In the face of relentless missile attacks and frequent air raid alarms, Ukrainian Secondary School No. 3 in Chernihiv has displayed remarkable resilience by commencing the new academic year with the aid of solar energy equipment generously provided by Menlo Electric, in collaboration with ZSC Azzurro and the charitable organization “Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation.”
Despite significant challenges, including extensive damage sustained during an attack on August 19th, 2023, which left shattered windows and classrooms in disarray, the school welcomed young Ukrainian students back on September 18th.
Menlo Electric, driven by its commitment to make a positive societal impact, initiated a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program known as “Energy to Power Your Future.” Through this initiative, Menlo Electric installs solar power systems free of charge at institutions catering to children.
The solar system, comprising 58 solar panels with a 20 kW capacity and an energy storage system boasting a 40.6 kWh capacity, was strategically deployed to bolster the school’s resilience against energy-related threats and enhance preparedness for emergencies. This system enables the school building to operate autonomously for up to 4 hours during blackouts, while simultaneously contributing to 30% of the school’s annual energy consumption.
Oleksandr Piskun, General Manager of Menlo Electric Ukraine, expressed deep emotion regarding their involvement in this crucial initiative, stating, “We are deeply moved to be a part of this initiative, supporting School No. 3 in the city of Chernihiv, which has endured so much adversity since the start of the war, including the recent missile attack right before the school year began. This installation is a testament to Menlo Electric’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility through our ‘Energy to Power Your Future’ program. Within this initiative, we provide free solar installations to childcare facilities in the countries we operate. By equipping this school with solar energy equipment, we hope to contribute to its resilience and provide young students with the opportunity to continue their studies offline despite power cuts.”
The solar energy system stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for School No. 3 in Chernihiv, serving as a testament to the power of collaboration and corporate social responsibility in the face of adversity. Despite ongoing challenges, the school is determined to provide quality education to its students with the support of sustainable and reliable energy sources.
“The state’s mission is to ensure energy independence for all of Ukraine. Our mission is to realize energy independence for social and critical infrastructure objects.” – Yuliana Onishchuk, Founder of the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation.
“When the war started, our school has become a sanctuary for the community, where 68 children from newborns to 18-year-olds resided permanently. Additionally, hundreds of residents have found shelter here, with benches and mats set up, and even a small couch from the school,” shared Olena Yakovchuk, Headmaster of Chernihiv Secondary School No. 3, describing the first months of the full-scale invasion.
Later, after the missile attack on Chernihiv on August 19, 2023, Olena showed how the last shelling affected the school.
The opening event at the Chernihiv School No. 3 was attended by representatives from Menlo electric, the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation, ZCS Azzurro and Unisolar. The event included congratulatory messages to the students as they embarked on their new academic journey and an introductory lecture as part of the “Sustainable Development for Schools” course.
In May 2023, Menlo Electric together with the Energy Act For Ukraine Foundation installed a solar station with energy storage systems, ensuring backup power for the neonatal and premature infant departments at the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital.
