Planning Solar Power and Water Systems for FiTiCAS Agroecology Projects
Project Sponsor: Fideicomiso de Tierras Comunitarias para la Agricultura Sostenible (FiTiCAS)
Team Members: Alec Norton, Ronit Kapoor, Kayleigh Carson, Jess Elmhurst
Project Advisors: Martin Cobian and Scott Jiusto
Project Files:
- WPI FiTiCAS – IQP Report
- WPI FiTiCAS – Final Presentation
- WPI FiTiCAS – Solar Planning How-To Guide Infographic
- WPI FiTiCAS – Utility Calculations
- WPI FiTiCAS – Utilities Analysis Report
- WPI FiTiCAS – Contact Directory
- WPI FiTiCAS – Scenario Spreadsheet
Abstract
Puerto Rico is one of the most import-dependent places in the world, facing food and power shortages from failing infrastructure, outsourced production, and natural disasters. A grassroots initiative founded in 2019 after the destruction of Hurricane Maria, FiTiCAS works to reclaim farmland and restore food sovereignty in Puerto Rico. As this project aimed to design a water and electricity planning guide for the Las Perdices Estate entrusted to FiTiCAS, we analyzed the existing structures on the land, interviewed experts, and researched similar systems. We developed a Utilities Analysis Report, a Utilities Calculator, and a How-to Guide for improving solar microgrid and rainwater harvesting. These tools will help FiTiCAS and similar organizations improve their systems.
FiTiCAS members and WPI Students with José Colón López and Nélida Agosto Cintrón at Las Perdices