Pilot Project: Monastery Solar Energy
Our intention. This modest solar and battery system is a practical expression of mindful care for the monastery, the surrounding land, and future generations. By receiving energy from the sun, we can reduce our dependence on grid electricity, have support during interruptions, and learn carefully from this small beginning before considering a larger installation.
The System We Will Care For
| Solar Array 2.4 kWp 4 × 600 W panels | Inverter 6 kW Hybrid inverter | Battery Storage 48 V 200 Ah 9.6 kWh nominal |
A Small Beginning with Care
- Four 600 W solar panels will receive energy from the sun, creating a 2.4 kWp solar array.
- A 6 kW hybrid inverter and 48 V 200 Ah lithium battery bank will help us use this energy through the day and, when needed, after sunset.
- Protective breakers, surge protection, grounding, mounting hardware, and manual transfer equipment will support safe and mindful operation.
- By observing the system with patience, we will learn what is needed for a future larger-scale monastery installation.
Expected Benefits
| A lighter energy bill Solar energy can gently offset part of the monastery’s daytime electricity use, helping resources serve the community’s practice and needs. | Support in difficult moments Stored energy can support selected loads during outages, with mindful attention to what is essential. |
| Less carbon dioxide Each unit of solar electricity used can reduce reliance on electricity produced from fossil fuels and the carbon dioxide emissions connected with it. | Care for the environment Using renewable energy supports cleaner air and a lower environmental impact. It is one small way to remember that our well-being is connected to the well-being of the Earth. |
| Learning together The installation becomes a living example of renewable energy in daily monastery life and a chance to practice gratitude for the sun, rain, soil, and all the conditions that support us. | A foundation for the future Patient observation and shared learning from this pilot will guide a larger project when the community is ready. |
Project Budget
The estimated main equipment and installation materials are listed below:
| No. | Item | Cost THB |
| 1 | Luxpower hybrid inverter 6 kW | 12,387.50 |
| 2 | Solar panels 600 W × 4 | 9,240.70 |
| 3 | Solar cable 9 m 4 mm² | 241.55 |
| 4 | Solar cable 9 m 6 mm² | 654.97 |
| 5 | Breaker MCB 2P DC 25A | 66.52 |
| 6 | AC SPD 2P 275V | 305.00 |
| 7 | Breaker 2P AC 40A | 130.00 |
| 8 | Breaker RCCB 40A 2P Type A | 820.00 |
| 9 | Panel edge clips 6 and mid clips 6 | 1,838.09 |
| 10 | Mounting rails 2.1 m × 6; rail connectors × 4 | Included in total |
| 11 | L feet mounting brackets | 973.81 |
| 12 | Grounding cable 20 m | 679.29 |
| 13 | Cable junction boxes × 4 | 166.00 |
| 14 | Manual transfer switch interlock | 344.00 |
| 15 | Lithium battery cells 200 Ah 3.2 V | 18,000.00 |
| 16 | Battery management system | 3,500.00 |
| Total project budget | 49,347.43 |
The total budget is about ฿49,347.43, approximately US$ 1,500.
A contribution helps the monastery take a practical step toward lower energy costs, greater resilience, and a lighter relationship with the Earth. In this spirit, even a simple solar panel can remind us that nothing exists by itself: our energy, our community, and the living world arise together.
Support our Project
Bank Central Asia (BCA)
Account No. 6310398088
Beneficiary’s Name: Yayasan Borobudur Upaya Dhyana Indonesia
SWIFT CODE: CENAIDJA
Bank Code: 104
Branch Code: 6310
Address of the Bank:
BCA KCP Kayu Putih
Komp. The High End City Korea Town, Jl. Kayu Putih Raya Blok D 3, Wil, Kota Jakarta Timur, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 13210.
Send donation details to Metta WhatsApp No. +628118129088
If you have further questions related to the project, you can contact
Br. Đạt Nguyện (troidatnguyen@plumvillage.org or WhatsApp +84782787488)
Br. Pháp Tử (phaptu@plumvillage.org or WhatsApp +628116592010)
Peace, love, and trust,
Br. Đạt Nguyện & Br. Pháp Tử