The Central University of Technology is establishing itself as one of the leading institutions in renewable energy solutions. With a well-established 153.7 kWp Solar photovoltaic Plan at the Bloemfontein Campus, CUT is set to become a key role player in providing renewable energy while offering postgraduate students the opportunity to further study the benefits of solar power.

The plant, located at CUT’s sports field, is fitted with 12 PV solar arrays to generate electricity and serve as an extensive laboratory for research projects by young and senior academics, as well practical classes for engineering students.

CUT Senior Lecturer in Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Dr Philip Koko states that the installation of the solar panels means that the CUT Bloemfontein campus does not solely rely on electricity supplied by Centlec.

“Electricity cost-saving usually depends on the amount of the generated electricity per annum as a result of sunlight hours, as well as the tariff charges incurred by Centlec per kWh of electricity consumption. Hence, in 2019, the solar panels have generated approximately 405MWh of electricity energy based on the sunlight hours, which resulted in electricity cost savings of R878 416. Whereas in 2020, 325.7 MWh of energy was generated by the solar PV system, which resulted in electricity cost savings of R706 769,” said Koko.

Besides saving on electricity costs, the solar plant offers academics and students an opportunity to expand their research work and discover how their research is paving the way for a better future through solar photovoltaic energy. “The installed solar plant also assists students to acquire some real-time data which they can then use for their postgraduate studies or research. Additionally, some research studies have been conducted to improve the efficiency of the installed solar panels. Currently, two of the twelve trackers have been equipped with glass-on-glass panels instead of the standard panels. This has proved to increase the efficiency from 18.2% to 21.1%; hence more electricity cost savings will be achieved,” added Koko.

Prof. Alfred Ngowi, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal at CUT, said that this solar plant is an essential milestone for the University, as the University aspires to become a key player in renewable energy solutions through its applied research approach for the benefit of the communities it serves.

“CUT is in support of the national development trajectory, which shows a policy shift in the way energy is now going to be regulated. For innovative institutions such as CUT, we see opportunities for investment in this area to expand our knowledge and research while addressing the challenge between the supply and demand of energy,” said Prof. Ngowi.

Caption

1. Dr Philip Koko, CUT Senior Lecturer in Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering says the research opportunities the solar plant provides are a great additional benefit to saving electricity costs.

2. CUT installed 12 PV solar arrays for the purpose of generating electricity and serving as a big laboratory for research projects.