Despite missile attacks and frequest air raid alarms, Ukrainian Secondary School No. 3 in Chernihiv has bravely begun the new academic year equipped with solar energy equipment provided by Menlo Electric, ZSC Azzurro and the charity organization "Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation".
Going through significant obstacles, including the severe damage suffered after the attack on August 19th of 2023 (windows were shattered, and classrooms were damaged), the school has opened its doors to young Ukrainians from September 18th.
Menlo Electric is committed to making a positive impact on society. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative called "Energy to Power Your Future," Menlo installs solar power systems free of cost at institutions that care for children.
4 hours of backup capacity
The solar system, which consists of 58 solar panels with a capacity of 20 kW and an energy storage system with a capacity of 40,6 kWh, was installed to provide resilience against energy-related threats and enhance the preparedness for emergencies. This system will allow the building to work in autonomous mode for up to 4 hours in the event of a blackout, at the same time helping to provide 30% of the school's annual energy consumption.
"We are deeply moved to be a part of this initiative, supporting School No. 3 in the city of Chernihiv, which has endured so much adversity since the start of the war, including the recent missile attack right before the school year began," commented Oleksandr Piskun, General Manager of Menlo Electric Ukraine. "This installation is a testament to Menlo Electric's broader commitment to corporate social responsibility through our 'Energy to Power Your Future' program. Within this initiative, we provide free solar installations to childcare facilities in the countries we operate. By equipping this school with solar energy equipment, we hope to contribute to its resilience and provide young students with the opportunity to continue their studies offline despite power cuts."
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“The state’s mission is to ensure energy independence for all of Ukraine. Our mission is to realize energy independence for social and critical infrastructure objects“, Yuliana Onishchuk, Founder of the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation said.
Menlo Electric
“When the war started, our school has become a sanctuary for the community, where 68 children from newborns to 18-year-olds resided permanently. Additionally, hundreds of residents have found shelter here, with benches and mats set up, and even a small couch from the school," shared Olena Yakovchuk, Headmaster of Chernihiv Secondary School No. 3, describing the first months of the full-scale invasion. Later, after the missile attack on Chernihiv on August 19, 2023, Olena showed how the last shelling affected the school.
Sustainable development for schools
The opening event at the Chernihiv School No. 3 was attended by representatives from Menlo Electric, the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation, ZCS Azzurro and Unisolar. The event included congratulatory messages to the students as they embarked on their new academic journey and an introductory lecture as part of the "Sustainable Development for Schools" course.
Did you miss that? Solar power for Kharkiv City hospital
In May 2023, Menlo Electric together with the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation installed a solar station with energy storage systems, ensuring backup power for the neonatal and premature infant departments at the Chernihiv Regional Children's Hospital.(hcn)
