Type of installation: Grid-Tie with Island Inverters
Location: Brakpan, Gauteng
Our prime objective: To reduce their monthly electricity bill without them reducing consumption. This was phase 1 of the project. The second phase involved the installation of an Island Inverter.
The municipal rates are still going to increase every year. So how did we reduce their electricity bill without limiting the electricity supply? By electricity bill, we refer to their monthly cost for electricity.
Schools have a lot of expenses. When you consider that this primary school is the first big preparatory step toward a successful future for the children in the area, every day counts. With all the budget constraints, any savings will be welcomed and are finances that can be redirected to better education and facilities.
Consider their operational hours: most activities occur during the daytime. A large PV panel array can easily generate more than enough electricity. For the evening events and activities, we provided batteries. Remember, the aim was not to go off-grid but merely to reduce the bill. Therefore, they remained connected to the grid, using it as back-up after hours.
We managed to secure financing for the school’s solar power system, of which the monthly premium was lower than the monthly electricity bill. Yes, that is correct.
This is what our team installed for them:
- 30 kWp solar panels
- 26 kWh battery back-up
Kids went to school and no longer experience load shedding. They experienced, firsthand, that going solar improves the quality of life and their education. All their Smart Screens inside classrooms were run from the Island Systems, ensuring no disruption in education.
This is such a great example of how one school going solar impacts the lives of the next generation.
