Power to the Pupil

Power to the Pupil

Source: Gulf News – June 23, 2022

Waiheke High School has become its own power station with last week’s switch on of its state-of-the-art rooftop solar system.
Principal Mikaere October says the system will slash the school’s power bills and allow them to spend more money on core teaching and learning resources.

Installed by Tahi Road’s Energy Alter­natives, the solar panel system is now the largest of its kind on the island, and a big step forward in terms of environmental and financial sustainability.

Not only will it power the school, but excess power can be sold back into the grid during school holidays and weekends.
Mikaere told Gulf News the school started the project after local surgeon Dr Richard Douglas asked whether the school had considered solar power.

“He had been driving past and thought the school would be the perfect place for it;’ said Mika ere. “He got the conversation started and has also been a cornerstone sponsor of the project!’

The school has since launched a fund­raising campaign – which is ongoing – to pay for more panels. All up the system has cost close to $150,000, with half that funding coming from school reserves.

“Right now, we’re taking care of 60 percent of the cost of our electricity [a monthly bill for electricity comes in at around $5000];’ said Mikaere. “At the moment the school is self-using, but it will be exporting to the grid.

“The school is the perfect place for solar power be­cause we only operate during the day and that was one of the good things about installing it here.”

Having a working example of renewable energy generation at the school will also double as a useful way to teaching the science and technology behind it.

“It’s an amazing occasion and we are particularly proud to now have our own sustainable source of power and demonstrate our commitment to the environment. I have to say a massive thank you to Energy Alternatives and to our generous community;’ he said. “We hope other people will consider this as I think it’s worth looking into!’ Dana Darwin or Energy Alternatives helped
install the system and said his company upgraded the specifications to ensure it is future-proofed and allows for more expansion in the future as power demand increases.

For those who still wish to support the project go to waihekehigh.school.nz/solarpanel where you can sponsor a panel for $250, a half panel for $125, or you can make a donation.

• Liza Hamilton