Home’s electricity blues are a thing of the past
“This saw high electricity bills adding to the challenges. We desperately needed a solution."
Dunnottar – Chance Children’s Home in Dunnottar commissioned the solar PV system funded by the Alstom Foundation last Thursday.
The 33kW system comes with a 15-year operating and maintenance plan to ensure the full realisation of benefits to the home.
The home caters to children from newborns to 18 years and provides care and protection to abused, vulnerable, neglected and orphaned children from all sectors of the community.
Manager of Chance Children’s Home Prazen Muchuka said the centre relies on donations to cover some of its operating expenses, but due to the Covid-19 crisis, donations reduced dramatically and created significant financial challenges.
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“This saw high electricity bills adding to the challenges. We desperately needed a solution.
“The relief brought about by the new solar system will enable us to better utilise our minimal financial resources,” explained Muchuka.
Alstom Ubunye CEO Logan Naicker said: “The project has benefited a deserving home.
“We know that Chance will take care of the installations and with our partners, we remain available for any technical expertise and support required to ensure that Chance enjoys the benefits of solar energy for many years to come,” said Naicker.
A local NPO, Engineers Without Borders South Africa (EWB-SA), was an official implementation partner for the project.
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Director of EWB-SA Irshaad Vawda explained they are pleased with the successful construction and commissioning of the system.
“We started producing sustainable energy for the home ahead of schedule.
“We hope this renewable energy system can be embraced at a country level, since many communities continue to face electricity challenges,” he added.
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