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School solar power program overview

Energy Matters is working with schools and the Australian Federal Government to help educate the next generation in the way forward for a healthier environment and cleaner energy sources - with renewable energy such as solar power being an important part of that goal.

A wonderful aspect about grid connect solar power systems for schools is the simplicity and basically maintenance free operation! You won't be needing to dedicate your school's valuable resources in upkeep.

Given the Australian Federal Government's generous grant of up to $50,000 for each school under the National Solar Schools Program; you can switch on to solar power without any capital outlay eating into your school budget. We'll also provide special bonuses and educational resources on renewable energy and sustainable living for your teachers and students!

Call our Solar Schools Hotline on 1300 665 950, register your interest online or email us for further details. In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF)

Here's a brief summary of how a school grid connect system works:

How solar power for schools works

Sunlight on the solar panels creates DC electricity

That electricity is routed via cabling into an inverter which converts it to 240V 50Hz AC electricity.

The 240V AC electricity is used to power equipment in your school.

Any surplus electricity generated is fed back into the main grid.

Whenever the sun shines, the solar cells generate electricity. When the solar cells are not producing power, for example at night, your school's electricity is supplied by the mains power grid as usual. The energy retailer charges the usual rate for the power used.

$50,000 Australian Federal Government grant for schools!

The Australian Federal Government's National Solar School Program allows a grant of up to $50,000 for just about every school in Australia to install a solar power system. Each school now has an equal opportunity to not only provide a more hands on learning experience about renewable energy but will also instantly reduce their electricity usage; saving power, money and greenhouse gas emissions.

We understand that school administrators are very busy people; so Energy Matters will also assist your school with grant application preparation!

Call our Solar Schools Hotline on 1300 665 950, register your interest online or email us for further details. In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF)

A solar power system can generate income for your school!

In the case of surplus power being generated, your electricity supplier will credit your school for any electricity your solar power system feeds back into the grid.

The school has the potential to generate considerable excess power back into the grid during weekends and school holidays, so this will translate to a large credit / regular income from your electricity provider!

Additional bonuses - educational tools and more!

We want your school to get the most for your grant funding cash - Energy Matters offers schools a series of bonuses not offered elsewhere!

As part of the school solar power package we also provide a real time monitoring display, discount on buy back of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's) and a fact sheet/case study on your own system.

With each solar power system purchased by schools in New South Wales and Victoria, we will donate $100 to the children's cancer research organisation. In QLD we will also donate $100 for each system sold to a children-oriented charity.

Energy Matters will supply at no charge educational material for your school's teachers and students. This material will be very valuable for both internal and external communications about solar power systems and wind energy. The material will include written copy about solar power in general and the individual school's system specifically as well as photos and explanation diagrams as required.

Energy Matters also has created a "Frequently Asked Questions" document about solar power, which we would supply to teachers. Our friendly and experienced staff would be available to answer solar, wind power and other renewable questions at a functions or presentations organised by the school.

We will also provide your school with a regular newsletter containing tips and information sheets on general sustainable living issues which can be used in the classroom!

We are also happy to organise parent and teacher nights to answer questions about renewable energy. Our solar school education programs are very well received:

"The presentation given by Matt of Energy Matters was really well pitched to our year 11 secondary school group giving an insight into the foundation themes and theories. The session went on to demonstrate some of the applications of both wind and solar energy / power, which really helped to validate the things covered earlier. I would highly recommend this presentation to other secondary schools as part of an exciting Alternative Energy study unit"

David Carpenter (ATC) Australian Technical College Sunshine

You can learn more about some of our activity in schools across Australia here.

Call our Solar Schools Hotline on 1300 665 950, register your interest online or email us for further details. In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF)

Low maintenance systems and quality components

All of the components we use in our school grid connect systems have no moving parts - so you can expect a long and maintenance free life from your system!

Energy Matters provide a range of special systems for schools so you can get the maximum benefit from the $50,000 federal grant offer.

Our school system sizes range from 2kW to 5kW, incorporate high quality products and experienced and professional installation. An Energy Matters solar power expert will work with your school to determine the best system size and position for your school.

Energy Matters also specialises in wind turbines and solar hot water systems which are also available through the National Solar School Program.

Installation

Our BCSE accredited grid connect installer network has accumulated extensive experience in school grid connect solar power system installation and will ensure a hassle free installation of your system with minimal disruption to your school's activities. Given the simplicity of the systems, integration of grid connect solar does not require any major changes to your school's current electrical infrastructure.

Client care and further discounts

Energy Matters will help with a community launch presentation for each school and provide post installation support.

We will also provide staff and school community discounts for individual solar power systems - making it more affordable for everybody to benefit from solar energy and to do their bit for the environment!

Get started on your Energy Matters school solar electric grid connect system today! Call our Solar Schools Hotline on 1300 665 950, register your interest online or email us for further details. In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF)