Victorian school gets solar panels as part of greener government school building programme.

The latest round (third round) of the Greener Government School Buildings program is now accepting applications for funding. Under this program, up to 232 schools will apply for funding to install solar power systems.

Applications close on April 7, 2023.

The Victorian government has enacted a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To support this goal, the government established the Greener Government School Buildings program to help schools become more sustainable. We do this by helping schools install solar power systems to generate renewable energy.

Our program provides upfront funding for installing solar power systems. The school will reimburse the cost of the system over 5 years. Once repaid, the school keeps 50% of the savings.

Schools will benefit from solar power systems over time. These include reducing electricity bills and protecting the environment by reducing the school’s carbon footprint.

A total of 232 schools are now participating in the Greener Government School Buildings Program. Once the program is fully implemented, you can expect to:

• Achieved an estimated total installed capacity of 9,300 kW across the school portfolio – enough to generate renewable electricity to power over 1,100 homes
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 14,000 tons – equivalent to removing 1,900 cars from the road
• Schools can save more than $2.5 million on electricity bills.

It also saves public schools about $10,000 a year in utility costs.

This program will help us reach our US-leading renewable energy and emissions goals of 95% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero by 2045.

Schools can find out more about the Greener Government School Buildings Program at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.

program timeline

the program is February 22, 2023 in a time-limited application April 7, 2023and all projects deemed successful after the on-site evaluation must be completed by June 23, 2024.

Successful schools should be involved in the installation process to ensure the installation of solar PV systems during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.