The Bank of Tuvalu – which recently opened its first ATM – has installed a solar energy storage system guaranteeing uninterrupted power.
The move solves many problems and offers several advantages: it brings power stability, energy security, greatly reduced energy costs, and – for a nation whose highest point is just 4.5 metres above sea level – leads by example in climate-friendly commerce.
Tuvalu is a group of nine small islands in the South Pacific whose 11,000 inhabitants rely on imported diesel to power their electricity grid. Consequently grid energy is expensive, prone to outages and vulnerable to shipping import delays.
This solar system was installed at the main branch of the Bank of Tuvalu in Funafuti, the capital island of Tuvalu.
Reliable energy ushers in a new era of electronic banking – Bank of Tuvalu have installed five ATM’s and thirty point-of-sale payment devices in retail establishments including the airport.
Previously the island’s economy was reliant on cash, which can be slow – most noticeably on pay-days as long queues form at the bank with customers seeking to withdraw their wages.
The new energy system was collaboratively designed, engineered and installed by three regional organisations: Victron Energy distributor SolarFiji being responsible for device procurement, installation and oversight; whilst Sulani Green and Electrify EnergyMonkey provide system commissioning, local support and diagnostics.
The system comprises an array of solar panels offering 40kWp. An MPPT RS 450/100 solar charge controller harvests the energy and stores it into the battery bank.
There are three Fronius Sumo PV three-phase AC inverters of 10 kW each, together with three MultiPlus-II 48/ 15 kVA inverter/chargers, which are able to control battery charging from excess solar energy. Fronius inverters integrated with Victron Energy inverter/charger have a long history of success and testing. (For full installation details, compatibility requirements and settings configuration read our document: AC-coupled PV with Fronius PV Inverters.)
The system employs a ZYC lithium battery bank of over 60kWh capacity.
A Cerbo GX data communication device harmonises system components and allows remote engineering access via the internet based platform Victron Remote Management VRM – from anywhere in the world. Local monitoring and programming is available from the GX Touch screen interface.
In this hybrid installation a DC circuit provides emergency backup to the operation-critical banking network apparatus. Lynx Distributors offer DC busbars with monitored fuses.
Having a landmass of just 26 square kilometres, climate-threatened Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote nations on the planet. With limited local support, remoteness from neighbouring nations, and exposure to weather events, especial consideration was given to the system design:
- High humidity and salt-laden air: Corrosion-resistant components (marine-grade materials and enclosures) were used.
- Cyclones and strong winds: Panels were installed with cyclone-rated mounting systems.
- Consistent high temperatures: Equipment was de-rated and ventilated to avoid thermal stress and maintain efficiency.
- Remote island access: System was built with high reliability and remote monitoring, due to limited local technical support.
Primary management of the system will be conducted by Sulani Green
The system provides nighttime lighting for users of the 24hr ATM.
Sika Sika;Technician, Isilua Baitere;Technician, Ioakim Uele;Technician
