Australia National Solar School Program Allocates 24M To 804 Schools

TIME TO SHINE AS MORE AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS GO SOLAR

More than 24 million will be distributed to 804 Australian schools to install solar power systems and a range of energy efficiency measures, under the latest round of National Solar Schools Program funding announced recently.

More than 5,300 primary and secondary schools across Australia have now received about 217 million to install renewable energy systems and boost their energy efficiency. Over 90 per cent of these projects include solar power systems.

Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus said the National Solar Schools funding would assist schools in lowering carbon emissions and their energy bills.

"Smarter, cleaner energy use in our schools, homes and local community buildings means we're creating less pollution and saving money," he said.

Mr Dreyfus was also eager to point out the educational benefits of the program, noting the grants are helping teach communities about energy consumption, conservation and different forms of energy generation.

"The National Solar Schools Program allows students, teachers and parents to learn from and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy and lowering carbon pollution first-hand," he said.

The program offered eligible primary and secondary schools the opportunity to compete for grants of up to 50,000 to install solar and other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures.

The 2012-13 funding round was the final opportunity for schools to apply for an NSSP grant.

17 September 2012

SOURCE: INVEST IN AUSTRALIA (HTTP://WWW.INVESTINAUSTRALIA.COM/NEWS/TIME-SHINE-MORE-AUSTRALIAN-SCHOOLS-GO-SOLAR-12C3)