Solar PV at 12,000 ft in Ancash, Peru

Our commute to work, beneath the 22,200ft peak of Huascaran

My next tech exchange was with Pat Starr, an environment volunteer in Ancash. Pat developed a good working relationship with the huge Huascaran National Park – perhaps the most scenic and largest in Peru. The highest mountain in Peru is located in the park (also named Huascarán, reaching 22,205 feet high). The park is home to one of the most extraordinary high-mountain eco-systems on Earth: 663 glaciers, 269 lakes and 41 rivers, as well as hundreds of mountain peaks, 26 of which top 6,000 meters (19680 feet) . This park is home to many species of animals and plants, Cougars, Jaguars, Vicunas, the adorable spectacled bear, the Peruvian Tapir, and many 100’s of species of birds. Snow covers the magnificent sharp peaks all year. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huascar%C3%A1n_National_Park

Pat with a PV solar panel atop the Visitor Center by a glacial lake

It was to this extraordinary setting that I travelled (9 hours) by bus from Lima to Huaraz, to help Pat install solar panel systems at 2 of the remote park facilities. We spent our first day just locating all the needed supplies. What would have required about 15 minutes at a Home Depot, took us all day of searching the small hardware stores (ferreterias) of Huaraz. Most sold wire no thicker than 14 ga – what we call zip cord (lamp cord) in the states – since normal 220V wiring here carries less amps and can be thinner than in the States. We needed #8 for the solar panels and #4 for the batteries, but could only find #10 and bought some jumper cables at an auto store for the battery connectors. Unable to locate wire nuts ANYWHERE, we used small cable clamps for connectors. Most Peruvians just twist and wrap with scotch tape and pray. The last elusive bit were the 12VDC compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use ¼ the power and give twice the light of an incandescent.

I had to use a headlamp and glasses to see the wires

With materials in hand, we first stopped at an entrance station to repurpose some unneeded panels and equipment. Working with used equipment is always harder, since it must be tested before use.

Pat did a great job of organizing the field trip, with the Park Service providing a study 4x pickup and driver. Our first driver Edson, shared his memories of growing up during the time of the Shining Path terrorists. He was witness to executions and knows first-hand the suspicions and distrust that terror brings. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shining_Path

All smiles after the job is done

Our first installation was at the very popular tourist site of Llanganuco lagoon. Mostly Peruvian tourists can rent rowboats and cross the lagoon to climb on the glacier at the far end. Despite the 1000’s of tourists who visit the site each year, the approach road is unpaved and very rough. We installed 3 x 125W panels on the roof and a 150aH battery, with 500W inverter inside. The whole building was wired for 220V, so we tied the inverter directly into the main breaker box, giving them (limited) use of normal power throughout the station. They had a beautiful teaching center which had not been used because it was so dark, which will now be OPEN. Also, the office will be able to use the computer, radios and cell phones, without carrying them back to the base station for recharge. We were slowed down by the many questions from passing tourists, but I’m always happy to explain the magic of solar power. As I was making the panel connections up on the roof, I glance up and saw a cobalt blue glacial lagoon in front of me, the mighty white peak of Huascaran to my right, and thought “I love my job”. 

Goyo with Peruvian Lilies (Alstromieria)

On the way home, we passed fields of Peruvian lilies and enjoyed a drink called chicha jora, which is a white corn based, slightly fermented brew, with a flavor akin to slightly hard cider. The lilies are collected and put on a special FedEx jet out of the Huaraz airport every night.

During my time in Huaraz, I stayed at a lovely B&B called Soledad. The Romero family treats guests like family, with fires and good conversation each night. The grandmother makes her own preserves for the breakfast table, including a marvelous Orange/papaya jam – a new flavor combination for me. The family asked me to join them for a delicious lamb dinner one night – some of the best food I’ve had in Peru or anywhere else. Her sister-in-law had hosted one of the earliest Peru Peace Corps volunteers in the Cusco area back in 1964.

An ancient dwelling is still in use today - some have electricity

The second installation was at the very remote guard station at Llaca quebrada, a canyon carved by a now retreating glacier. 30 years ago, the station was near the base of the glacier, which has since retreated miles up the canyon. This system has 2 panels, which now power lights in each of the dormitories, kitchen and meeting room, plus a small 150W inverter to charge the park radios, cell phones, etc. Before, the guards were often out of communication, when cells and radios went dead and had to be carried back to town for recharge. They also quickly figured out that they can bring a TV and DVD player out to relieve the isolation of 20 day shifts.

A plaque in honor of 2 Peace
Corps volunteers, who died
while working in the Park

Ironically, as I was waiting for the bus back to Lima, I visited yet another hardware store and found the elusive wire nuts. I also bagged some of the special local bread and cheese to share with the staff in Lima. The ride home was long, but scenic and very comfortable. Peruvian busses have 1^st “cama” class seats like international air seats – wide soft leather with foot rests and video consoles with headsets.

The trip was almost like a vacation for me – the brilliant high altitude sun was a welcome respite from the overcast Lima winter. I got to do construction, which I love, spent quality time with a wonderful young volunteer, saw the Huascaran Park up close and personal and made some park guards very happy. Like I say – “I LOVE my job.”

More photos at:

https://plus.google.com/photos/114324927553623472875/albums/6049990767113575617