Irpin Lyceum No. 1 has joined the ranks of energy-independent schools as part of the 100SolarSchools campaign by the Energy Act for Ukraine charity fund. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the German Solar Association (BSW) and the charity fund, a solar power station with an energy storage system has been installed on the school's roof in the city of Irpin. This landmark project underscores the commitment to sustainable education and resilient infrastructure in line with the Solar Supports Ukraine initiative.

The ceremonial opening of the solar power station was attended by Robert Habeck, Vice Chancellor of Germany and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate, as well as Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association BSW Solar, a representative of IBC SOLAR, and a member of the board of directors of the European Solar Association Solar Power Europe SPE. The Solar Supports Ukraine initiative, supported by SolarPower Europe and BSW, aims to use solar energy to revitalize communities across Ukraine.

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian educational infrastructure has suffered significant losses. According to the Ministry of Education of Ukraine, 3,798 schools in Ukraine were damaged, with 365 completely destroyed. During the occupation of Irpin, nearly half of the city's buildings—10,500 in total—were damaged, with 2,501 completely or significantly destroyed.

The city of Irpin was one of the first populated areas in Kyiv region to be affected by the war in Ukraine, and its Lyceum No. 1 sustained significant damage from missile and artillery strikes: the facade, walls, roof, windows, entrance and interior doors, sports and assembly halls, sports grounds, running tracks, and electrical networks were damaged. Against this backdrop, there was a need to strengthen schools with reliable sources of electricity to ensure uninterrupted learning environments and autonomous power supply.

On the roof of Irpin Lyceum No. 1, 64 solar panels with a capacity of 25.6 kW were installed, along with a 40 kWh energy storage system. Additionally, the lyceum will achieve annual savings on electricity costs: 1123 euros, and over 25 years of system operation, the prevention of CO2 emissions will amount to 596 metric tons, equivalent to the emissions from 9,207,243 miles driven by an average gasoline car. The system will provide up to 4 hours of autonomous operation depending on consumption needs. At the same time, the system will help meet over 25% of the school's annual energy consumption.

Through the joint efforts of BSW-Solar and participating companies, including Sonnen, Sungrow, and IBC SOLAR, the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation charity fund, together with Octopus Energy and Menlo Electric, made this project a reality. This solar system not only provides a reliable source of electricity but also demonstrates an educational component about sustainable living, providing future leaders of Ukraine with knowledge and tools to build an environmentally friendly future. The fund conducts an educational course on "Sustainable Development and Green Energy" for children to develop a culture of conscious consumption of natural resources in Ukraine and to promote Ukraine's ecological transition towards a sustainable future!

The installation of a hybrid solar power station at Irpin Lyceum No. 1 is part of the Energy Act for Ukraine fund's 100SolarSchools campaign, which aims to equip 100 schools across Ukraine with renewable energy solutions, enabling education to continue to develop in challenging circumstances.

"In April 2024, 2 years after the establishment of the fund, we witnessed the commissioning of our 9th facility with solar energy systems. The support of partners and donors over the past two years demonstrates that we share not only the vision of a more ecologically reconstructed Ukraine as part of European society, but also that we want to cultivate a sustainable way of life in children right now, regardless of circumstances. By involving children in such projects, we make them perceive them as the norm from childhood, so today we are teaching them sustainable habits and a conscious approach, making our contribution to achieving the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)," emphasized Yuliana Onishchuk, founder and executive director of the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation.

"As donors, our commitment goes beyond infrastructure restoration; it also involves providing Ukraine with the opportunity to uphold its fundamental right to education even during wartime. Through our contribution, we aim to stand by Ukraine in ensuring access to education for every child, despite the challenges of war. Additionally, we see our support as a crucial step towards the nation's recovery, promoting stability and hope for a brighter future," said Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW).

This joint initiative between BSW and the Energy Act for Ukraine charity fund is an example of shared dedication, resilience, and expanding opportunities for future generations. Together, we illuminate pathways to a brighter, sustainable future for Ukraine with the support of the Solar Supports Ukraine initiative.

The Energy Act for Ukraine fund focuses on providing schools and hospitals affected by the Russian war in Ukraine with renewable solar energy within the campaigns "100 Solar Schools" and "50 Solar Hospitals."