IPOH (Aug 12): A total of RM3 million has been allocated for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 15 government-aided schools (SBKs) in the Kinta district in Perak, under the renewable energy pilot project implemented by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB)(KL:TENAGA) and its subsidiary GSPARX Sdn Bhd (GSPARX).

Ipoh Timur Member of Parliament Howard Lee Chuan How said that 12 SBKs have signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) to install the PV panels to-date.

“This MOC is aimed at obtaining approval from the schools to allow GSPARX to assess whether the installation can be carried out.

“If there are no issues, the installation will be implemented as soon as possible, and all expenses related to the matter will be fully covered by GSPARX, which is a subsidiary of TNB,” he said at a press conference at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Sam Chai here on Monday.

Earlier, Lee witnessed the signing of the MOC between GSPARX managing director Elmie Fairul Mashuri and representatives of the 12 SBKs involved.

The SBKs are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Perempuan Methodist, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SMJKC) Ave Maria Convent, SMJKC Sam Tet, SMJKC Poi Lam and SMJKC Yuk Choy, SJKC Ave Maria Convent, SJKC Sam Tet, SJKC Poi Lam, SJKC Yuk Choi, SJKC Sam Chai, SJKC Chung San and Sekolah Kebangsaan Perempuan Methodist.

Lee said the project will allow the schools to save up to 20% of electricity bills annually.

“We expect the 12 SBKs [to be able to] save up to RM200,000 annually, with a target for collective solar energy generation of one megawatt,” he said, adding that the installation of PV panels supports the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring environmental sustainability.

On the installation details, he said each school needs to sign a 20-year agreement with GSPARX to benefit from the project.

“If the schools have the necessary funds, they can purchase the facility from GSPARX, even while still under contract. However, the schools will need to pay the maintenance and monitoring costs to GSPARX,” he added.

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