KOTA MARUDU, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- SMK Langkon in Kota Marudu has become the recipient of a 9.kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system that will generate electricity while saving on electricity bills for the school.
The installation of the system is a project undertaken by the energy, green technology and water ministry, together with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to promote and spread awareness to the students and local community on the importance of renewable energy.
"This will assist us to achieve the country's national agenda to promote the use of green and clean energy, including among the grassroots communities," said its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, who launched the project at the school here today.
Ongkili said the project would be a model as it was the first time net metering system was used in Sabah by SESB.
"With this system, the balance of energy produced in the premises, that is not utilised, is sold back to SESB. The school will only pay the net electricity bill after the amount of energy generated from the solar PV system is deducted.
The net metering system will enable a more proper monitoring and accounting of energy usage and reduce wastage of excess energy...he said, adding the project was made possible with a RM90,000 sponsorship from Syarikat Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd.
The school was chosen because the site houses two schools - the SK Langkon and SMK Langkon - enabling the students there to have first-hand exposure on the subject of renewable energy.
The school is also often used as a temporary relief centre for flood victims in the district, and electricity disruption can easily occur during a flood.
Hence, the solar PV system would also be of great assistance in providing electricity to the relief centre, said Ongkili.
The launch of the project was conducted in conjunction with the ministry s three-day retreat in Kota Kinabalu and Kudat.