PV-systems for demonstration and training purposes in South America

Abstract

This paper summarizes the climatic and national preconditions for photovoltaic energy production in Chile and Bolivia. Furthermore, design process, realization and monitoring of three different photovoltaic energy supply systems for professional schools in Chile and Bolivia are presented: Two 3-phase grid integrated systems and a 1-phase island system. The energy supply is part of an overall professional training concept under the leadership of Cristo Vive Bolivia and Cristo Vive Chile. Monitoring and calculations show that the energy demand of both schools can already be covered by moderate size PV systems on a monthly basis with performance ratios between 82% and 85%. The PV systems allow the shift from class-room education to project and problem based learning in the training program of young professionals in the field of renewable energy.