Nguyen Trai Secondary School in Ba Dinh district recently received a rooftop solar power system partially financed by Bach Khoa Investment & Development of Solar Energy Corporation (SolarBK) and Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID).

Solar power panels are being installed on the rooftops
of Nguyen Trai Secondary School. (Photo: VGP) 

The event was part of the “Green Citizen School” programme initiated and implemented by GreenID, in coordination with SolarBK, since 2018. So far, up to 12 schools, mostly in the provinces of Lao Cai and Ca Mau, and Hanoi, have participated in the project.

Accordingly, Nguyen Trai Secondary School was granted more than VND90 million (US$3,865) out of the total VND114 million (US$4,896) to purchase and install a 5.32 kWh system with 14 solar power panels, which will be used for running fans and lighting in 18 classrooms and is expected to help save VND1-1.5 million from their electricity bill per month.

 This is the first school in Hanoi to be installed with a solar power system.

 Le Hoan Chau, Principal of Nguyen Trai Secondary School, said that the school spends VND7 million (US$300.47) on electricity in the low month, but the power cost doubles in the peak months due to the increased use of air conditioners.

A monthly reduction of more than VND1 million for electricity costs will help the school save on costs.

 In the near future, teachers at Nguyen Trai Secondary School will be trained and offered with knowledge to set up the Green Star Club, as part of the “Green Citizen School” project. More than 600 students in the school will be instructed by teachers to participate in organising environmental protection activities at both the school and residences.

 “The project will raise awareness and cultivate passion for the economical and efficient use of energy among students, gradually helping them develop a sense of a green lifestyle,” Chau said.