Victoria Int’l becomes first Solar powered School

Edward Weerasinghe - Kelaniya Group Corr

Solar power has long been touted for its environmental impact. But now it has a new role, lighting the lives of students at The Victoria International College in Kiribathgoda, while setting an example to the whole nation where electricity is becoming increasingly expensive.

Taking the initiative of contributing positively towards environmental conservation and action against global warming, this unique school has taken ambitious step towards giving the whole nation a lesson on production of electricity through solar energy. It is evident that The Victoria International college (TVIC) has always been innovative with there mechanisms used for educating children as well as the school’s practical approach of teaching its students on essential life skills.

All of the buildings in the school are now powered by an array of over 18 solar panels which create more than 4320 watts power for the school. The power is then converted from DC to AC by using inverter and then it is supplied back to the national grid though a net meter. So far, the school has witnessed significant reduction in its energy costs which now the management is hoping to divert the savings towards improving facilities provided to students. For a project in this magnitude investment recovery will be in about three years after installation as per the specialists who installed this system. Not only the students of the school but also the parents of TVIC have shown a huge emphasis on this new innovative project.

It is encouraging to see a school in Sri Lanka utilizing the latest technology with a practical approach. As per the Founder/Chairman of the school Mr. Aruna Lekamge, this is not an investment only for the school it is also an investment for the students and the future of this nation. This is an opportunity for the students to come closer to a modern technology up close and personal. Furthermore, students inside TVIC are getting a wide spectrum of knowledge about solar energy. Breaking the conventional mode of education in the first time in Sri Lanka, the school also intends to conduct once a week renewable energy lab classes which will conduct practical workshops for the students who wish to learn this subject further.

TVIC believes the real investment is in the future of these students who will be changing the world to be a better place. As per the comments of the management we are going to run out of natural gases, oil and coal and other fossil fuels, so we have to find new energy sources.

This is one of our solutions, Hence TVIC along with its students, sincerely invite the rest of the schools in Sri Lanka to join hands together now and use the renewable energy solutions as an answer for the future. TVIC will provide advice and guidance free of charge for who ever wants to be a part of this significant change.