Think sunny thoughts on #EarthDay

As the pressure on the national electricity grid remains a concern for South Africans, many are pondering alternative sources of energy, such as solar energy.

The sun, after all, represents the largest potential source of energy that exists at present.

Solar energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and electricity. Solar energy devices generates electricity by catching the rays of the sun in solar panels, which convert the sun’s energy into electricity. This electricity is then stored in batteries until it is used.

Lindsay Marshall, Acting General Manager for Maropeng, says it makes sense to use an an inexhaustable fuel source that is pollution and noise free, as is the case with solar energy. “It’s interesting that in spite of the advantages and the growing need to find less harmful methods of energy supply, solar technology still only produces less than one tenth of one percent of global energy demand.” She, however, pointed out that at present there are technological challenges that need to be overcome.

“While solar energy is free and its supplies are unlimited, it is dependent on a storage device such as a battery in order to work at night, and cloudy weather can make it unreliable during the day. Solar technologies are also very expensive [at present] and require a lot of land area to collect enough energy at rates useful to lots of people. The production and disposal of UV and PV panels, and the environmental impact of such also needs to be factored in.

“The reality is we need to start focusing on sustainability and using the resources we have efficiently, while keeping the best interests of our planet at heart. So while the jury may still be out on whether solar energy is the solution we’re looking for, the point is we need to keep searching and researching,” she concludes.

Maropeng is making headway in using the technology. We have made great efforts to ensure our upgrades to our school accommodation facility, Hominin House, for instance, focus on sustainability.

The new buildings have been built facing north to ensure maximum solar gain. The roofing has also been designed to keep the heat out of the building during summer, and to prevent heat loss in winter.

Windows and doors were built to ensure maximum cross-ventilation, thereby reducing the need for mechanical means of ventilation and cooling by air conditioners.

The lights in the multi-purpose hall are all solar-powered and completely off the grid. Photovoltaic cells have been installed on the walkway roof and solar energy collected from these is directed to an inverter, which converts the energy into alternating current.

As a certified Fair Trade Tourism destination, Maropeng is a great place for responsible travellers. As Fair Trade Tourism says, “Being a responsible traveller means having an amazing experience, while at the same time giving back to the people and the environment you visited. It is a commitment to honouring the people and places that made your holiday happen.”