Environmental research

In 2004 the government of Belize, concerned primarily with poverty reduction, donated a solar system to the village of San Benito Poite. However, a recent study conducted by Miller and Palacio, (2008) revealed that there were serious sustainability issues with the maintenance and replacement of system components. The present situation is such that there are some serious concerns as it relates to the continuity of this project. Since the physical installation of the hardware, there is still no social structure in place that will ensure that components such as batteries, inverters, controllers, etc. will be replaced as needed. This is a major concern especially for the village leaders. It is also a general concern since it was the first established in the district and the positive environmental effects generated by solar energy technologies could be overshadowed by the failing social sustainability issues. The goal of this project is to establish a body or solar board that is prepared to manage the solar system of the village of San Benito Poite. This project will address the technical, capacity and management issues that are necessary to ensure a sustainable solar system for the community of San Benito Poite. The main activities of this project are as follows: 1. Meet with villagers leaders, government representatives to discuss solution to the problem, that is establishment of a body that is able to effectively manage the solar system in San Benito Poite 2. Train a cadre of villagers to install, repair and maintain the solar system 3. Establish and train a board to manage the solar power systems, including collection of fees in order to replace or expand the solar system of the village when and where necessary. 4. Repair all nonfunctioning systems in the village 5. Ensure that all cultural and traditional activities are put at the center of the project. 6. The facilitators will provide continuous monitoring, evaluation, recommendation as well as mentoring of the management and technical bodies for the duration of the project. Any adjustments or best practices that emanates during this time will be encouraged to enhance success. Success in this context simply means that the bodies set up are able to deal with the issues in the community in a manner that ensures sustainability and viability of the solar system. The Facilitators believe that all the activities listed above will lead specifically to the issue at hand a self-sustaining solar electrification program in San Benito Poite.

Belize