Looking At Solar Panels Installation

First of all what are they using the power for? Is it just a fridge, lights, TV and some small fans? Or are they running Air con?

If the first, set them up with an off grid system but with a changeover switch to change between grid power and the "off grid" system. The current draw won't be much so the inverter would only need to be big enough to start the fridge compressor. As a bonus they will still have power during power cuts. Important considering how long the power was off for after cyclone Evan.

If they have aircon then get a grid connect system that is sized to match the current draw of the aircon.

As far as I know you are not allowed to sell power back to the network in Samoa. (Or even inject it back in without payment) Check that first as if you are now allowed to do so then just get the biggest grid connect system that makes financial sense.

Also do they have hot water and if so how is it heated? And what do they use for cooking? If they use electricity for cooking consider sending over a full gas stove. Any inverter in an off grid system will have to be far bigger to handle any kind of electric cooking.

Although Im not Samoan myself I have lots of Samoan friends who I consider family (And they do likewise). Have been there 4 times and will be going again in Dec. The above is based on where I have stayed those 4 times. Mostly private homes owned by those families. Everything from basic beach Fale's to 4 star hotels.

Some background information. Electricity supplied by only 1 govt owned power company that owns all generators, lines, meters ect. Except what is inside the home. Most meters are prepay, With a keypad on the meter. To topup the meter you go to 1 of the electric power corp offices, give them the account details and the payment, they print a receipt with a number that you type into the meter to top it up. Power is generated by a mixture of hydro and diesel generators. The price varies with the price of diesel. Last time I was there power cost approx 50c NZ per unit (assuming I calculated it correctly) Not many houses have piped hot water. Often a kettle is the only kind of hot water system. Due to the heat a cold shower isn't a problem. Everywhere I stayed has piped cold water and flush toilets. Cooking could be anything from a gas or electric stove to a kerosene cooker or just an open fire.

The place I stayed at the most only used power for. A small fridge, some fluro lights and a 14" crt TV. 10 units of power lasted about a week.

Damager

knoydart

E3xtc

Aredwood

Damager

Aredwood