Dear Emosi,
Thanks for your offer. I have moved this message to our forum for Projects. You might like post a similar message in our group for discussions related to energy research and communication and sustainable economic development . Kiva.org may also be active in Fiji, and might have a local advisor already based in Fiji who you can talk to.
A few years ago, I looked at the possibility of using solar panels on a house in New Zealand. That was too expensive for me, but in the process I learned that Japan's Sharp company has quite a strong presence in NZ and the Pacific Islands, or is aiming to.
On a trip in Papua New Guinea, I learned that theft of solar panels is a chronic problem for people setting up home or hotel systems, and this is also a big problem in the USA apparently. Technically, it should be possible to use integrated chips to ensure that electronic equipment is disabled when moved from the intended installation site.
It would be good if you can do some research on this aspect with companies here in Japan, to see what they think about it.
Solving the security problem using existing and affordable technology could make it a lot easier for individuals and communities to move ahead with solar systems in isolated, unmonitored, and insecure locations. The other big technical problem is salt-water resistance, and maintenance in general.
I imagine that in the many isolated small-island communities in Fiji, solar panels are going to be most useful if installed in local schools and medical clinics, to ensure there is long-term institutional support for the installed systems.
Best regards,
Peter (Admin., Kyoto)
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Peter J. Matthews, Chief Admin.,
The Research Cooperative,
Auckland & Kyoto.
Contact: researchcooperative [at] gmail [dot] com
