Sun Exchange has recently announced the energisation of a 101kW solar project to power Paarl School, a special education school in Brackenfell, with the project being funded by Capetopia, a German non-government organisation (NGO), Cape {town} Etc reports.
Paarl School’s new solar project aims to provide affordable and clean energy for the school’s approximately 500 staff and learners. This would cover nearly half of the school’s energy needs for the next 20 years.
Also read: Cape Town to become SA’s first city with a solar power plant
Via a Sun Exchange Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and a R782 000 donation from Capetopia, Paarl School will pay a per kilowatt-hour rate for solar power that’s nearly 75% lower than the utility rate in the first year alone.
Savings are expected to grow as utility tariffs continue to rise.
In addition, any excess energy from the solar project that will not be utilised by the school will be exported back to the grid.
The energy cost savings from the solar project will enable Paarl School to reinvest its funds and resources into ‘creating more learning opportunities’ for all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, the solar project will also enable the school to mitigate its climate impact.
The project is expected to generate more than 2 700 MWh of clean energy over the 20-year lease period and will avoid approximately 2 800 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to eliminating more than 1 400 tonnes of burning coal.
Established in 1978, Paarl School has provided a ‘nurturing and holistic’ educational environment for learners to reach their full potential.
Alongside the school’s teaching staff, the multidisciplinary team consists of therapists, psychologists, nursing staff and a social worker.
The team offers assessments and interventions for learners who have cerebral palsy, physical disabilities and specific learning disabilities.
Besides assisting their learners with their support needs, the school also serves as a resource centre for mainstream schools and other organisations in the community.
‘Paarl School serves as a resource centre and model for our surrounding community. With our new solar project, we’re proud to now also showcase how a school can take steps to create a brighter and more sustainable world for future generations,’ said Garth Hewitt, chair of Paarl School’s governing body.
‘We are grateful to Capetopia for their generous donation and pleased to have Sun Exchange as an enabling partner to make the solar project possible,’ Hewitt added.
‘Capetopia envisions a future where sustainability, social equality and security are accessible to everyone in Cape Town,’ said Jessica Bönn, founder and director of Capetopia e.V.
‘The Paarl School solar project benefits the school, its learners, the community and the planet, bringing us one step closer to making our vision a reality. We are proud to contribute to making this project possible and look forward to more projects in the future,’ Bönn added.
Also read:
City unveils cheaper meter for residents to sell solar power back
Picture: art•hub / Supplied
