DOST Launches Solar-powered Ice Plant in Leyte

Hindang, Leyte (PNA) — The government on Monday launched an ice plant in this town powered by an off grid solar power system.

DOST Southern Leyte provincial director Dominador Clavejo disclosed that the modern ice plant is powered by 20 solar panels, paired with 20 batteries that stored solar energy during day time.

Clavejo claimed that each solar panel installed atop a galvanized iron roof of the ice plant building cost PHP13,000, while each of the battery is worth PHP25,000.

“Each solar battery can provide power for 21 days and its charging and switching off is automatic,” he said. “In good weather the peak of strong charging is at 9 a.m. up to 3 p.m. The automatic charging is slow at 4 p.m., but will continue as long as the sun shines until sunset.”

Clavejo also divulged that the total power output release during the day’s ice plant operation exceeded its needs and use the extra power to for electricity requirement of nearby houses.

The engineer-inventor revealed that monthly expenses in solar operation is several notches lower compared to electric power wherein power outage during the day or night is inevitable, which may occur anytime.

“Solar power as a renewable energy is a good alternative and incur very less expenses. It is also environment-friendly and non-pollutant,” he explained. (PNA)
JBP/SQM/QUIRICO M. GORPIDO, JR./EGR