SUNNYSIDEUP
Restoring power
A key factor facing any community after a disaster is to return the basic needs a social infrastructure provides as quickly as possible. Envision Solar has joined Proteus On-Demand Facilities in developing solar energy systems developed with regions in need in mind and have set up one project in earthquake hit Haiti.
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nvision Solar International announced that it has entered into a multi-project collaboration with Proteus On-Demand Facilities to deliver Envision’s LifePort and LifeVillage integrated product, service and technology offerings to international aid, governmental and other organizations. Envision Solar and Proteus recently submitted a proposal to provide two-story steel frame structures as emergency relief structures in Haiti. CHF International invited firms with experience in transitional shelter technology and fabrication to submit their proposals. The team’s proposed approach combines the provision of emergency assistance with collaborative and in- depth planning to establish self-managed urban communitiesleading to durable provision of services and infrastructure.
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A solar powered system in a tent city in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti
“We originally pioneered the LifePort to meet the growing demands of homeowners whose rooftops were not suited for photovoltaic arrays,” said Robert Noble, CEO of Envision Solar. “However, it became apparent to us that such a system with battery storage, would be useful in developing nations and ‘off-grid’ areas. LifeVillages can be deployed to build entire clean energy, self-sufficient communities, worldwide, with the possibility of having a role in eliminating energy poverty. Proteus’ track record sets them apart, and we are proud to be working with them.”
“Our company has been focused on low-cost, high value quick deployment of housing and other building needs in disaster response environments in many countries, including Haiti,” said John Keller, president of Proteus On-Demand Facilities. “We see an increasing need for the right, systems- based integrated solutions that are suitable for family housing, medical facilities and other facilities that are critical to getting communities back on their feet in the response, recovery and rebuilding after disastrous events. Our alliance with Envision Solar will strengthen our ability to serve our clients and meet the needs of their people for years. We believe we offer the broadest range and most universal robust solutions.”
Envision Solar’s LifeVillage structures are modular and rapidly deployable, which make them suited to efforts in economic development, military operations, and disaster relief. A LifeVillage can bring medical care to a rural village, an educational environment to students who have never had a classroom, rapid relief housing to a disaster- stricken region of the world, or functional building spaces for remote military use. Through a variety of ownership models and potential applications, LifeVillage can serve as a solution for economic development while simultaneously generating profit for its developer. As an International Building Code compliant facility, a LifeVillage can provide high quality space for relatively little cost.
Long term job creation is a reality because building contractors and owners can generate revenue through leasing space and selling power. Due to the decreasing cost of solar photovoltaic modules around the world and the very high relative price of off-grid power generation alternatives, such as diesel generators (where power produced can cost as much as 60 cents per kWh), LifeVillages are becoming an affordable opportunity. Operations and maintenance costs are minimal as a LifeVillage can operate for 30-50 years with very little upkeep.
www.solar-pv-management.com Issue II 2011
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