Sarah (last name not given) is an instructor at the Phebe School of Nursing. A two-phase installation of solar panels will ultimately reduce 90 percent of the fuel bill for the hospi- tal and nursing school.
‘Liberia can skip the grid
and produce power where it’s needed.’
Together, Phebe and RREAL staff
have designed a two-phase installa- tion that will ultimately reduce the hospital’s fuel bill by a third. Phase one of “PV for Phebe” will
tie the hospital to an array of solar panels that will provide power dur- ing the day. Phase two calls for stor- ing solar energy generated during the day so it’s available 24/7. Te PV for Phebe initiative is
part of RREAL’s “Skip the Grid” division, helping Liberia restore electrical service without recon- structing an expensive, fixed grid. “African countries have skipped
the telecomm infrastructure because people use their cellphones for everything, including business transactions,” Allen said. “We see the same opportunity for electric- ity. Liberia can ‘skip the grid’ and produce power where it’s needed.”
Solar August focused on funds Energy from the sun might be free, but half a million dollars is needed to make the first phase of the photo- voltaic system a reality. Led by the Northeastern Min-
nesota Synod and its Synodical Women’s Organization, a variety of ELCA synods, women’s organiza-
Author bio: Basye is a freelance writer living in the Pacific Northwest.
tions and congregations are com- mitted to raising the first $200,000. Special “Solar August” fundraising activities are planned, including “Solar Sunday” on Aug. 2, which Lutherans across the U.S. are invited to join. (Find resources at www.
skipthegrid.org.) Grants and rebates are expected
to cover the other $300,000. Collab- orating with the Lutheran Church in Liberia, RREAL hopes to access funds from organizations such as the Gates Foundation and the Paul Allen Foundation to bring the project to fruition. RREAL staff has already met with the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Power
Africa effort, which is developing renewable energy projects in Bong County along with other Liberian and international groups. Partners continue to join the
effort. Te Liberian Energy Net- work, which promotes the use of small-scale residential solar systems, plans to work with Phebe to create a microenterprise on-site. Using the expertise of the Phebe staff, the project plans to sell and install small, residential-scale systems. Global Health Ministries, a para-
church organization that supports Lutheran hospitals and health-care ministries, will cover costs of logis- tics and ship supplies and equip- ment to Liberia. “An alternative source of
energy—like solar energy—would be, to me, a lifesaver,” Sibley said.
America’s best choice for affordable travel since 1967!
Rose Parade & Mexican Riviera Cruise
13 days from $1499*
Departs December 29, 2015. Fly into the “City of Angels” including full city tour of Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Attend YMT’s own VIP presentation on the history and traditions of the Rose Parade, plus an exclusive, pre-parade, after public hours, float building and viewing at the Rosemont Pavilion with included dinner. Then on Friday, January 1, 2016, observe the 127th
Rose Parade from your reserved YMT grand stand seats! Enjoy an
additional day at leisure, exploring more of L.A., or nearby Santa Monica before embarking on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel. Unwind and admire the beautiful pacific as you sail to the Mexican ports of: Cabo San Lucas; Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. On board, enjoy freestyle cruising, time to relax and a variety of entertainment options before you disembark.
*PPDO. Based on inside stateroom, upgrades available. Plus $299 tax/service/government fees. Add-on airfare available.
Call for Details! 877-525-7091
Please mention promo code EL09174 July 2015 37
Travel
with other Lutherans!
RREAL
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52