Solar donation lights the way for United Cerebral Palsy Association residents
The generous donation is improving safety, restoring comfort and ensuring essential care continues for residents during electricity outages.
After spending countless nights in darkness during power outages, the residents of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of South Africa (UCPA) in Townsview, can now look forward to a brighter future.
Thanks to a generous solar power donation made possible by the Rotary Club Johannesburg South 101, the organisation’s 29 residents now have access to essential electricity during load shedding.
For many of the residents, who rely on specialised care and support, the donation is far more than a convenience – it is a significant improvement to their quality of life.
Before the installation, frequent power cuts left the facility without reliable lighting, while important services and equipment were disrupted.
Simple comforts such as watching television or listening to the radio, which provide entertainment and companionship for the residents, were often lost for hours at a time. More importantly, the loss of electricity affected safety, care and the smooth running of the home.
The first phase of the project includes the installation of 12 JA Solar 550W solar panels, a 12kW single-phase Sunsynk inverter and two 5.1kW Revov batteries.
The new system is able to provide at least four hours of backup power for essential services during electricity outages.
The impact of the project goes beyond keeping the lights on. It gives residents a safer environment, greater comfort and reassurance that vital services can continue even when the national power supply fails.
Staff members are also better equipped to provide consistent care without the added challenges caused by load shedding.
While the first phase marks an important milestone, more work still needs to be done. Rotary Club Johannesburg South 101 is now raising funds for the second phase of the project, which will expand the off-grid power system and further improve the facility’s energy security.
Community members, businesses and donors are encouraged to support the next phase of the initiative. Every contribution will help ensure that UCPA’s residents continue to live in a safe, comfortable and dignified environment, regardless of power outages.
Donations qualifying under Section 18A are welcomed. Those wishing to assist can request further information by emailing info@jhbsouth101.org.za.
