Non-grid electrification of 45 schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: An assessment

Abstract

This paper reports on the electrification using photovoltaic power of 45 schools in the rural areas near Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The project was funded by the state, coordinated by Eskom and implemented by Siemens Limited (Solar Division). The University of Port Elizabeth (Department of Physics) independently monitored the electrification process. As solar power is a relatively new concept for many of the rural people in South Africa, the University also gauged the opinion of the school teachers and local community on this new form of electricity.