The Photovoltaic systems, also known as PV system, will strive to produce clean energy with photovoltaic panels. UB will start installation of these photovoltaic systems, from August this year, at its Central Campus across 2.04 acres of land.
The electricity generated will be purchased by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). As per the agreement, GOB will transfer the gross income obtained by the sales of power as grants to UB. After 10 years, UB can acquire the rights to own and manage the PV system without spending any extra funds.
The Government of Japan, in collaboration with the GOB, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide financial support for the operation and design of the PV systems. JICA has already contributed $20 million for this one year project. UB will work along with BEL, the Ministry of Works and other organizations for the procurement and maintenance of equipment. Reusable and sustainable solar LED technology which can help eliminate the use of kerosene in developing nations, where the power grid is unreliable or non-existent, is something likely welcomed by the locals. One such case recently occurred in the village of Bomba in Belize, as the organization Grid Earth brought to the villagers 50 Nokero solar bulbs.
Grid Earth, also known as GEAR, says it provided enough bulbs to light every home in this small village. GEAR said of these lights that they “have small solar panels that can be installed on the roof or sit in the window that will charge a par 45 size LED lamp. The lamp is big enough to light up a 10 foot square room. The lamp charges by day, and gives up to 10 hours of use at night on the low setting. Or it will produce approximately 5 hours of light on a high setting which is suitable for reading. The lamps will last for many years to come and the average lifespan of the solar charged battery is estimated to be about 2 years.”