The National Solar Schools Program is an Australian Government Initiative. It provides schools with the funding necessary to enable schools to generate their own electricity and implement greater energy efficiency.
The measures prescribed by the program include solar power generation, and measures such as insulation, efficient lighting and external window fittings, wind turbines, ceiling fans, shade awnings among others.
This grant can be applied for without restricting the ability for the school to apply for the available State Government grants. Some schools will naturally take advantage of more than one program to fund their initiatives.
UNLTD Energy assists schools with their grant applications and is also equiped to implement energy efficiency measures beyond solar power, such as efficient hot water and efficient lighting.
Eligibility
Both public and independent schools are eligible for the funding so long as they are state registered schools and eligible to receive Australian Government general recurrent grants payments under the Schools Assistance Act of 2004.
Unfortunately, this program is not available to educational institutions such as kindergartens, early childhood centres, pre-schools, TAFE colleges and universities.
How the grant works
Schools can apply for a grant of up to $50,000 (GST excl.) for use in implementing a solar power system. The minimum size stipulated in the program is a 2kW system. The remainder of the grant can be used for other approved energy efficiency measures.
If no solar system is implemented, or the system size is below 2kW, the program still provides a grant of up to $30,000 (GST excl.) for the implementation of these activities.
Schools that have previously received Green Vouchers for Schools funding will have this amount deducted from their National Solar Schools Program grant.
Applications
The National Solar Schools Program funding round for 2010-11 has now closed.
Schools that were unsuccessful in the 2010-11 funding round are encouraged to re-apply for the 2011-12 round.
The 2011-12 National Solar Schools Program application round will close on 30 September 2011.
Click here to download the programs guidelines.
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