Protea Heights Academy (PHA) in Brackenfell is gearing up to launch the second phase of a major solar project that has already prevented nearly a quarter of a million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.
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Since its launch in 2019, PHA’s solar installation has mitigated the release of 250 tonnes of carbon dioxide. The project has generated more than 200 000 kWh of clean energy for the school, which is projected to last for the next 20 years, and has saved 20% per year on electricity costs.
Now, News24 reports, the school is getting ready to install another 144 solar panels consisting of more than 14 000 solar cells, as well as an 80 kWh battery system to store energy for use during loadshedding.
The project runs in collaboration with Sun Exchange, a Cape Town-based solar energy company that runs a platform on which solar cell owners can earn a modest income during the project’s lifespan. At no cost to the school, PHA’s project was fully funded by 119 members who purchased 34.17 kW of solar cells.
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PHA principal Andrea Coetzer says 100 cells purchased at R1 600 will earn a total income of R48 000 over the span of 20 years and reduce the carbon footprint by 11 707 kg of carbon dioxide.
‘The school, through the Sun Exchange platform, pays for the energy generated. This is carefully tracked on the Sun Exchange platform which pays investors an annual return for energy generated.’
‘As a science and math-centred school that prides itself on innovative thinking, it made sense for PHA to transition the school away from a national grid which relies heavily on coal. For one school to reduce the carbon footprint that much, that is a lot. The concept has created awareness among our learners and school community about climate change and the importance [of combating] it.’
‘It is our mission to show the community that you can make a huge difference by reducing your carbon footprint. Even if your contribution is small it goes a long way for the environment. We realised that we have the space and resources to use the sun instead of coal-powered energy.’
‘These solar projects will empower us to give our students the best chance at a bright future. Keeping the power on in Africa and providing an immersive and uninterrupted learning experience has never been so important.’
As of 1 September, the project has approached the 46.5% funded mark, with 304 people having already invested in the second phase.
‘At the same price a pizza costs you, you can make a difference in the world,’ says Coetzer.
For more information on the project or to support the school, visit Sun Exchange.
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Picture: Erik Karits / Unsplash
