Cape Town - Paarl School in Brackenfell has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainability with the launch of a new 101 kW solar project.
The initiative, a partnership between Sun Exchange and the German non-profit Capetopia, is poised to drastically cut energy costs while fostering an eco-friendly environment for its special needs learners.
Set to power the school for the next two decades, the solar project is expected to produce over 2 700 MWh of clean energy during its 20-year lease term.
This significant energy generation will also result in a remarkable reduction of about 2 800 tonnes of carbon emissions—akin to the removal of more than 1 400 tonnes of coal burning from the atmosphere.
At the heart of the eco-initiative is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Sun Exchange and the school, backed by a generous donation of R782 000 from Capetopia.
The partnership promises to deliver solar energy at a staggering 75% lower per kilowatt-hour rate than traditional utility rates in its first year alone, allowing the school to reallocate the savings to improve educational resources.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body, Garth Hewitt, said the plant developed by Sun Exchange will significantly reduce the school’s energy costs.
“Paarl School serves as a resource centre and model for our community.
“With our new solar project, we’re proud to showcase how a school can contribute to a sustainable world for future generations,” said Hewitt.
“The solar plant also helps Paarl School do our part for the planet it’s expected to avoid roughly 2 800 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 20 years”.
Echoing this sentiment, Jessica Bönn, founder and director of Capetopia, emphasised the holistic benefits of the project.
“The Paarl School solar project brings us closer to our vision of sustainability and social equality for everyone in Cape Town,” Bönn said.
Saul Wainwright, CEO of Sun Exchange, said: “At Sun Exchange, we aim to make the transition to solar seamless and rewarding for our customers, and Paarl School is a shining example of how solar energy can drive positive change.”
As South Africa increasingly embraces renewable energy solutions, initiatives like the one at Paarl School stand as a testament to the significant impact that innovation and collaboration can have on both education and environmental sustainability.
grecia.mgolombane@inl.co.za
Cape Argus