Solar’s a wonderful thing – it’s a pity that thieves appreciate it so much too. In some parts of the world solar panel theft is a huge problem, but even more selfish and mindless is vandalism.
As we’ve mentioned so often over the years, solar can change the lives of millions of people in countries such as Africa for the better. Unfortunately, security issues are making rolling out solar in some regions close to impossible. The panels go up and soon after they are stolen, smashed or otherwise interfered with.
Part of the solution may to this frustrating problem may be SolarTurtle.
Housed in/on a shipping container, the solar kiosk can be assembled in minutes once offloaded at a site. In operation, the 12 solar panels are securely folded away during the night and can be unfolded at the start of a day by a single person.
The SolarTurtle business, which operates from inside the container, sells electricity in a couple of ways. Like other solar kiosks, it enables people to charge their handheld devices, or they can purchase power “by the bottle”.
The bottle battery consists of a lead-acid battery inserted into a cut plastic jug. The neck of the bottle is converted into a 12V socket.
“This simple design allows communities to build and maintain their own battery packs,” says SolarTurtle’s designer, James van der Walt.
A SolarTurtle variant called PowerTurtle has been in operation at a school in Palm Ridge Informal Settlement, Kathlehong, since March this year without incident; even though the area experiences a high crime rate. It has enabled the school to cease use of a noisy, polluting and expensive diesel generator.
The business model also provides other opportunities. One “turtlepreneur” has expanded beyond selling electricity and energy-efficient devices to incorporate an internet cafe with printing facilities and light refreshments.
The team are now looking towards training up more turtlepreneurs to run their own solar kiosks, bringing clean electricity and employment to other areas.
On a related note – while theft of modules in isn’t such an issue in Australia, you can pick up some solar panel security tips here.
