Solar for Schools Community Project

The Solar for Schools Community Project – July 2022

The Solar for Schools Community Project saw CHEC provide administrative, logistical and financial support to the Glow Initiative for Economic Empowerment in the successful implementation of solar energy at the St. Monic Model Academy School in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Prior to the implementation of the project, the local area experienced constant power outages that prevented students from learning in optimal conditions. This limited student’s ability to access modern information technology which is crucial to their educational and economic empowerment.

Recognising that solar energy has the potential to enhance access to education and can improve the living standards of rural households, the project looked to achieve the following objectives.

Project Objectives

Successfully Install Solar Power at the St. Monic Model Academy School

To provide electricity that will power computer centers of public schools by designing and installing Solar PV System including solar panels, batteries, inverters and a charge controlling system to enable night time study and encourage more student participation in STEM subjects.
Educate Students and Teachers at the St. Monic Model Academy School About Solar Power

Educating 100 students and 15 teachers on the Basics of Solar Electricity; how solar panels generates electricity and the installation of a solar panel.

Project Outcomes

0 Students Can Now Access Digital Education

0 Students Taught About Solar Electricity

0 Teachers Taught About Solar Generation

The project successfully installed a 3KW solar PV system to power the computer room and library at the school enabling the operation of needs such as lighting, power and ventilation to occur without interrupting learning opportunities. The Solar PV system was formally commissioned and handed over to the community on Wednesday 16th July 2022 in the presence of local stakeholders such as the commissioner’s representative of the State, members of the community, representatives of the community’s town union, members of the Parents Teachers Association of the school, teachers and well-wishers.

The project also focussed on education with staff and students at the school learning the basics of solar electricity and how solar panels generate electricity. Part of this included the opportunity for those involved to participate in the installation of a solar PV system to gain valuable practical experience and skills.