have running on the system?

Thanks!

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Thanks, Gemma!

I double-checked the Interactives. It’s indeed Nheng Heng who had that experience with the solar panels. The 60 USD is the up-front installation cost.

We don’t have specific data regarding the supplier and capacity of the solar panel installed in his home, but it may be similar to this Eco Green Energy Home System, which is known in the area to supply solar panels.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Jean

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