- Cape Town-based solar micro-leasing firm today announced it will install solar power at several Western Cape Education Department schools.
- The first school in the series will be Protea Heights Academy in Cape Town, South Africa.
- The schools are not required to pay upfront or on-going operational costs.
Through the Sun Exchange crowd funding model, practically anyone, anywhere in the world can purchase solar cells, which are then installed on the roof of schools and other organisations in developing regions.
Solar cell owners earn an income stream from the electricity generated, while schools gain access to affordable clean energy for years to come.
“Not only does this help schools save money in the short term, it also provides schools with some immunity against future electricity tariff hikes from State-owned power utility Eskom,” Sun Exchange founder and CEO Abraham Cambridge said.
Protea Heights Academy, a school of the Western Cape Department of Education, specialises in maths, sciences and technology. A hub for e-learning and advanced learning, the school already has a formidable reputation for excellence and futuristic, critical thinking in preparation for the fourth industrial revolution.
“Our school is a place where learners are empowered to compete globally and solve global problems,” said Wendy Horn, Principal of Protea Heights Academy. “With our focus on technology and innovation, it is a natural progression to transition the school away from fossil fuels.”
Beverley Schäfer, Minister of Economic Opportunities for the Western Cape stated: “The province is committed to growing our green economy, and to transitioning our province, including our schools, away from coal-based, centralised electricity generation. By investing in technologies that build our resilience as a province, we are future-proofing our schools against rising energy prices.”
Author: GBA News Desk
