Schools
A new Queensland Government $60 million solar and energy efficiency program will see solar panels and other energy efficiency measures in all Queensland state schools over the next three years. The project will be delivered by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts. For more information visit: http://education.qld.gov.au/facilities/solar/energy.html .
The Sustainable Industries Division of the department provides resources for Queensland School Teachers and Students to learn about Sustainable Energy. We are also supporting initiatives by Education Queensland to reduce energy usage in schools and help save the environment.
Solar Schools program
Between 2001 and 2008 the department partnered with Ergon Energy and Origin Energy to run the Solar Schools program. Under Solar Schools over 100, solar systems were installed in schools across Queensland.
Each school's system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3.2 tonnes a year, which is equivalent to taking one small car off the road.
Excess electricity production is exported to the electricity grid for use in the local community.
The systems also give students access to smart and sustainable technologies and information that is utilised in classroom activities.
The Solar Schools program involved the entire school community and was an opportunity to encourage community members to take an interest in renewable energy and to think about how to make choices as individuals to reduce impacts on the environment.
The Solar Schools Goes Bush Program was a subprogram to Solar Schools, running between 2003 and 2005.
The Solar Schools Goes Bush program was specifically targeted regional, remote, isolated and indigenous schools that draw energy from a diesel generator or diesel-based grid.
Over the life of Solar Schools Goes Bush program, 31 systems were installed in remote, isolated and indigenous areas eligible under the Commonwealth's Remote Diesel Rebate program.
Each school included in the program received a 5 kW system which produces, on average, 8 MWh of electricity each year. Being larger than those installed on schools connected to the main electricity grid, these systems will reduce power bills by around $1000 a year.
The department's Solar Schools program has now been finalised.
The Australian Government is offering grants of up to $50,000 for the installation of solar power systems and a host of energy and water saving measures. Schools can find out more information about the program, including funding guidelines at: www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/nationalsolarschools/index.html .
Last updated: 07 April 2009