Wednesday, August 29, 2007

the latest on the solar panel

i have fronted the money myself today to get the ball rolling. the biggest thing that made it so expensive is securing the panel from theft, which is an ENORMOUS problem that cannot be underestimated (we had theives try to steal the one we had in uganda even while our night guard stood outside). so we will try to make it as secure as humanly possible.

the ordering of the parts has to take a couple days, building will begin right after, and should be completed mid-week next week. i will be in zanzibar next week and done with my project at the women's group, but i arrive back in Moshi that Friday to catch my flight home on Saturday night. I will go Friday afternoon and check out how the installation went, take pictures of the panel, and work out any problems that might've occured. there shoudnt be any problems with money as he has received all he needs.

It wound up costing much more than expected, 1,010,000 Tanzanian shillings to be exact.

Here is the cost breakdown for those donating to know:
Around 450,000 is for the panel itself
250,000 for the wiring
50,000 for labor
150,000 for stand
the remainder were boards for securing.
I have the receipt also if youd like to see it.

1,010,000 Tsh = $777 USD.

I am overjoyed to say that through your emails, already about $580 has been pledged to me.
Those of you who quoted me a number (or range of numbers) as to how much you plan on donating are included in that sum.
There are others of you who have told me you'd like to contribute, but haven't sent me a number yet. If you could e-mail me an amount you'd like to donate, that would be wonderful, anything you can give helps! We're almost at the goal:)

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I will be sending you pictures of the panel when its installed and anything else youd like to see is perfectly fine (including the receipt- I won't be offended!)

Much love and thanks,
Suz

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