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Along with the Plug-in PV and the AgriPV, the third demonstrating operations for the sustainable circular energy solutions are addressing the low-income communities. Under the guidance and control of W4E, the demo aims to develop and to demonstrate a low-cost, decentralised energy system for a school in Anderlecht, a municipality of the Belgian capital. The proposed approach will test the integration and performance of second-life PV panels and EV batteries.

The specifications of the demonstrator for the less privileged communities will feature  45 kWp of solar energy generation from reused PV panels and approximately 90 kWh of battery storage capacity.

Both the PV panels and the batteries will undergo rigorous testing and configuration setups to ensure the system’s safety. W4E will test all battery modules before installation, while other partners in the SOLMATE project, SOR and CEA are already assessing the safety and robustness of the PV panels, prior to being shipped to Brussels for the installation phase. The battery energy storage system [BESS] cabinet, which includes battery modules, a battery management system (BMS), an energy management system (EMS), protection devices, and contactors, will be assembled by W4E’s experts and engineers.

During installation, panels safety and integration with the new mounting systems, connectors and inverters will be overseen by ISIB school and a company specialised in complete energy renovation for various habitats. For an entire year, W4E technical team will monitor the performance of the second-life applications, documenting any significant differences compared to new applications.

The specificity of the business model lies in its potential collaborations with various actors, from building owners, supply chain partners, to local authorities, certification organisations and energy grid operators. These partnerships unlock access not only to critical components, but also to knowledge. The complexity of the  demo operations for low-income communities span beyond the simple design, installation and monitoring activities. Given the innovation degree, the demonstration operations also certification activities and training programmes to ensure efficient operation and to provide stakeholders with sufficient autonomy.

At the core of this initiative lies a compelling value proposition: to deliver affordable and sustainable energy access to those who may need it most – low-income communities, schools, nonprofit organisations. These innovative systems featuring coupled second-life applications promise not only energy independence but also a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and electronic waste. Beyond these undeniable  environmental benefits, they can play an additional role in fostering social development at local level by enhancing energy resilience and promoting education on clean energy and sustainability principles.

When it comes to scalability, the modular design and replicability of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) cabinets ensure that this solution can be upscaled and adapted to various regions, making a broader impact possible.

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