A solar power charge controller installed at a Kilili Beach pavilion caught fire on Jan. 10, 2025.
THE Department of Public Works is investigating the cause of a fire that damaged the charge controller of a federally funded solar power system installed at a Kilili Beach pavilion in Susupe on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025.
The electrical fire took place at pavilion number 3 at around 1:30 p.m., DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul said.
Based on an ocular inspection at the site, Yumul said, “the major component of the solar power system at the Kilili pavilion caught fire.”
According to an initial report by DPW building safety inspectors, a fire broke out on the concrete roof of the pavilion. Inspectors were dispatched to investigate the cause, the report said.
Yumul said the charge controller regulates the energy produced by the solar panel and charges the battery.
He said the inspectors are reviewing the design plans and interviewing the contractor who installed the solar panel system to determine the cause of the electrical fire.
Yumul said it was the Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse that secured the federal funds for the pavilion’s solar power system.
Micronesia Renewable Energy Inc. was the original installer of record, Yumul said, adding that DPW will provide the public with an update on their investigation.
