Solar panels have been installed at SK Kebun Sireh after the school was declared champions in the primary school category of last year’s Green School Award.

Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said the school had been participating in the competition organised by MBSP since 2010.

He said Jinko Solar Sdn Bhd sponsored the solar panels while Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd bore the installation costs.

“These contributions provided students with an opportunity to learn about renewable energy in a practical manner.

“Apart from the education aspect, the school could save electricity costs amounting to RM2,443 per year with the installation of the solar panels,” said Rozali at the inauguration of the solar system at SK Kebun Sireh in Bukit Mertajam recently.

Also present were school headmaster Safuan Shuib, Central Seberang Prai district education officer Syed Jaafar Syed Abdul Aziz, Jinko Solar Sdn Bhd assistant manager Tiong Hua Form and Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd sales director Sam Lee.

Rozali said the solar system was installed at the school’s computer laboratory where it could save electricity usage.

He said the school was selected for the implementation of a pilot project for a renewable energy (RE) system as it had won the Green School Award last year.

Speaking to reporters later, Rozali said a report card on the current achievements of MBSP in pursuit of Seberang Prai’s recognition as a smart and low-carbon city would be presented next month.

“MBSP has always been committed to making Seberang Prai a low-carbon city in 2022 and a carbon-free city in 2030.

“A list of 31 local authority buildings had been submitted to Tenaga Nasional Berhad for evaluation, whether they could be installed with a solar power plan or otherwise,” he said.

On another matter, Rozali said developers who built residential units or buildings with 15% RE elements will enjoy a fast-track approval from MBSP.ogy.