Eight Government schools in the Ballarat region are set to become greener and more environmentally sustainable while reducing their electricity costs, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced that eight schools in the Ballarat region will share $478,805 to install up to 390 kW of solar panels across 13 campuses under the Greener Government School Buildings program.

The $8.8 million program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at schools and save them money by installing solar power systems. The program will contribute to the Labor Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

A solar power system is a strategic investment that can pay for itself over several years. This program will remove the upfront costs of installing a system that may otherwise discourage schools from pursuing this option.

The Greener Government School Buildings program is established from the success of the pilot program rolled out across 42 schools in 2019.

The solar power systems installed as part of the 2020-21 Greener Government School Buildings program are expected to see 6,974 kW of solar installed, with an estimated saving of $1.8 million per year and 10,200 tonnes of carbon emissions abated.

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.

In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs.

The Government is now ahead of schedule its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

 “These projects will make a big difference for our local schools. Cutting emissions and cutting costs, that is good news for everyone.”

“Up to 390 kW of energy will be generated across these 13 campuses every hour on a sunny day and we are expected to save 590 tonnes of carbon from being released into the atmosphere every year.” 

 Greener Government School Buildings - 2020-21 Project List