Solar Schools

Age
Monday 14/4/2008 Page: 3

THE USE of solar power is set to have a major impact in maximising energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact within Australian schools during the next few years. Thanks to the Australian government's $489 million National Solar Schools Program, every school in Australia is now eligible to apply for grants of up to $50,000 for the installation of two-kilowatt solar panels, expected to provide an average annual greenhouse gas saving of up to 2.8 tonnes.

The initiative also allows for schools to apply for funding to install a range of other complementary energy efficient measures such as solar power systems, lighting upgrades, skylights, shade awnings, solar hotwater systems and rainwater tanks. The new program (expected to be in place by July i this year) represents an additional Australian Government investment of $153 million, which will allow schools to choose the most effective way to meet their energy and water efficiency targets.

With only 0.05% of Australia's energy needs currently being met via the use of solar energy, the program is aimed at transforming all of Australia's 9612 private and public schools into "Solar Schools" within eight years. Crucially, the package will also build on solar school initiatives already under way in states including NSW (where 121 schools have already installed solar technology), Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Meantime, the Green Vouchers for Schools initiative will remain open for claims until the Solar Schools program commences. Schools can choose to claim for eligible Green Voucher items, either purchased or contracted before July I, 2008, with amounts claimed under the system to be deducted from a schools entitlement under the new solar program.