Dubai Solar Schools, a new green-energy initiative rolled out on Monday, is targeting 50 schools as potential hosts for rooftop solar panels as part of the Shams Dubai Initiative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Schools will draw energy from the photovoltaic panels and surplus energy will be diverted to the Dubai power grid as prescribed under the Shams Dubai plan to increase clean energy from solar power.
The long view of the initiative suggests that subscribing schools could reduce their monthly electricity bills to virtually zero after a capital payback period of seven years or, alternatively, they can lease solar panels from a third party for reduced savings.
The project is expected to reach up to 50 megawatts solar power plants and will be executed within the next three years.
Ten schools have already pledged to join Dubai Solar Schools.
Consultants will be crunching the study numbers over the next two months and will submit a Shams Dubai proposal to Dewa for approval before schools agree to fully sign on to the clean energy project.
Projections show that, on average, if 100 schools installed solar rooftop panels, as much as 50MW of emission-free green power could be added to the electricity generation capacity of the emirate.
The schools project meets the Dubai Clean Energy Plan 2050 which aims to provide 75 per cent of the emirate’s energy from solar sources, by 2050.
Photovoltaic panels would also instill a sense of environmental stewardship in students who benefit from their schools being powered by the sun’s rays, said organisers. (GULF NEWS)
PHOTO: Dewa has launched a campaign to raise awareness about Shams Dubai.
CREDIT: COURTESY Dewa.
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