REC has donated the solar panels to power a new off-grid energy-generation project on the rooftop of a school in Cambodia. Engineered and implemented by Lightsource, a UK-based customer of REC, the 10 kW solar project generates clean, reliable energy for use by the school, breaking its dependence on outside utilities.

The Kroh Kroor school project is part-funded by World Vision, a humanitarian organisation that works with children, families and their communities worldwide to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice. Lightsource raised and donated £100,000 to World Vision to support the work they do in Koh Krolor, in addition to the solar PV infrastructure provided. With 320 employees, Lightsource is the largest developer and operator of solar PV projects in the UK. Lightsource has deployed more than £1.7 billion of solar assets and currently manages an operational portfolio of more than one gigawatt – capable of generating enough to power more than 330,000 UK households each year.

Commenting on the results, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing at REC Luc Graré says, “The new off-grid installation will generate approximately 14,500 kWh of energy every year, more than enough to satisfy the school’s energy needs. We were delighted to work with Lightsource and donate our solar panels to make this project a reality.”

Projects such as this are of paramount importance in regions such as Cambodia. The country is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with agriculture, infrastructure, forestry and health among the worst-hit sectors. In line with this year’s UN Climate Change conference, COP21, Cambodia has therefore introduced comprehensive national policies to roadmap the country’s route to de-carbonising key economic sectors. The new rooftop solar installation is expected to offset around 12,000 t of CO₂ emissions. It reflects the nationwide commitment to pushing ahead with the grassroots initiatives that will make a difference to climate and energy