Solar Panel Installation, remotely

For many years, we have been taking our students to Rwanda in summer.  We have installed a lot of solar panels.  We have also setup electrical systems for hundreds of houses, giving each a big battery, wire up the house, install LED lights and phone chargers.  Until 2019.  In summer 2020 we couldn’t go, obviously.  In summer 2021 we won’t be able to go either.  Instead, we are preparing to train youths and students in Rwanda to do it themselves, remotely, and guide them in real time while they do the installations.  

Obviously, it is a very challenging task. Our students are learning how to do it themselves.  Some of our students are actually stuck in their hoe town, in Mainland China, India, …  because of the pandemic.  So our students are working together remotely already - good preparation for the real project in late summer.  One student is testing a solar panel.  At the same time, she is showing to her partner remotely what she is doing.  Her remote partner is doing his part in designing the whole thing.  They will have to work in a similar way with the youths in Rwanda in summer.  

We have to purchase ta huge number of the solar panels and other equipment, do as much assembly as possible in Hong Kong, ship all the material and tools to Rwanda, and then train the local youths to finish the assembly and then the installation.  Will it work?  We are praying, and we are doing our best to prepare for it. 

These are challenging but also exciting times.