Technical Insight: Elektrification

The implementation of a photovoltaic system is a key part of the supplementary structures and technological measures at the Kashitu Campus. This system significantly strengthens the energy stability of the entire site and supports its long-term self-sufficiency.

The installation responds to local conditions where power outages are relatively frequent, especially in rural areas of Zambia. The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power; however, in recent years, prolonged periods of drought have led to dropping water levels in natural reservoirs and dams. This reduced production capacity subsequently results in load shedding and power instability in the distribution grid.

Thanks to its own solar power plant, the campus is able to partially bridge these outages and ensure the operation of key functions even when the public grid is unavailable. The system is equipped with battery storage, allowing for the accumulation of generated energy for use during evening hours. This contributes not only to the continuity of teaching and laboratory operations but also to increased campus security after dark.

As a renewable energy source, the system also brings financial savings to campus operations. In the future, we also anticipate the potential possibility of selling excess energy back to the public grid, provided that local legislative and technical conditions allow.

An energy-independent campus provides a stable environment not only for students and teachers but also for the wider community. Locals can thus rely on a functional educational infrastructure and focus primarily on developing knowledge and practical skills.

Watch the report on the solar power plant installation here.

System Design and Implementation

We designed and implemented the photovoltaic system in cooperation with our enthusiastic partner, ČEZ Group. Technical support during the implementation was provided by Petr Jenikovský. The on-site installation lead was Michal Koščík, a recent graduate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at CTU, who joined the project following the Hackathon Light Up Africa workshop.

Michal took on the implementation with great dedication. After joint consultations during the planning and ordering phase in May, he arrived in Kashitu with the final summer volunteer group to lead the actual on-site installation. The process took a total of two and a half weeks, from late August to the first week of September.

Prior to his arrival, the local team began preparatory work, primarily trenching for cabling between individual buildings and the main distribution board.

Grounding and Local Construction Practice

Great emphasis was placed on the safety of the entire system, particularly its proper grounding. We always approach implementation with respect for local customs and construction practices—partly because our goal is to transfer know-how so that it can be replicated in practice over the long term.

In Zambia, copper conductors and solid copper grounding rods are easily obtainable, making the grounding implementation very accessible in terms of materials. An interesting point is the price comparison: while in a European context, such an amount of copper would represent a very expensive item (approx. 6,850 CZK), in Zambia, thanks to local copper mines, this material is significantly more affordable (1,570 CZK).

Panel Installation

The installation of the photovoltaic panels took place on the roof of the first campus building—the workshop building—which possesses the largest suitable roof area.

A total of 40 panels were installed, anchored to aluminum mounting profiles. These are mechanically fastened to reinforced roof sheeting, ensuring the structure can withstand wind loads.

Technical Infrastructure of the System

The core of the entire photovoltaic system is located in a technical room established inside the workshop building. It primarily contains:

• Hybrid inverter capable of full off-grid (island) operation.

• High-voltage LiFePO4 battery system in a rack configuration with its own BMS.

• Starlink satellite internet receiver for remote access and monitoring.

• DC distribution board equipped with Type 1+2 surge protection and fuse disconnectors for a total of 4 strings.

• AC distribution board from which the inverter's output power is distributed to the entire campus through a main RCD (Residual Current Device), representing a major step forward in safety compared to standard Zambian electrical installations.

• Main equipotential bonding bar.

• Battery disconnector fitted with blade fuses.

Basic Technical Parameters

Parameter Specification
Installed PV Capacity 23.8 kWp
Number of Panels 40 pcs
Panel Type/Output JA Solar JAM72D40 595Wp / panel
Battery Storage Capacity 20.48 kWh
Battery Type DEYE HV Battery BOS-G
Inverter Type Deye SUN-20K-SG01HP3
Voltage System TN-S 230/400V
Connection Method Off-grid (also capable of hybrid or parallel)
Grid Feed-in Capability Planned for the future
Monitoring and Control DEYE Cloud via Starlink system

The implementation of the solar power plant represents another step toward a technically, economically, and operationally self-sufficient campus. Beside the energy benefits, the project has a strong educational dimension—ranging from preparatory construction work and electrical installation to the future maintenance and management of the system by the local team.