Chung Hwa High School Solar Power System was established in 2016 and 2019. In the first stage of solar project, a solar power system of PV system with power capacity of 176.67 kWp was installed on the rooftop of the Multifunctional Activity Center in 2014. Chung Hwa High School (CHHS) is not only the first school in Muar to lead in clean power generation, but also the first among the Malaysia Independent Chinese Secondary Schools in advocating green energy.
This solar power system is initiated by our former principal, Dr Tan Wei Wu (PhD). It is finalized prior to the planning and construction of a Multifunctional Activity Center, which consists of an Auditorium, an Exhibition Hall and a Library. The solar power system is set up on top of the center, making use of its flat rooftop.
Chung Hwa High School can earn about RM 3,000 monthly income under the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) programme. The solar power system is expected to recover cost within five and a half years. The main purpose of the solar power system is to increase the income of the school. As a non-profit organization, the school source of income mainly depends on school fee and public donations to maintain daily operation, which is definitely insufficient.
The signing of a 21-year Renewable Energy Power Purchasing Agreement (REPPA) with TNB provides a long-term and stable income for the school. The solar power system project also responds to the government’s call in promoting green energy. Moreover, we can provide students with on-site teaching materials and positive educational learning opportunities. At the same time, it raises environmental protection awareness through energy saving and carbon reduction in schools and communities.
At the end of 2019, we were honoured to receive a sponsorship from an alumnus, Dato Lau Kong Chiok and Taitung Ltd., one of the largest and leading solar panel manufacturer in Taiwan, to install the second stage of solar power system. Covered the area of 1902.8 meter2, a PV system with power capacity of 288.96 kWp was installed on the rooftop of three outdoor basketball courts.
The electricity produced provides energy for in-campus consumption. It is estimated that the school will save RM200,000 in electricity bills every year. As the first campus in joining the government NEM
scheme, we are committed to achieve the reduction of 45% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. Our project has indirectly created employment opportunities in Malaysia. Malaysia has set an aggressive target of 20% of the national electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2030, where at the moment, renewable energy accounts for just two percent (2%) of Malaysia’s total electricity generation capacity.
PROJECT RESULT
The total annual solar power production is approximately 474,381 kWh while the total carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is approximately more than 400.7 tons per annum. The carbon footprint reduction is equivalent to the planting of 40,070 trees yearly (Average amount of CO2 per plant needed is 5-10 kg/annum).
WHAT IMPACT HAS THIS PROJECT CREATED IN THE COMMUNITY/ NATION?
As a free energy source, we may utilize and enjoy solar power for at least 25 years as long as the solar panel functions normally. Moreover, the operation of solar power system saves our planet by reducing the greenhouse effect and creating a cooler climate. Solar panels are designed to take the heat from the sunlight and convert into electrical energy.
When a sunbeam hits the roof, the heat is either transmitted into the house and warms the living space or reflected off the roof and heats up the surroundings. With solar panels trapping all that heat and turning it into usable energy, we can expect the temperature of local neighborhoods to cool down significantly. Apart from that, the development of solar industry stimulates the nation economy.
According to the 2010 statistic, Malaysia fossil fuel consumption has outweighed production and thus lead to the increased import of foreign fossil fuel.
On the other hand, Malaysia is constantly being shone by high temperature sunlight. We must make good use of the solar energy and decrease dependence on fossil fuel. Moving over to a solar-based energy economy will cut down the reliance on foreign oil and allows Malaysia to move a step closer to energy independence.
Besides energy independence, a transition to solar energy will further stimulate a booming solar industry in solar panel or solar cell production. Malaysia is currently the world’s third largest producer of solar cells. Once the widespread adoption of this technology occurs, the solar energy industry is likely to become a key national employer, hiring and educating technicians for installation, maintenance, repair and recycling of solar panels, which increase the job opportunities in Malaysia.
HOW WAS THIS PROJECT HELP TO ADVANCE THE CHOSEN SDG?
This project helps to advance the chosen Sustainable Development Goal 7 of Affordable and Clean Energy. By installing two large-scale solar panel system, it promotes carbon footprint reduction and cultivate environmental protection awareness among students, Muar community, Johor and even Malaysia Independent Chinese Secondary Schools. It also ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Our project has generated long term and sustainable impacts. As a role model, we set a good example by stepping forward to achieve the goal of using affordable, reliable, sustainable and renewable green energy for the academia in Malaysia. We also strive to achieve Malaysia’s commitment of reducing 45% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.
THE TAGLINE FOR UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (UNSDGs) IS “LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND.” PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW YOUR PROJECT HELPS TO REALIZE THE COMMITMENT OF UNSDGS FOR THE FUTURE. HIGHLIGHT ANY OTHER SDG(s) THAT YOUR PROJECT HAS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CREATED POSITIVE IMPACT TO PEOPLE AND SOCIETY
Our project is in line with the tagline for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):- “Leaving no one behind”. We strongly believe that the level of awareness in environment protection of our country, our people and even future generation will be dramatically raised through education. On top of that, the use solar energy reduces carbon footprint, greenhouse effect and global warming all at the same time.
Being in the front line of the education, we play a crucial and decisive role in educating the future generation on this important issue. Therefore, we are confident and committed that we will do our best to make full use of green energy.
Our small step and great effort would benefit all teachers, students, residents, citizens of Malaysia and the people of the world.
