Installing Solar Systems In Victorian Government Schools

The Andrews Labor Government is cutting energy bills for public schools and making them more environmentally sustainable.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced 171 government schools across Victoria will receive solar power systems 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 Buildingsprogram is established from the success of the pilot program rolled out 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.

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.