Solar Power News
South African Youth to Install SunPower PV Solar Panels
Written by Raina Xiao Saturday, 24 September 2011 16:58
The SunPower Foundation today announced the donation of SunPower photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to Greenpeace Africa. The panels will be installed in September by 30 local youth during a two week solar training course in Durban, South Africa, led by Greenpeace. They will learn more about solar PV and other renewable energy technologies as well as complete course modules covering social entrepreneurship and Greenpeace's Energy (R)evolution report.
Once installed, the four SunPower solar panels will generate clean energy for two Greenpeace Africa mobile solar showcase units. Each unit will utilize solar-powered multi-media technology devices, including televisions, laptops and sound systems, to communicate the growing need for renewable energy solutions while staffers share their knowledge and experience with solar PV.
"With this donation, the SunPower Foundation remains true to its mission — to empower the world's next generation of solar leaders," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "We hope that the Greenpeace Solar Training course will inspire local youth to explore solar technology and create renewable solutions for energy needs in this part of the world and beyond."
Furthering the relationship, the SunPower Foundation has also agreed to solarize the Greenpeace Africa Johannesburg headquarters with a SunPower rooftop system later this year.
"Greenpeace Africa is thrilled that the SunPower Foundation has offered to solarize our headquarters and mobile solar showcase units for the upcoming UN climate talks in Durban, both benefitting the people of South Africa," said Olivia Langhoff, campaigns director for Greenpeace Africa. "This donation provides an impetus for investment and is a demonstration that renewable energy solutions are feasible."
In 2008, the SunPower Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), providing capital for the solarization of off-grid clinics in Lesotho's remote mountain villages operated by non-profit health care organization, Partners in Health (PIH). Since installation, the 1.4kW solar PV systems have increased electricity reliability, enabled electronic patient record keeping and allowed for use of an X-ray machine by staff.
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