The Andrews Labor Government will put solar panels on government schools, helping them become more environmentally sustainable and reduce electricity costs.

Minister for Education James Merlino today opened applications for the Greener Government School Buildings program to install solar panels systems at Victorian government schools.

Applications are now open to all government schools to fund a system at their school, with projects expected to be completed by mid-2021.

The Greener Government School Buildings program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at schools and to upgrade school facilities to become more energy efficient and sustainable.

Solar panels are strategic investments that will pay for themselves within a few 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 follows the success of a pilot program rolled out across 42 schools in 2019.

By October 2020, the solar panels installed in schools as part of the pilot will have generated more than 1,300 megawatts of electricity, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,600 tonnes and saved schools more than $300,000 in electricity bills.

Schools can apply for a solar panel system at www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au. Applications close on 7 August.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“We’re taking action to make our schools more sustainable and more energy efficient.”

“Not only will the environment benefit from this program – installing solar panel systems will help reduce power bills for our schools.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This program is another practical way we are helping reduce emissions and do our bit for the environment.”