U.S. Embassy in Rwanda, PV Systems Bridging Design

Cushing Terrell and Hollingsworth Pack provided the architecture and engineering services for bridging design of photovoltaic (PV) systems on vehicle canopies, battery systems, and other upgrades for three separate U.S. Embassy posts: Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Jamaica. 

 The project in Kigali, Rwanda, comprised: 

• 312 kWp DC solar PV system with robotic cleaning system
• Parking canopy structure for PV system
• Exterior LED lighting upgrades, including under canopy lighting
• Exterior building LED lighting upgrades
• Balance of system (BOS) components
• String-type inverters, switchboard, and microgrid controller
• Data acquisition system (DAS) with connected weather station
• Lightning protection

The project also considered and incorporated the power generated by an existing PV system installed on different buildings throughout the compound. A microgrid controller will act as the main control for all energy resources at the site (new PV, existing generator, and utility grid).