Solar-powered school opens
NORTH RIDING - Northriding Secondary School run entirely by the sun (when it shines).
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane officially opened South Africa’s second solar-powered school in North Riding on 13 March.
She was accompanied by MEC for Infrastructure Development Qedani Mahlangu and MEC for Education Barbara Creecy.
Northriding Secondary School is the second solar-powered school in the country after Soshanguve Primary School A third solar-powered school, Noordwyk Secondary School (in Midrand), was also officially opened on the same day.
The school, which currently accommodates 303 pupils in grades 8 and 9, is powered by a 55×15-metre solar farm consisting of 300 panels.
According to the Department of Infrastructure Development, the solar farm will power the lights, computers, laboratories, sockets and kitchen fittings.
When the sun is shining the solar farm will power these completely, and even provide excess electricity to the Eskom grid. When it is cloudy or dark electricity will be drawn back from Eskom.
“We want schools to always have electricity,” Mahlangu said, ” So they do not have to be without power when challenges happen.”
Mokonyane called the school a “true South African school” because it consisted of students of all races.
She thanked the builders and wished parents well.
“It is a good story to tell,” she said. “Our actions speak for themselves.”
Ward 115 Councillor Chris Santana said it was good the school was built, as there are not enough schools in the area.
“Fourways and Randburg are overflowing,” he said. “I have some issues with the quality of the school but I am happy.”
Principal Francois Oosthuizen said the solar panels do not seem familiar in a school environment.
“But I see them as a gift and part of our identity and we will make this successful,” said Oosthuizen.
Project Manager for the Department of Infrastructure Development Memory Zvomuya claimed the school’s design was a “prototype” based on a balance of private and government school designs.
Morris Ramatapa, owner of Sunrise Electrical Wholesalers (Pty) Ltd. which built the school, said usually it takes 18 months to a build a school, but this school was built in eight.
R56 million went towards the construction and it is said the school will save R266 000 per year on electricity.
The panels are not yet powering the school as the Department of Infrastructure Development is waiting for documents from Eskom.
The school can accommodate 945 students and from 2017 plans to include higher grades.
Storm and recycled water will be used for maintaining sports facilities and lawns.
The school is part of Gauteng’s Green Agenda, an initiative behind the last 10 newly-constructed government schools in the province that use rainwater harvesting, solar water heating and sewer treatment plants to improve energy efficiency. They also use renewable and clean energy sources to reduce the provincial government’s carbon footprint.
Details: North Riding Secondary School 076 889 0324.
