Burundi
Don Bosco TVET Solar PV Installation
Buterere, Bujumbura, Burundi
In March 2021, the Don Bosco Solar Installation Team successfully designed and installed a 69.3 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system at the Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre in Buterere, Bujumbura, Burundi. The project forms part of Don Bosco’s commitment to delivering sustainable and reliable energy solutions for its educational institutions, particularly in regions where electricity supply is unreliable.
The solar installation was developed to meet the growing electricity demand of the TVET Centre while reducing dependence on the national grid, lowering energy costs, and improving the reliability of power for teaching and learning. Today, the system provides clean and dependable electricity for classrooms, workshops, administrative offices, student facilities, and other essential campus services, creating a better learning environment for both students and staff.
Project Objectives
The project was implemented to:
- Provide a reliable and sustainable source of electricity for the TVET Centre.
- Reduce dependence on an unreliable national electricity grid.
- Lower long-term energy and operational costs.
- Support vocational training through uninterrupted power for workshops and laboratories.
- Demonstrate the practical application of renewable energy technologies.
- Contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.
Technical Specifications
The installed photovoltaic system consists of carefully selected, high-quality components designed to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance.
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Component
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Specification
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|---|---|
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Installed PV Capacity
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69.3 kWp
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|
Solar Modules
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210 × 330 Wp
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|
Hybrid Inverters
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3 × Victron Quattro 48 V / 15 kVA
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Grid Inverters
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3 × Fronius Symo 15 kW
|
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MPPT Charge Controllers
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2 × Victron MPPT 250 V / 85 A
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|
Battery Storage
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7 × BYD Battery-Box (15.4 kWh each)
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Total Battery Capacity
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107.8 kWh
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System Highlights
The 210 high-efficiency solar modules capture solar energy and generate clean electricity throughout the day. Energy production is continuously optimized by Victron MPPT charge controllers, which maximize power output even under changing weather conditions.
The combination of Victron Quattro hybrid inverters and Fronius Symo grid inverters provides intelligent energy management by efficiently converting solar energy into usable electricity while seamlessly integrating battery storage and grid supply. This hybrid configuration ensures continuous operation, even during grid outages.
The 107.8 kWh BYD lithium battery storage system stores surplus solar energy generated during daylight hours and supplies electricity during the night or periods of low solar irradiation. This guarantees uninterrupted power for critical loads, including classrooms, computer laboratories, workshops, lighting, and administrative offices.
Project Impact
The successful implementation of the solar PV system has significantly strengthened the energy resilience of the Don Bosco TVET Centre. The institution now benefits from a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly electricity supply that supports both education and daily operations.
Beyond powering the campus, the installation serves as a practical demonstration of modern renewable energy technologies, inspiring students and visitors while reinforcing Don Bosco’s commitment to sustainable development and technical excellence.
By investing in clean energy, the Don Bosco TVET Centre has reduced its dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity, lowered operating costs, and created a more conducive learning environment for vocational education and skills development.
