Solar energy for Nkuyu school

Light and security

A solar energy system was successfully installed at the remote Nkuyu School in southern Malawi in August 2024. The school, located around 35 kilometres from Blantyre, previously had no access to electricity – a situation that severely limited learning and endangered the safety of both students and teachers. No electricity meant that evening study sessions were not possible and walking in the dark posed dangers.

A bright spot for learning

Installation of the solar energy system resulted in many changes: three classrooms, the headmaster’s office and the teachers’ houses now have electricity. This not only provides light for teaching, but also makes it possible to offer evening classes. Both students and adults can now study or take classes in the evenings. Regular evening study could make a real difference, especially for a school where only 25% of students pass. Solar lamps were previously available for a fee – a cost that many families could not afford. Candles, which was the alternative, were expensive and posed a safety risk.

Light for the school and the people in the village.

Increased security – even after dark

The solar power system not only lights up the classrooms, but also the entire school grounds and pathways. This increases safety for girls and women when they are out and about alone in the dark. Lit pathways reduce the risk of assault. The lights also deter wild animals such as snakes and hyenas, which are a common sight in Malawi.

Technology that shapes the future

The installation has been successfully completed.

The solar energy system consists of a 5.4 kW solar PV array mounted on the school roof, a 5 kVA Phoenix Smart inverter and a 10 kWh Freedom Won battery bank. This system serves as the primary and only source of electricity for the school. The solar PV-hybrid system has provided reliable power since it was installed, enabling the school to operate smoothly – even when there is no direct sunlight. The constant supply of energy not only ensures that the school can function as normal, but also supports other planned projects, such as the water supply.

A step towards economic independence

Installing the solar panels has opened up economic opportunities for the school. A planned barber shop should generate additional income that can be used for the maintenance of the system. A small business centre is planned, where computers and printers can be used for a fee. This income will help the school to become financially independent in the long term and to carry out necessary repairs to the system.

Warum ist heute ein besonderer Tag?

Local maintenance

Two local employees – including a woman, which is still unusual in Malawi – have been specially trained to maintain the system so that the solar power system will continue to function reliably in the future. They are responsible for ensuring that the technology runs smoothly and that minor repairs are carried out. The school has also hired a security guard to protect the system from theft.

Jointly financed, sustainable implementation

The costs of the project amount to around €23,000. The majority of the hardware was funded by ProCent, which contributed around €15,000. The remaining amount was covered by the organisation Sopowerful, who also coordinated the installation on site. The Christian-Liebig-Stiftung played the central role of mediator in this project: they established contact with Pro Cent, which got the project rolling.

The solar project in Nkuyu is an impressive example of how a sustainable energy supply can not only promote learning, but also economic independence and security. It is an important step towards improving the future of the school and its people.

The system is maintained by employees on site.