Opportunites and Limitations

Opportunities

Solar panels can be installed on the roofs of schools as they are extensive. Wind turbines can be installed in a wide open location on the school grounds.

Once installed, the electricity generated by the solar panels and wind turbines will go to Direct Current (DC) storage batteries via cables. From there, it will travel to inverters where Alternating Current is needed (AC). 

The electricity from the DC storage batteries can be used as follows:

1. To charge computer back up systems.

2. To power cooling systems in classrooms such as fans and air condition units.

3. To power laboratories where it can supply power to power outlets. Can also power extractor fans in laboratories. 

4. Indoor lighting: Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) can be connected through a battery charged system which is charged by solar panels during the day. 

5. Outdoor lighting at night: This uses the same procedure for indoor lighting. In this situation, the solar panels charge up the battery system during the day. These batteries will then run at night when the sun is not available.

6. Can be used to heat water for showering:

• Tubes of water can be placed on the roof which will be heated via the sun's energy and this water will be pumped into a water heater. You can run a DC motor which will slowly circulate the water in a tank and from the tank to the shower.
• In situations when no sun is available, you can have a system that is connected to a solar battery charger that can run a DC pump and a water heater for hot water. 

Limitations

Even with so many benefits and opportunities, there are limitations that exists when using renewable energy.

1. Not all schools will have enough funds for the initial cost of the equipment. Even if they apply to the government for assistance, this can be a lengthy and frustrating procedure.  

2. To receive maximum sunlight, the solar panels may have to be tilited at an angle. This requires mounting equipment which is an additional cost.

3.  Not all schools have a wide open area for the installation of wind turbines. If they do, this area is usually used for recreational activity such as physical education for the students. In addition to this, trees may need to be cut down, to allow as much wind energy as possible. This destroys the existing landscape.

4. In urban cities, there are a lot of tall buildings nearby each other, blocking out wind energy. The wind turbines therefore may not receive as much wind energy as they need

5. In order to receive electricity from the solar panels and wind turbines, electrical wires need to be run. Wires on the school compound poses danger to students. 

6. Some schools may not be able to afford maintenance of the equipment in unexpected situations such as hurricanes.