The National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) 2011-12 application round has re-opened, but schools will need to be quick as it may close as early as 30 September 2011.
The Australian Government is providing grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) for schools to install grid connected solar power systems.
The program helps eligible primary and secondary schools around the nation take practical action to save energy and reduce their electricity bills; while also offering an educational aspect in assisting students learn about renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
National solar solutions provider Energy Matters is offering schools receiving funding under the NSSP a commercial solar power system up to 10kW in size, fully installed, and a number of other bonuses to help schools make the most from their grant money. Further details are available on the Energy Matters web site and in an associated brochure that can be downloaded here (PDF).
Based on sun hours in Sydney, a 10kW system can generate approximately 15,478 kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, representing savings of thousands of dollars in electricity costs. Such as system can also avoid nearly 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere each year.
Approximately $50 million in funding remains available under the National Solar School Program and this is the second last year the program will be available. Originally intended to run until 2015, The NSSP will now run until 30 June 2013.
The Department of Climate Change and Efficiency received more than 2,000 applications in the 2010-11 Solar Schools funding round. In that round, over $51 million was allotted to over 1,200 Australian schools to install solar panels and a range of other energy efficiency measures. The Department says schools that were unsuccessful in the 2010-11 funding round are encouraged to re-apply this year.
