KNYSNA NEWS – In the light of (for lack of better words) South Africa's electricity shortages, the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (Kilt) Solar Project has led at least one school to take matters into its own hands.

As communities and businesses grapple with load shedding, the Kilt solar project at Knysna Primary School was recently completed and officially launched on 8 June. Sun Exchange and Kilt collaborated on the Knysna Primary School solar project.

For Knysna Primary School, this was the first step on a long journey to become energy independent. Solar power will now provide an alternative, cheaper source of energy and the school could save 20-55% of its utility costs within the first year. A project like this illustrates the importance of switching over to renewable energy sources.

Kilt and Sun Exchange plan to extend the programme to three other schools by the end of 2021. Schools that use a lot of electricity are the most suitable for this project.

Following discussions with the Western Cape government on how to rebuild better after the Knysna fires in 2018, Kilt decided to launch this programme. Kilt wished to enable schools to become more self-sustainable. 

By using their own solar power, the schools will hopefully be able to increase their discretionary spending on other priorities. Many schools were evaluated as potential service providers for the solar project, with Sun Exchange being chosen as the preferred service provider. 

The newly installed solar panels on the school's roof.

Specialized Solar Systems was contracted to do the installations at the schools.

"Supporting education in Knysna is a crucial component of our social investment programme, and I am pleased to announce that we have contributed to the Knysna Primary School Solar Project," stated Sandy Ueckermann, managing director of Kilt.

"The initiative is an excellent illustration of how, via collaboration, we can aid schools in strengthening their infrastructure without imposing a financial strain. We think that this approach is a leading recipe for cooperation in energy production in South Africa." 

Knysna Primary School principal, Ivor White, said, "It is crucial to us that we gain the greatest benefit from the savings and sustainability improvements that solar power will provide, especially during these financially challenging times."

Knysna Primary School will save R1,57-million over the 20-year lease term, which is an average of R78 000 per year. In total, the solar power plant will prevent 622 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

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