The opening of solar station in Irpin lyceum No. 1 took place within the “100SolarSchools” campaign by the CF Energy Act for Ukraine

Irpin lyceum No. 1 joins the ranks of energy-independent schools under the transformative "100SolarSchools" initiative by the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. Through the concerted efforts of the German Solar Association (BSW) and the Foundation, a solar system combined with a battery has been installed on the roof of the school, which is located just outside Kyiv. This landmark project underscores a commitment to sustainable education and resilient infrastructure, in alignment with the Solar Supports Ukraine initiative.

The grand opening of the solar station on 18th of April at the Irpin Lyceum #1 was attended by Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor of Germany, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and Jörg Ebel, the president of the German solar association BSW Solar, representative of IBC SOLAR AG and member of the board of directors of the European solar Association Solar Power Europe SPE.  

The Solar Supports Ukraine initiative, championed by European Solar Association SolarPower Europe and BSW, aims to harness the power of solar energy to rebuild and revitalize communities across Ukraine. 

In the wake of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's educational infrastructure bore a heavy toll. According to the Ministry of Education of Ukraine, 3,798 schools in Ukraine were damaged, and 365 were completely destroyed. During the occupation of Irpin, almost half of the total number of buildings in the city were damaged – 10,500 buildings, of which 2,501 were completely or significantly destroyed.

Irpin town was one of the first settlements in the Kyiv region that suffered from the war and saw its lyceum No. 1 sustain significant damage from rocket strikes and artillery hits which damaged the facade, walls, roof, windows, entrance and interior doors, sports and assembly halls, sports ground, running tracks, and electrical networks. Against this backdrop, the imperative arose to fortify schools with reliable power sources to ensure uninterrupted learning environments and autonomous power supply.

The installation of 64 solar panels capable of generating 25,6 kW of power, along with a 40 kWh energy storage system, signals a crucial step towards energy autonomy for Irpin lyceum No. 1. The system will allow the building to operate autonomously for up to 4 hours depending on consumption needs. At the same time, the system will also help to provide 25 % of the school's annual energy consumption. This solar system not only anticipates annual energy cost savings of € 1,123 but also prevents 596 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, both over 25 years, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 9,207,243 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle. 

The setup not only provides a reliable power source but also introduces an educational component on sustainable living, ensuring that the future leaders of Ukraine are equipped with the knowledge and tools for fostering a greener future. The Foundation conducts the educational course "Sustainable development and green energy" for children to develop a culture of conscious consumption of natural resources in Ukraine, and to bring Ukraine's green transition closer!  

The collaborative effort of BSW-Solar and its participating member companies, including Sonnen, Sungrow, and IBC SOLAR, alongside Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation with Octopus Energy, and Menlo Electric made this project a reality. Their support not only ensures a reliable power supply but also fosters an educational paradigm centered on sustainable living, aligning with Ukraine's green transition goals.

"In April 2024, two years after the establishment of EAFU, we witnessed our 9th facility being put into operation with solar energy systems. The support of the partners and donors during already two years shows that we share not only the vision of the greener reconstruction of Ukraine as a part of European society, but we want to cultivate the sustainable way of living in kids right now regardless of any circumstances. By involving them in such projects, children from childhood perceive it as the norm, so we cultivate a sustainable habits and a conscious approach in them, contributing to the achievement of the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)", – highlighted Yuliana Onishchuk, Founder and CEO, the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.

"As donors, our commitment extends beyond infrastructure; it's about empowering Ukraine to uphold its fundamental right to education, even amidst conflict. Through our contributions, we aim to stand alongside Ukraine in ensuring that every child has access to schooling, despite the challenges of war. Moreover, we see our support as a vital step towards the nation's recovery, fostering resilience and hope for a brighter future." – Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW).

This joint endeavour between BSW and the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation exemplifies a shared commitment to resilience, sustainability, and the empowerment of future generations. Together, we illuminate pathways to a brighter, greener future for Ukraine, supported by the Solar Supports Ukraine initiative.