National Solar Schools Program Reopens - 22nd July 2010

Grants to fund the installation of solar panels and rainwater tanks in Australian primary and secondary schools has been reopened this month under new funding for the National Solar Schools Program.

From July 15 2010 Australian primary and secondary schools can apply for grants of up to $50,000 ($100,000 for multi-campus schools) for the installation of renewable energy systems.

The Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong announced that $51 million in funding would be available to Australian schools in 2010-11 and applications will close on 20 August 2010.

“More than 1000 schools across the nation have already installed solar systems under this program and another 1500 schools have projects underway to become solar schools,” Senator Wong said.

“Since the program began in 2008, about 6MW of renewable solar power has been installed in schools – the equivalent of meeting the electricity needs of 1200 average households each day.”

Wong stated that the program has been highly successful as it provides school students first-hand experience in renewable energy and teaches them about the importance of greener solutions as well as become more water wise.

Wong announced that the program has been improved following its temporary suspension in October 2009.  Due to the high demand for the program, annual funding targets were met earlier than anticipated and measures have been put in place to ensure the program will continue.

Further details on the updated program are available at www.climatechange.gov.au. Australian schools can also contact the National Solar Schools Program hotline on 1800 703 831.