The Government is actively promoting the development of renewable energy, with schools and welfare non-governmental organisations joining the league to help combat climate change.

Under the Solar Harvest scheme, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department helps schools and welfare NGOs to install solar energy generation systems at their premises and join the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme free of charge.

Solar Harvest has received an enthusiastic response since its launch in March 2019.

As at April this year, the department received more than 500 applications to join the scheme, with more than 90% coming from schools.

One-stop service

The department’s Building Services Engineer Edward Lee said: “Quite a number of premises have the potential to install the solar energy generation system at their rooftop. However, they are unable to kick-start such an arrangement because of their financial and technical concerns.”

To help alleviate those concerns, the department provides non-government and non-profit-making schools, as well as welfare NGOs receiving recurrent subventions from the Social Welfare Department with a one-stop service.

This includes conducting site visits and technical assessments at their premises, drawing up the design of the solar energy generation system, procuring and installing equipment, and conducting system testing.

The department also helps eligible schools and welfare NGOs to join the FiT Scheme of the two power companies.

Under the FiT Scheme, those who install solar photovoltaic or wind power systems at their premises can sell the renewable energy they generate to the power companies at a rate as high as about five times more than the normal electricity tariff rate.

Eco features

Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School completed installing its system in June last year.

Mr Lee explained that on average, each premises with a 10kW solar panel system can generate around 9,000kWh of electricity a year.

“The schools can use the feed-in tariff payment for supporting the on-going operation and maintenance of the system. They can also use such payment for organising some environmental education programmes for the students.”

Other green elements can be incorporated into the installation of the system.

Recyclable aluminium racks were used at the Po Leung Kuk school to support the solar panels, while bricks left over from the school’s renovation work were used to add weight to the racks to prevent them from being blown away in strong winds or typhoons.

For schools without building materials to spare, the department can still provide them with eco-friendly bricks to use.

Green education

The department also encourages the schools to integrate the operational theory of the solar energy generation system and the low-carbon lifestyle concept into their teaching.

The Po Leung Kuk school placed potted plants and benches made from eco-friendly materials around its solar panels to provide students with an educational and practical green roof.

The school’s Designated Head Principal Jenny Chong welcomed the scheme.

“We have those solar panels here. We put them in action to show the kids how we can use renewable energy.

“This is a very good programme. Also the work of the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department is fantastic in terms of co-operation and communication. They do really well.”

The department has completed the installation work at about 170 schools and welfare NGOs.

It is estimated that this batch of systems can generate around 1.53 million kWh of electricity each year.

According to a school’s preference and environment, the department can arrange for the solar panels to be installed in creative styles such as in the shape of a heart or to spell out the school’s initials.

The deadline for the new round of applications is July 30. For more details, visit the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department website.