School solar power faq’s

PLEASE NOTE: The final round of the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) grant is now over. However, solar is now more affordable than ever! If you would like to switch your school to solar;  register your interest with us now! In the mean time, discover more about solar in our school solar power FAQ.

Solar power in its various forms can seem complex if you’re new to the topic of green energy. Below are some answers to questions we see commonly asked about solar power and its application in a school environment. There’s a ton of useful and interesting tidbits of information for your students!

Don’t forget  to take advantage of solar power grants of up to $50,000 available for your school! Contact our Solar Schools consultants and register your interest online or email us for further details.  In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF).

School solar power FAQ

Topics in the school solar power FAQ:

General questions about solar power

What are some of the historical milestones in relation to solar power?
  • 1839 Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, discovers the principle of solar power generation.
  • 1905 Albert Einstein documents a scientific explanation of solar energy principles.
  • 1954 Bell Laboratories develops the world’s silicon solar cell with an efficiency of 5 %; i.e. the cell was able to convert 5% of the sun’s energy into power. Today’s solar cells achieve efficiencies of up to 20%.
  • 1955 Solar cells were implemented in space exploration to power equipment
  • 1973 The oil crisis sees a surging interest in solar energy
  • 1997 Australia becomes a leader in photovoltaic research
  • 2007 Germany leads the world in solar energy with 1000 times more installed capacity than Australia thanks to a gross feed in tariff.
How is a solar panel made?

Solar panels manufacture must occur in dust free and temperature controlled conditions. The process is very labour intensive. While the finished product is incredibly tough and will have a serviceable life for decades, the production of a solar panel is complex. It requires delicate handling and a great deal of dexterity. Here’s a brief video on how a solar panel is made:

What is the difference between solar panels (power) and solar hot water?

Solar panels take light from the sun to generate electricity. Solar hot water systems utilize heat from the sun in order to heat water.

How does a solar power system work?

Energy from sunlight converts into direct current (DC.) electricity via an array of solar panels. An inverter converts the direct current to alternating current (AC), the same as mains supply electricity. Learn more about how grid connect solar works in schools.

What type of solar power systems are commonly used in schools?

Stand-alone and grid connect are the most common system installations in schools. Grid connect systems are mostly found in built up areas and supply solar electricity directly to the school through an inverter. Excess energy goes to the mains electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the school needs. Stand alone systems usually operate in schools in remote areas where there is no mains supply or supply is unreliable. The energy created by a stand alone system is stored in battery banks.

What factors determine the amount of electricity produced?

Aside from the size and type of solar panel,  solar radiation levels depend upon the time of year, the time of day, and the latitude of where the system is installed. Dust, moisture levels and cloud cover can also decrease the amount of solar radiation available.

What about cost?

Energy Matters is offering schools within 100km of Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Launceston (Additional charges if outside this range) with the following options:

1. If you are a school with less than 1,000 pupils:

1 x 9.87kW commercial scale solar power system
(13.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved each year)

OR

2. If you are a school with more than 1,000 pupils AND you have primary and secondary schools OR multiple school campuses:
2 x 9.87kWW commercial scale solar power systems
(27.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved each year).

Read more about the solar schools grants system.

Is my school building suitable for a solar power system?

If any of your school buildings have an unshaded north-facing roof with adequate space, you will be able to have a grid connect system installed.

How long will my grid connect solar power system last?

Solar modules have an incredibly long lifespan showing little reduction in electrical output after 20 years – and any loss is mostly due to the glass covering becoming cloudy. Solar panels installed in Australia over 30 years ago are still in operation today. All our solar panels carry carry an output warranty of 25 years.

Electronic components such as inverters should last over a decade. Learn more about the components Energy Matters uses in grid connect systems.

Can a school solar power system have an upgrade?

Certainly! Extra solar panels can enhance the system at any time so you can boost your electricity production capacity. In a grid connect system, the only component you may need to replace if you do so is the inverter. But if you install a large inverter the initial system installation, that can avoid additional costs at a later date

What happens on cloudy days?

The beauty of a grid connect system in schools is that as you still connect to the mainspower supply, any shortfall in electricity production will come from there. There is no switching or manual monitoring needed, the process is automatic and seamless.

How reliable will my school solar power system be?

As the Energy Matters systems are designed to Australian Standards, the quality and reliability of components and power supply will meet the loads specified.

Solar power and environmental issues

How much energy does it take to produce a solar power system? 

While solar electricity is clean and green,  solar power equipment requires a certain amount of energy in the production of the components use. The term for this is embodied energy. An assessment from an International Energy Agency report in 2006 found that  roof-top solar power systems recover their energy content (from manufacturing and recycling) in well under two years in Australia.

School solar power system components

What does a typical school solar power system consist of?

When it comes to solar power, it doesn’t get much simpler than a  grid connect system. Aside from cabling, labels, enclosures and framing, it basically just consists of an array of solar panels for electricity production, an inverter which converts the DC electricity into AC, which then connects to the power grid through the electricity meter.

How much maintenance does a system involve? 

With a grid connect system, there is next to no maintenance required and electronic components such as the inverter are totally  maintenance free. Energy Matters systems come with complete instructions for maintenance.

Electrical issues

If a solar panel outputs DC voltage, how does it convert to 240V AC?

The voltage conversion is achieved by an inverter; which is simply a solid state electronics device that converts DC electricity into 240V AC.

Is a solar regulator necessary in a school grid connect system?

No, the inverter takes the incoming DC charge and converts it to AC electricity suitable for use in your school

Is electricity available for use after dark?

During the night when your system does not produce electricity, your school draws power from the mains supply grid as it normally would. The process is automatic, setting timers is not necessary. If you have batteries then you can store electricity there.

What happens to our school’s electricity supply if there’s a blackout? 

In these situations, the inverter automatically shuts down within a few milliseconds for safety reasons and you will be without power for the duration of the blackout. A way around this is to have back up batteries installed , which will add to the cost of the system.

Can a battery backup fit into an existing grid connect system? 

Yes, battery backup systems also need additional components such as a solar regulator that ensures the batteries don’t over-charge.

How does a solar power system connect into our school’s current electricity supply? 

It wires into your school’s existing electrical infrastructure using a 15 amp circuit breaker. There are no major changes necessary to your school’s existing electrical infrastructure

Where do we place the inverter?

Usually the inverter will be close to the school’s main power board. The inverter is silent in operation.

National Solar School Program eligibility

Is our school eligible for the solar power grant?

Your school may be eligible for the National Solar Schools Program grant of up to $50 000 if:

  • it is a primary and/or secondary level education institution, and
  • is eligible for grants under the Schools Assistance Act 2004.

Further details and steps for applying for the Solar Schools grant can be found here.

National Solar School Program funding

Does a multi campus school attract additional funding?

Multiple campus schools will now be treated as a single school, only one campus will be able to receive funding.

What if my school has received funding or a rebate for a solar power system previously?

This will not affect your eligibility or level of possible funding unless youhave received funding under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines.

Further details and steps for applying for the Solar Schools grant can be found here.

NSSP miscellaneous

Can a school purchase a second-hand solar power system with an NSSP grant?

No, all installed equipment must be new.

What are the time limits National Solar Schools Program grant?

The program runs until June 2013. The 2011/12 round closes 30 September 2011.

How long does a school have to install the solar power system?

The installation must commence within three months and completed within six months of the start of your funding agreement.

What approvals or permits does my project require?

This varies with each area – an Energy Matters Solar In Schools expert can assist you in gaining the necessary permit.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are   form of currency issued when you have a solar power system installed. REC owners are able to claim the RECs themselves or assign their right to claim the RECs to an agent or their installer in exchange for a discount on the installed system.

Does the installer of the system need a special license?

The person who carries out the installation of a solar power system must be accredited for design and installation of photovoltaic systems by the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and Clean Energy Council (CEC). All Energy Matters’ installers have BCSE accreditation.

Further details and steps for applying for the Solar Schools grant can be found here.

Get solar for your school!

Contact our Solar Schools consultants and register your interest online or email us for further advice on taking advantage of the National Solar Schools Program! In a hurry? Download a brochure (PDF). Let us know if you believe that there are more questions to answer in our school solar power FAQ.