Solar power for the war’s most vulnerable

For many people in Ukraine, the unstable power supply has become one of the greatest burdens of daily life. Last winter, the war’s massive power cuts left the country shaking, quite literally. Even in the warmer months, the unreliable energy supply continues to overshadow everyday life.

People are often forced to seek shelter. If the power then also fails there, the situation becomes dramatically worse. Those most affected are the most vulnerable: children, older people, the sick and people with disabilities.

The situation is particularly critical in public institutions such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals. Since spring 2025, our partner organisation Green Crystal has been receiving numerous requests for help from the structurally disadvantaged region of Chernihiv. Institutions that are vital to the local population report power cuts of up to 19 hours a day. Backup power solutions are often completely lacking or fall far short of what is needed.

Seven solar installations already successfully completed

To help as many people as possible bridge these power cuts, Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) is installing solar systems with battery storage in public institutions.

To date, GCCH and Green Crystal Ukraine have successfully installed seven solar systems.

In total, around 4,000 people benefit directly from these measures – including over 3,000 children and young people.

One example is the lyceum in Sosnytsia. The school has been fitted with a 50 kW hybrid solar system and now reliably supplies energy to around 540 pupils and 56 staff members. This system clearly shows why battery storage is just as important as solar panels in Ukraine. It evens out seasonal fluctuations and ensures a reliable energy supply even when there’s little sunshine to draw on. In September, the system generated 3.89 MWh thanks to strong sunlight, covering 57% of total consumption. In the winter months, when solar output drops significantly, the battery system takes over – accounting for 42% of supply in December and 55% in February – ensuring that essential operations can continue without interruption.

“As a teacher and a mother, it matters a great deal to me that children can learn in safe and stable conditions. Thanks to the solar system, lessons at the lyceum can continue uninterrupted even during power cuts. That gives parents peace of mind and opens up new prospects for the children.”
Nataliia Koshova, English teacher and mother of a pupil

A project with broad regional impact

The impact of this project extends far beyond the regular running of the institutions themselves.

Several institutions have become important focal points for their communities during power cuts. People go there to find shelter, charge their mobile phones, warm up or access basic supplies.

The water supply has also been significantly strengthened by the project. Thanks to solar power for the local water pumping station, the villages of Syadryne and Savynky retain access to drinking water even during prolonged power outages.

Emergency relief and sustainable development in one

GCCH’s solar project in Ukraine combines urgent humanitarian aid with long-term development cooperation.

It not only responds to the immediate consequences of the war but also strengthens local structures for the long term. At its heart lies the principle of “helping people help themselves”, which GCCH consistently follows.

To ensure lasting impact, the installations are accompanied by sustainability measures including the following:

• Sustainability fund for municipalities
  Part of the energy costs saved flows into a local sustainability fund under the “Municipal Energy Reinvestment Model” (MERM). The financial savings remain entirely within the municipalities and are reinvested, through local budget processes, into future energy and sustainability projects.
• Strengthening education and future prospects
  The participating institutions are supported in acting as “Sustainability Ambassadors” in their region. Information events raise public awareness of renewable energy, sustainability and the responsible use of resources.

Pupils in particular gain hands-on insight into modern career paths in energy, the environment and sustainable development. Experts share knowledge about future professions, opening up new prospects for young people in a region shaped by war and the lasting effects of the Chernobyl disaster.

Energy that brings hope

Every solar installation means more than just technical infrastructure.
It means light in times of darkness, warmth in cold moments, and security amid uncertainty.

As many institutions continue to depend urgently on a stable power supply, GCCH is continuing to expand the project, with the ongoing support of our donors.

Overview: solar systems & battery storage installed so far in the Chernihiv region

Oleksandr Dovzhenko Lyceum in Sosnytsia
System output: 50 kW
Battery storage capacity: 100 kWh
Installed: June 2025
Number of people: around 540 pupils and 75 staff members

“Lisova Kazka” (“Forest Fairy Tale”) kindergarten in Chernihiv
System output: 50 kW
Battery storage capacity: 100 kWh
Installed: November 2025
Number of people: around 250 children and 67 staff members

Water pumping station for the villages of Syadryne and Savynky
System output: 30 kW
Battery storage capacity: 100 kWh
Installed: January/April 2026
Number of people: around 1,000 residents

“Sonechko” Lyceum and kindergarten in Sedniv
System output: 50 kW
Battery storage capacity: 100 kWh
Installed: January/April 2026
Number of people: around 140 pupils, 18 kindergarten children, 54 staff members

Gymnasium No. 3 in Chernihiv
System output: 50 kW
Battery storage capacity: 100 kWh
Installed: January/April 2026
Number of people: around 1,800 pupils and 134 teachers

Kindergarten No. 4 “Verselka” in Korjukivka
System output: 50 kW
Battery storage capacity: 50 kWh
Installed: January/March 2026
Number of people: around 200 children and 57 teachers

Education and rehabilitation centre in Sosnytsia*
Total solar panel output: approximately 32.5 kW
Total battery storage capacity: approximately 30 kWh
Installed: April 2025
Number of people: around 90 children with disabilities and 63 staff members

*At this location, 13 independent solar kits were installed as part of a pilot project. Each solar kit consists of a solar panel, an inverter and a battery storage unit. The kits are not connected to one another and operate independently.