Under our Solar Supports Ukraine' Campaign, SolarPower Europe members, the Energy Act for Ukraine, Foundation, ABO Wind, Akuo, and Deye, a non-SolarPower Europe member and inverter manufacturer, will jointly develop a hybrid solar and storage system for the Bucha, Lyceum No. 3 school. This is one of the projects which we are fundraising for.
SolarPower Europe member Menlo Electric is also donating to this project as part of the '100RESForSchools' campaign. The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has been fundraising for this school under their campaign, which aims to equip 100 schools with solar panels and energy storage. Work on the project will officially kick off following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between all donors and partners.
Bucha Lyceum No.3 suffered greatly during the Russian occupation; the school was extensively damaged. Together, the foundation, organisations and companies will equip the school with 47 solar panels with a capacity of 20 kW, and an energy storage system with a capacity of 40 kWh. The system will allow the school to operate for up to 3 hours in case of a blackout, provide 30% of its annual energy consumption, and save the school 2100 on its energy bills!
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, said: "SolarPower Europe are delighted to officially kick off the Bucha school project with the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation. As Russia's invasion continues, we cannot stop supporting Ukrainians. With our Solar Supports Ukraine' campaign, we are playing a small part in ensuring that schools like Bucha Lyceum No.3 can still function and children can still receive an education. Every donation counts to help keep the lights on in Ukraine."
SolarPower Europe is fundraising for the Bucha, Lyceum No. 3 project, as part of our Solar Supports Ukraine' campaign, which we set up with the German Solar Industry Association (BSW). The campaign's objective is to raise 300,000, and help install solar on schools and hospitals in Ukraine, tackling energy outages. The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation is also a partner in our campaign.
Yuliana Onishchuk, CEO of Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation, said: "Solar energy became a symbol of the light that prevails over the dark. It is a hope for our kids to have an everyday life. I am grateful that Solar Power Europe, together with us, brings this hope to Bucha School 3. Solar power plants and energy storage will protect kids from blackouts, ensuring their education, and social development. Together, we can only win if we create, even when there is destruction."
Quotes from donors
Dr. Karsten Schlageter, Managing Director of ABO Wind, said; "ABO Wind is proud to contribute to this important campaign of the solar industry. Without access to hospitals and schools, Ukrainians will suffer even more than they already have. Keeping these institutions running with locally produced renewable electricity, directly benefits the Ukrainian people."
Katinka Rambert, Head of the Akuo Foundation, said; "Solar energy is by definition, a source of independence: it is endless and cost-free. This initiative led by SolarPower Europe was just the right one, and offers a concrete help to those suffering in Ukraine. The Akuo Foundation is humbly participating, with our best energy, solar. I can only encourage all of our colleagues to join us in this effort."
Bartosz Majewski, Co-Founder and CEO of Menlo Electric, said; "At Menlo Electric, we're honoured to be a part of the Bucha Lyceum No. 3 project, which is one of the 11 charitable projects for schools and hospitals we are developing across Ukraine. We're providing solar panels and an energy storage system to ensure a reliable electricity supply. This reflects our commitment to community support, and our determination to assist Ukrainian people during these challenging times."
We are incredibly grateful for Akuo, ABO Wind, and Menlo Electric's support, and for other pledged contributions.
Please consider supporting our campaign today to help keep the lights on in Ukraine.
About the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation
The Energy Act for Ukraine is a Ukrainian charity organisation established in response to the emerging energy poverty crisis in Ukraine due to the full-scale Russian invasion. The foundation primarily focuses on providing schools and hospitals with solar solutions. The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation is empowering Ukraine's critical infrastructure and communities affected by Russian aggression, with solar energy solutions.
Akuo specialises in the implementation of electricity production units from renewable resources, in particular solar, wind, and storage. Their intervention extends throughout the life cycle of power plants: studies, design, financing, construction, and operation.
ABO Wind is among Europe's leading developers of renewable energy projects. We plan, build, operate, and maintain wind and solar farms as well as hybrid energy, battery storage, and hydrogen projects in 16 countries on 4 continents.
The company is dedicated to providing complete photovoltaic power system solutions, including residential and commercial power plants solutions. Also, Deye offers the right device for each application: for all module types, for grid-connection and stand-alone grids, as well hybrid inverter systems, for small house systems and commercial systems in the Megawatt range.
Founded in 2020, Menlo Electric is a leading solar PV distributor serving 300+ clients in 37+ countries monthly. Their 100 MW of components are located in 16 logistics hubs across EMEA. Menlo Electric has also launched 'Energy to Power Your Future,' a CSR program that installs essential solar systems in healthcare, educational, and other institutions for free.
