Climbing for the Sun Project

Rana Environmental’s Principal Consultant, Levi Gibson embarked upon a mission to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania in an effort to raise funds for St Brigid’s Primary School, Gwynneville to install a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System, in order for the School to have the largest solar system on a primary school in the Illawarra region, and more importantly, the first electricity independent school in the Illawarra region.

The Project aimed to raise a target budget of $32,400 but proved so successful that $36,600 was raised via 92 businesses and individuals, as well as the school community consisting of 135 families.

Funds raised were 100% dedicated towards the solar system installation, and Rana Environmental covered all administrative functions and costs associated with the climb.

Levi Gibson fulfilled his obligation to climb Mt Kilimanjaro and summited on the 17th of July 2019. The system was installed and commissioned on the 30th of January 2020.

An unexpected outcome of the Project that exemplifies its overall success is the take up of solar PV by teachers, parents and local businesses. A combined 78.9kW of solar capacity can be directly attributed to the Project’s exposure.

The Project proved so successful that planning has commenced for a CFTS sequel which would involve summiting Mt Vinson, Antarctica. Antarctic sea ice melt is a globally recognised impact of climate change and thus is particularly topical to the opportunity to fundraise for community funded solar installations.