24-hour power supply from hybrid solar system changes lives at Song’s SK Nanga Bangkit

SONG (Jan 26): SK Nanga Bangkit here is now connected to 24-hour electricity supply following the implementation of a hybrid solar system.

Headmaster Baling Unan said the system is a significant improvement from diesel generator sets (gensets) used previously.

“The benefits are numerous. Previously, we depended on gensets and the electricity supply was inconsistent as it relied heavily on fuel availability and frequent generator breakdowns.

“Now, with the hybrid solar system, we enjoy stable 24-hour electricity supply,” he told reporters.

He explained that in the past, the school had to ration electricity usage due to high fuel costs and the inability of the gensets to operate continuously without interruptions.

“Sometimes the genset broke down, sometimes the fuel ran out. As a result, electricity was not available around the clock. This situation made teaching and the daily lives of boarding students very challenging,” he said.

He said with stable electricity supply, pupils can now study more comfortably, especially at night, while also improving the overall management of the school.

Senior assistant (administration) Katherine Suda Libau said the previous rationing system meant electricity was only available between eight and 12 hours a day, depending on circumstances.

“At night, electricity was usually switched off from midnight until 5am. So, in the early morning, there was no power supply.

“At 5am it was still dark, yet there was no electricity. Students wake up early to prepare and bathe, so we were genuinely worried about their safety,” she said, adding that pupils had to rely on torchlights when moving around and bathing.

With the implementation of the hybrid solar system, Katherine said the learning environment has become far more conducive.

“Now we have electricity 24 hours a day. It greatly supports learning because facilities such as televisions and computers can be used without interruption,” she explained.

Pupil Dereskson Jeddy shared the happiness of pupils with the hybrid solar system at their school.

“From now on, we no longer need to use torchlights to bathe and get ready for school. We are very grateful,” he said, adding it has also motivated them to work harder.

SK Nanga Bangkit has 17 pupils, 15 of whom are boarders.