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Despite the challenge of loadshedding, there is light at the end of the tunnel for another school in Stellenbosch – iKaya Primary School in Kayamandi – which will soon receive a hybrid 15,12kw photovoltaic (PV) system that will enable the school to s
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Cutting down electricity usage can help save costs for SA school - study reveals
By The Conversation
Jason Avron Samuels,Leslie van Rooi, MJ (Thinus) Booysen and Sara Grobbelaar
Despite financial constraints, high costs and the best efforts of principals, electricity usage in South Africaâs schools remains largely unchecked, as schools focus on educational outcomes. The countryâs 23,471 public schools use an estimated 3.5 TWh of energy a year. This is about a quarter of Koeberg nuclear power stationâs production and it costs about R5 billion ($330 million).
In a recent study we analysed the energy usage of 13 schools in Stellenbosch, a town in South Africaâs Western Cape province. The sample included poor and affluent schools. We then compared it with what schools use in other countries. This comparison makes it possible to estimate energy efficiency and see where money can be saved.
The average school in the researchers sample set uses 450 kWh at a cost of more than R865 ($57) per school day, say the authors.
Despite financial constraints, high costs and the best efforts of principals, electricity usage in South Africa’s schools remains largely unchecked, as schools focus on educational outcomes. The country s 23 471 public schools use an estimated 3.5 TWh of energy a year. This is about a quarter of Koeberg nuclear power station s production and it costs about R5 billion ($330 million).
In a recent study, we analysed the energy usage of 13 schools in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The sample included poor and affluent schools. We then compared it with what schools use in other countries. This comparison makes it possible to estimate energy efficiency and see where money can be saved.