Schools invited to go solar

LOCAL schools and community organisations are urged to take advantage of grants to become solar powered.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said grants of up to $15,000 would be provided to fit solar roof panels on 500 government and private schools and high-profile community buildings.
“I am delighted that this commitment made by Steve Bracks at the last election is being implemented so quickly,” Mr Perera said.
Mr Perera said educational materials and a monitoring system would also be provided to help teachers incorporate sustainability and energy use into the curriculum.
“Through the monitoring system students will, for example, be able at any time to see via the web how much power the photovoltaic panels are generating,” he said.
“So this initiative is not just about putting solar panels on rooftops – it’s also educating children about renewable energy sources and tackling climate change.
“This may also lead to more families considering buying green power, which is generated from non-greenhouse emitting energy sources such as solar and wind power.”
Victoria’s Minister for Climate Change, John Thwaites, said the initiative would also boost the state’s renewable energy industry.
“At present there are about 250 photovoltaic installations per year in Victoria and this program will increase that number to about 375 per year over the next four years,” Mr Thwaites said.
He said the 500 new systems would save about $75,000 a year on energy bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1000 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking 230 cars permanently off the roads.
Applications can be made from today with grants to be awarded from early July.
Interested schools and community organisations should contact Richard Jennings at Sustainability Victoria on 8626 8751 or email richard.jennings@-sustainability.vic.gov.au.