Hundreds of Government schools are to receive solar power systems to help cut energy bills and convert them to being more environmentally sustainable.
Minister for Education, James Merlino said 171 schools would receive the solar systems under the State’s Greener Government School Buildings program.
“[The] Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at schools and save them money by installing solar power systems,” Mr Merlino said.
“A solar power system is a strategic investment that can pay for itself over several years,” he said.
“This Program will remove the upfront costs of installing a system that may otherwise discourage schools from pursuing this option.”
Mr Merlino said the Program was established following a successful pilot program across 42 schools in 2019.
“By June 2022, in total the program is expected to see 8,200 kW of solar installed, with an estimated saving of $2 million per year and 11,500 tonnes of carbon emissions abated,” he said.
He said the Program would contribute to the State’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio said the Program would accelerate Victoria’s transition to renewables and teach students a “real-life lesson” about the importance of action on climate change.
