Protea Heights Academy goes solar
On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, it was announced that Protea Heights Academy was the first school in the Western Cape to receive solar power installations through a global funding platform.
Sun Exchange (www.thesunexchange.com), enables schools and businesses to have solar power installed with no upfront or on-going operational costs, that will ultimately help them save on their energy bills.
Through Sun Exchange, anyone can purchase solar cells off their website 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.
Principal of Protea Heights Academy, Wendy Horn, said: “The solar project supports the school’s goal to produce global citizens who embrace the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. Having the world come to our school, through investment, is a massive achievement. Sun Exchange and its members are helping us make that transition, by making solar accessible and affordable.”
“The learners at Protea Heights Academy are excited about the prospect of learning about the practical application and benefits of finance and energy innovation.”
According to Jonathan de Kock, a learner at the school, “the project even allows us learners to make investments into solar cells that will power our school, which teaches us important investment skills.”
All 7344 solar cells were sold out in a record breaking 7 hours – leaving many disappointed that they did not purchase their own cells in time. Our very own Minister for Education, Debbie Schafer, managed to buy some cells before they were all snapped up!
To read more about the project – please read the statement by Minister Debbie Schafer : https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/news/first-western-cape-school-goe... or look at the video below posted by the Sun Exchange.