More government schools in Victoria will soon have solar power systems to help lower their electricity bills and reduce carbon emissions. An additional 20 schools will receive solar installations worth $1.5 million through the Greener Government School Buildings program.
This program supports schools in cutting power costs and becoming more environmentally friendly. It has already helped 415 schools install solar systems, with a total capacity over 17,400 kW. These systems save schools more than $4.9 million every year on electricity.
The program removes the upfront costs of solar installation, making it easier for schools to switch to renewable energy.
Some schools have seen significant benefits from earlier rounds of the program. Bendigo South East 7–10 Secondary College’s 99 kW system cuts over 148 tonnes of greenhouse gases and saves more than $25,000 a year. Leongatha Secondary College’s 31 kW system reduces emissions by 43 tonnes and cuts power bills by nearly $10,000 yearly. Epsom Primary School’s 20 kW system saves 51 tonnes of emissions and about $9,700 on electricity each year.
Since July 1, Victorian schools are powered by the State Energy Commission using 100 percent affordable renewable energy. This helps support the state’s goal of reaching 95 percent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
Schools interested in the program can find more information at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.