- Paarl School for Special Needs Learners has launched a solar power project.
- The project is funded by Capetopia and set to cover half of the school’s energy needs for the next 20 years.
- This initiative not only reduces energy costs significantly but also promotes sustainability.
Funded by German non-profit Capetopia, a solar power project at Paarl School for Special Needs Learners in Brackenfell, will cover half of the schools energy needs for the next 20 years.
By means of this project more learning opportunities will be created for disabled children across the province.
In partnership with Sun Exchange a solar power and energy storage solutions developer, 101 kw is to be energised by means of the project.
The school’s new solar project will provide affordable, clean energy for the school’s approximately 500 staff and learners.
“Via a Sun Exchange power purchase agreement and with the 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, with savings expected to grow as utility tariffs continue to rise,” explains CEO Saul Wainwright.
Additionally, any excess energy from the solar project that the school does not use, will be exported back to the grid.
The energy cost savings realised from the solar project, says Garth Hewitt, chair of Paarl School’s Governing Body, will enable Paarl School to reinvest those funds into creating more learning opportunities for all learners, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Solar project
According to Wainwright the solar project also enables 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, avoiding approximately 2 800 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to eliminating more than 1 400 tonnes of burning coal,” he says.
Hewitt extended the schools gratitude to Capetopia for their generous donation.
“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.”
Jessica Bönn, founder and director, says Capetopia envisions a future where sustainability, social equality and security are accessible to everyone in Cape Town.
Bönn founded the organisation after having lived in Cape Town for three years, falling in love with the Mother City while also becoming aware of its inequalities and struggles.
“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,” she says.
