Solar in Schools
The Solar in Schools initiative supports Victorian schools and community facilities to install solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems, interactive energy monitoring systems and provide educational materials on renewable energy and energy demand.
During the 2006 Victorian election, the Victorian Government's policy document 'Tackling Climate Change - Helping Victoria Play it's Part' committed $5 million over four years to install solar panels on 500 schools and community buildings.
Schools and community facilities are central to Victorian communities and provide excellent opportunities for public demonstration and education about renewable energy. As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program will:
- raise community awareness;
- provide educational activities about the benefits of renewable energy; and
- foster increased uptake of photovoltaic systems.
The application details for Round Two of Solar in Schools are now available for download.
Round Two applicants will be eligible to apply for both the Victorian Solar in Schools rebate and the Australian Government's Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP).
Please note that the Australian Government is finalising the details of the new National Solar Schools Plan (NSSP) which will offer schools funding for a range of water and energy efficiencies, including rainwater tanks, solar hot water systems, PV solar power systems and lighting upgrades. The NSSP replaces the previous government's Green Vouchers program.
In the meantime, the Australian Government's PVRP will continue to be offered to schools and eligible community organisations who can receive up to 50 percent of the cost of a 2 kilowatt system (which in general means a grant in the order of $12,000).
Solar in Schools applications should be submitted to Sustainability Victoria. PVRP applications should be submitted to the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Further information
For technical enquiries associated with the Solar in Schools initiative, please email solar.schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au
For general enquiries, please ring the Customer Service number: 1300 363 744
For further information about the Australian Government's PVRP, contact the Australian Greenhouse Office or visit http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/index.html
Top | Last updated 11/03/2008
