A clearer road ahead

Project Development Award
Rural Electrification with Plan Ethiopia
Phaesun
Plan International works in the field of Rural Electrification in
Ethiopia and has a holistic approach including the development
of local infrastructure, the set-up of educational institutions such
as schools and training centres and health stations, as well as
capacity building. As part of their activities they provide solar offgrid
power supply to public institutions. Phaesun, in cooperation
with the local partner Lydetco PLC provided the equipment and
installed the systems.
Photovoltaic technology was selected as the only viable energy
source for several reasons. The national electricity grid does not
reach many rural areas. The use of diesel generators is not
encouraged owing to the scarcity of fuel, noise factor,
environmental problems and high price of transport of the fuel to
far flung remote sites. Additionally the operation and
maintenance cost of generator sets is problematic.
Special challenges
The challenge to successfully implement these systems was
mainly due to the remoteness of the sites. Transportation of the
equipment and installation crews was a challenge but was safely
and efficiently carried out by local partner Lydetco PLC.
LOCATION-7 sites in Shebedino District, Ethiopia
Funding and local Project coordination: PLAN Ethiopia
LOCAL FACILITATION AND INSTALLATION: Lydetco PLC
END USER: End users are the beneficiary communities (schools,
health centres, village population) in Shebedino District
INSTALLATION: 12/2010 - 08/2011
SIZE: 1 x 2,6 kWp 3 x 1,6 kWp/ 3 x 1 kWp
System components
94 x Istar Solar Module Istar 100W
82 x Hoppecke power.bloc Battery 12V/100 Ah (C10)
5 x Solar Charge Controller Outback FLEXmax FM 60
6 x Solar Charge Controller Steca Tarom 245
12 x Inverter Steca Solarix PI1100
293 x Energy Saving Lamp 13 W with Sundaya Lamp Shade
64 x Energy Saving Lamp 9 W with Sundaya Lamp Shade
cabling, mounting structure and accessories
46 www.solar-international.net I Issue IX 2012