Reliable energy for education in remote PNG
In the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, Goroka Baptist School required a stable and dependable energy source to support classrooms, dormitories, and administration facilities. Frequent power interruptions and the high cost of diesel fuel made it difficult for the school to operate efficiently, impacting both teaching and daily life.
Rainbow Power Company delivered a containerised off-grid solar power system designed to provide continuous, 24-hour electricity for the entire campus. The project demonstrates how reliable solar-battery systems can transform access to education and community infrastructure in remote regions.
Project Overview
The system was developed in partnership with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), which operates the Goroka Baptist School and its associated training facilities. The aim was to ensure long-term energy independence and reduce the reliance on diesel generation while improving conditions for students and staff.
Rainbow Power Company supplied and configured a SolVA containerised solar-battery system built to operate in the humid highland climate of Papua New Guinea. The modular, pre-assembled design allows for rapid transport and installation, providing the flexibility required for large, remote properties.
System details:
- System type: Containerised off-grid solar and battery storage
- Solar capacity: 112 kWp
- Battery capacity: 230 kWh lithium
- Inverter capacity: 96 kW
- Design: Three-phase configuration with generator and transformer backup
System Design and Integration
The SolVA system is housed within a climate-controlled container, ensuring optimal battery performance and equipment protection. The 112 kWp solar array provides daytime power for school operations, while the 230 kWh lithium battery bank stores energy for use overnight and during overcast conditions.
Three-phase output allows the system to supply all parts of the campus, including classrooms, dormitories, computer labs, and kitchens. A backup generator and transformer are incorporated into the design to maintain power security in periods of unusually low sunlight.
This modular structure provides a scalable, maintainable solution that can be replicated for other community facilities across the region. By combining reliable technology with a transportable design, RPC has delivered a system that supports both immediate needs and long-term sustainability.
What They Said
“Reliable energy is essential for education, especially in remote regions. Projects like Goroka Baptist School show how containerised systems can deliver dependable power that changes what’s possible for local communities.”
— Paul O’Reilly, International Business Development Manager, Rainbow Power Company
Outcomes
The new system provides consistent electricity to the school and its associated facilities, removing the disruption caused by grid outages and generator failures. Continuous power has improved living standards for students and staff and created a better environment for study and administration.
The installation also reduces diesel use, cutting costs and supporting environmental goals. As one of the largest containerised systems of its type in Papua New Guinea, it serves as a model for future education and community energy projects across the Pacific region.
Project Suitability
This project demonstrates the benefits of containerised off-grid power systems for schools, clinics, and regional facilities where reliability and ease of deployment are critical. The Goroka Baptist School system highlights Rainbow Power Company’s capability in providing complete, self-contained solutions that improve the quality of life in remote communities.
Interested in off-grid systems for education or community infrastructure?
📞 Call +61 2 6689 1430 or email team@rpc.com.au
