National Solar Schools Program in NSW

 

solar panel picture in sydney

Solar power is an almost magical way of generating electricity.

For this reason, it provides a captivating way to involve students in a wide range of cirriculum, from physics and chemistry, to mathematics and financial analysis. Fortunately, a solar power generation system is in reach of most schools through the Commonwealth Government’s National Solar Schools Program, which provides up to $33,000 funding for solar school systems in the current funding round (August 2011).

Savings welcome in any school budget

There’s no question that solar power benefits the environment, but did you know a solar system will provide ongoing savings year after year? With the cost of electricity rising, it’s great to be able to smartly hedge part or all of the school’s future energy costs.

BP Solar in Schools

BP Solar Sold Here logoBP Solar, famed for reliability and excellent warranty service, has been selected as one of the preferred suppliers in the NSW section of the program. Greenforce Energy is proud to be a Certified Installer of BP Solar products in NSW, and particularly for Sydney schools. A reliable BP Solar solution is one that makes the school look good, not only this year, but into the future.

Funding under NSSP of $15000 even if you have already received panels on BER funded buildings

As per the government documentation, schools which have received funding for solar power systems under other Australian Government programs, including the Building the Education Revolution (BER) program, will be eligible to apply for a reduced grant amount of up to $15,000.

Greenforce Energy is your Solar Schools partner

Greenforce Energy is passionate about providing exceptional solar packages to schools and institutes in Sydney, and look forward to personally visiting your school to identify potential sites and to discuss school priorities.

We don’t just ‘Google’ your school, but visit in person to assess your specific needs, ensuring that the design and install process takes into account unique characteristics of your school community and the school campus.

Remember, applications close September 30, and you’ll want time to discuss and prepare your application – so call the Greenforce office today on 02 9557 1648, or use the solar quotation request form on the right hand side or front page of this website.

 

What are Sydney Schools doing to help the environment ?

Schools are often at the leading edge of technology use and information sharing, so it comes as no surprise that Sydney schools are trail blazers on the green energy super highway. Some initiatives undertaken by Sydney schools include:

  • Cutting out bottled water – A student-led initiative at Monte Santʼ Angelo Mercy College, in North Sydney, has seen the school install six water fountains and bottle refill stations,  simultaneously addressing parent and student concerns about water quality whilst replacing the need to supply bottled water.
  • Repurposing existing facilities to help the environment – At Castle Hill’s Oakhill College, its expansive campus hosting nearly two thousand students is well down the road towards being carbon neutral, having completed extensive planting of native trees, the regeneration of a small wetland area, and the repurposing of a disused swimming pool for water capture. 
  • Providing Seedlings and Trees to other schools – Jasper Rd Public School in Baulkham Hills is home to ‘The Arbors’, a group of senior students that operate everything from a Bush Tucker Garden to a seedling nursery. The school has supplied in excess of 65000 plants to the community
  • Installing Solar Power and retrofitting lighting – At Leichhardt, in the Inner West, St Columba’s School has installed a solar power generation system and retrofitted previous T8 fluorescent lamps for more efficient T5 types.
  • Monitoring Energy Use – Narara Valley High School used a combination of web monitoring (with WebGraphs), announcements, signs and behaviour changes to achieve a saving of 4781 KWH across the initial four weeks. See more about the work done at the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre