From left: Francine Blackman, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Division of Energy and Telecommunications; Jehu Whiltshire, Permanent Secretary in the Division of Energy and Telecommunications; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Harcourt Husbands; Principal of St Leonard’s Boys’ School, Joseph Maynard; and Chairman of the St Leonard’s Boys’ School, Ricardo Harrison; during the launch of the 12 kilowatt photovoltaic system at St Leonard’s Boys’ School.
Photovoltaic system for St Leonard’s
Tue, 11/22/2016 - 12:00am
The St Leonard’s Boys’ School is the beneficiary of a 12 kWp Photovoltaic System from the Government’s Energy Division.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Senator Harcourt Husbands recently had the honour of switching on the system, making St Leonard’s the third educational institution on the island to benefit from such an installation.
While pointing out that the initiative is aimed at saving the school money and improving the environment, Senator Husbands also explained to the students that it is based on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“In order to have this installation we have to be aware that the installers all had to be aware of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” he stressed.
“Therefore, my advice to you is to see this programme not only as an attempt to save some money and to protect the environment – but your entire future is symbolized by this installation.”
“So all of you who have been slacking off in Maths and Science classes, my advice to you is this is an opportunity for you to turn that around…If you leave school knowing some science, technology, engineering and mathematics life is going to be easier for you; finding a job is going to be easier, and your pay is going to be better than those who didn’t embrace those areas,” the Senator added.
Principal Joseph Maynard said that the photovoltaic system will capture electricity from the sun via the solar panels which are situated on the roof of auditorium, and will enable the school in turn to sell the electricity to the Barbados Light and Power Grid.
“The system has 48 panels and two inverters and has the capacity of 12 kilowatts. There is electricity generated that can power three medium sized houses.”
Maynard also revealed that the Division of Energy outfitted the school with LED bulbs which has already led to some level of saving on their electricity bill.
“In addition, we have also been beneficiaries and again we thank the Energy Division for air-conditioners that have really made a big difference to the school.”
Chairman of the School’s Board, Ricardo Harrison thanked the Division of Energy for allowing St Leonard’s Boys’ to take part in the initiative, which forms corporation with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Global Environment Facility.
He further expressed, “In time the benefits will be realised particularly as it relates to the reduction in our electricity bill at the school. We are even more heartened by the learning opportunities being created for both staff and students as we approach 50 years of Independence”. (TL)