Government helps schools go solar

Over $25 million will be awarded to 784 Australian schools for renewable power systems in 2011-12.

The government’s National Solar Schools Program has awarded grants of up to $50,000 to install solar and other renewable systems, water tanks and energy-efficiency measures in Australian schools.

Schools that receive funding must comply with the program’s guidelines. These include using only new items that meet Australian Standards, using only accredited Clean Energy Council installers for solar systems and licensed tradespeople for all other work, ensuring all work meets government regulations and all approvals and permits are obtained.

So far 3800 schools have received grants under the program, with applications from schools in remote or low socioeconomic areas receiving additional weighting.

Applications are assessed on environmental and educational benefit, as well as financial viability.

The government encourages schools that were not successful in the 2011-12 round to reapply for the 2012-13 round.

More information about the program can be found on the Clean Energy Future website.