40 photovoltaic panels were installed on one of the green roofs of the Falcão Elementary School.
This Self-Consumption Production Unit (UPAC) has an annual production of 28,63 kW/h of electricity, which corresponds to 60% of the energy consumed by the school and is equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 7,39 tonnes per year.
The panels, combined with the green roof, form a 225m2 BioSolar Roof. The vegetation promotes natural cooling of the equipment through plant evapotranspiration, increasing its efficiency, since photovoltaic panels lose 0.5% efficiency for every degree above 25°C.
This intervention was carried out as part of the Porto Solar project, led by the Municipality of Porto in partnership with the Agência de Energia do Porto, which consists of implementing renewable solar energy production solutions in 29 buildings in the Municipality of Porto, 25 of which are elementary schools.
Through the ‘Gamification of Renewable Energy in Schools’ initiative, part of Porto Solar, screens were placed at the entrance of schools to monitor in real time the energy production by photovoltaic panels and the school’s energy consumption, analysing the institution’s energy efficiency. Based on this data, the Agência de Energia do Porto rewards the institutions with the best energy performance.
This innovative approach not only promotes energy efficiency in schools, but also raises environmental awareness and knowledge among younger generations, preparing them for the challenges of a sustainable future.
