Tanaka Chare
Midlands Christian Group of Schools (MCGS) recently commissioned a 300kW solar plant with the initiative to reduce its carbon footprint and enable the smooth flow of lessons to students.
The Principal Director, Pastor Daniel Pswarai noted the benefits of 300kva solar to students.
“The 300kva is convenient to all the power demands of the school and it can generate excess power compared to the 100kva and 200kva solar we were using previously.
Engineer Takudzwa from Solar Energy company explained how the solar systems operate, the seamless transformation and how much capacity of energy they hold.
” We installed 720, 590W solar panels in the inventory room. We have 6 by 50 kW sun synking invertors, 6 by 60kWh battery storage. We have an integration between the generator and the solar. There is a seamless transformation between how the system operates when there is ZESA and when there is not. We have designed the system to automatically start the generator when the batteries go low to about 20% and the generator kicks in to charge for about 80% and when there is sunshine, it continues to charge. “
Moreover, MCGS student representatives expressed their gratitude and excitement about the solar system, citing all the benefits it will bring to their school days.
Patience Mutivhu, who is a student, said, ” We celebrate a big achievement in our solar project. This is good for us students who live in the boarding house, as it helps reduce our carbon footprint. It lowers our electrical bill and harnesses solar power. It contributes to a greener and healthier environment.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this project a reality. Let us continue to embrace sustainable practices and strive for a brighter, greener future. I am proud to be at a school that has innovation and sustainability. And with this, we are truly thankful as Midlands Christian College students, ” David Sibanda, a student, added.
Whilst, Elisabeth Maphosa another student further explained the benefits.
” As a green energy fanatic, l would like to thank the school and express how greatly the solar power system has been changing our lives at school. We now have electricity for the whole day, so this allows for the smooth flow of lessons, for example, when we are using the projector to watch Science videos and read notes from Google Classroom. More students can now finish their International Computers Driver’s License (ICDL). In the hostel, 24 hours of electricity can allow us to extend our study sessions.”
” Hot water, in this freezing season because of the solar geysers, we never have to worry about bathing with cold water. Speaking of the cold winter season, we can now enjoy hot tea, and charge our hot water bottles and the benefits are endless, which are reaped from the solar power plants. To the board of Trustees, the school leadership and everyone else who made this possible, we would like to thank you.”
The principal, Mr Lenard Mudiwa expressed his appreciation to funding partners who made the project a success.
” Your commitment to empowering institutions like ours is sincerely appreciated and to Solar Energy company thank you for your expertise and professionalism you have delivered a system that would serve us for a long time. l would also like to thank the Head of the board, Mr Max Levendale and his team for their support.”
During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Max Levendale, who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, cut the ribbon and the celebrations began.
