More than 160 Queensland kindergartens to be solar powered

The Queensland Education Minister, Cameron Dick, recently announced that 166 Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K) community kindergartens would be retrofitted with solar-power units from April this year, with more than 400 kindergartens across Queensland eventually powered by the sun.

“Kindergartens play an important role in a child’s development and this program will help make them more sustainable over time, both financially and environmentally,” Dick said. “I am pleased that these C&K services throughout Queensland will receive solar-power units to help create sustainable learning and play environments for our children.

“As well as reducing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by each kindergarten, these solar panels will help reduce the service’s annual electricity bills by up to $400.

“The program was a collaborative effort between the Queensland Government and C&K. As well as providing solar power to the C&K sites, the state government will also install 1.5 kW solar panels at up to 240 new kindergarten services that will be provided as part of the government’s commitment to ensure every Queensland child of kindergarten age will have access to an early years program delivered by a qualified teacher.

“These new services will be provided on top of the existing C&K services, meaning that within four years almost 400 kindergartens in Queensland could be powered by the sun. These solar installations will generate enough energy to power 125 Queensland homes and save 877 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

“This program builds on the government’s Solar Schools program, which has resulted in solar panels being installed in 1164, or more than 94%, of all state schools in the past three years. The remainder should be completed by 30 June this year.”

C&K CEO Barrie Elvish enthusiastically welcomed the Queensland Government's initiative, adding: “C&K kindies are operated on a not-for-profit basis and the solar scheme will not only reduce the ongoing electricity costs but also sets a good, environmentally sustainable example for the children who attend.”

The Solar Kindergarten Installation Program is part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to making public buildings and educational facilities more environmentally friendly.