Somerset College
Winelands of the Western Cape
The ambition
Established in 1997, Somerset College is an independent, co-educational high school in the winelands of the Western Cape, focused on holistic education and strong community values. Somerset College emphasises academics, sports, cultural activities, leadership and environmental programs, ensuring students can explore their talents in various areas. The school aims to produce critical, creative, and collaborative thinkers through modern educational practices and innovation.
Schools require a substantial amount of electricity to support their daily operations. This includes energy for lighting classrooms, powering computers and projectors, running heating and cooling systems, and maintaining other essential educational equipment. From a financial perspective, solar power can significantly reduce electricity costs for schools. By generating their own power, schools can decrease their reliance on the grid and lower their monthly energy bills.
Solar solutions can also serve as an educational tool, providing students with practical learning opportunities about renewable energy and sustainability. Integrating solar technology into the curriculum can inspire students to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It also fosters environmental awareness and responsibility, teaching students the importance of sustainable practices and the impact of renewable energy on reducing carbon footprints.
The solution
RenEnergy recommended a bespoke 133kWp roof mounted solar solution with a 300kWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The installation required careful planning to avoid disrupting students during classes or exams. In 2024 during a significant Eskom outage, the college successfully operated without grid power, relying entirely on their solar installation during the SA Pentathlon Championship.
This event demonstrated the trust and reliability of our recommended solution.
Batteries store excess energy produced onsite, ensuring a consistent supply of clean energy. This reduces the school's reliance on the national power provider. The system was designed to maximise roof space, utilising an otherwise passive area.
Installation in progress
133kWp
Total installed capacity
248
Solar panels installed
343.2kWh
Battery capacity
"Investing in solar energy at schools ensures a seamless learning environment while fostering a commitment to sustainability in the next generation. This installation is more than a renewable solution - it’s a foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for students and their communities. We believe in the potential of the next generation and are dedicated to providing reliable, renewable energy solutions to support their growth and educational success."
Claude Peters, Managing Director, RenEnergy Africa
“With the growing concern for the environment and the need for sustainable energy sources, solar energy offers numerous benefits for our campus, ranging from reduced electricity costs to environmental sustainability. Most of all as a school, continuity is imperative for us to provide our stakeholders with the best possible environment for them to succeed and excel.”
Heine Matthee, Business Manager, Somerset College
“RenEnergy provided an energy solution that is not only designed for our current requirements, but will complement our planned expansion of renewable energy in future”
Bradley Clack, Facilities Manager, Somerset College
The benefits
CO2
An annual CO2 saving of 207,014 kg
Which is equivalent to taking around 45 gasoline-powered cars off the road for an entire year
Learning and school activities can continue with no disruption = better education
Optimised solar panel placement for maximum energy yield
Strategic discharge of stored energy during peak demand periods
Improved self-consumption of solar-generated electricity for sustainability
Reduced dependence on conventional power grids for increased control
Significant cost savings through self-generated solar power
Long-term financial stability by minimising exposure to fluctuating utility costs
The school significantly reduced its environmental impact and reliance of fossil fuels
Somerset College
Winelands of the Western Cape
Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and were estimated as at the time of the installation. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.