The Kayangel Solar Hybrid System was recently awarded Best Off-Grid Renewable System at the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand’s (SEANZ) 2021 Energy Awards on July 2, 2021.
According to SEANZ, the awards recognize “businesses pushing the boundaries within the solar industry to provide cutting edge technologies, deliver outstanding products and service, and create a positive impact on our communities and the environment.”
The system was commissioned last year and consists of a solar photovoltaic (PV) of 65 kW and battery energy storage system (BESS) of 165 kWh, a first of its kind in the Republic of Palau. With the installation of this system, the Kayangel Power Station saves 720 gallons of fuel per month equivalent to $1,800.
The Solar PV/BESS system was funded by a New Zealand grant aid of $1.3 million and installed by Infratec. It works in synchronization with the diesel generators and may function on its own on a sunny day. If there is more power from the PV than is needed, the excess power will be used to charge the battery bank.
The project included community and school outreach programs to educate the Kayangel community of their new power system.