Solar and energy efficiency project for Queensland's State Schools

The Queensland Government $60 million Solar and Energy Efficiency Program which commenced in July 2008 was completed on the 30th June 2011.

Over the three years of the program, solar panels, smart meters, IT systems and energy efficient lighting has been installed in over 1,200 Queensland state schools and Education Centres.

The program has delivered and will continue to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage, supporting the State's Strategic Energy Efficiency Policy.

The program has also developed and implemented curriculum programs to support teachers and students in the classroom in understanding the need to change the impact on the environment by encouraging environmentally responsible sustainable behaviour change.

A key feature of the program has been the installation of smart meters which measure energy being consumed by each school. Reading devices (named Hot-e) have also been installed which measure the amount of green energy being generated by the solar panels. This information which is available to schools on the http://www.solarschools.net website is enabling all Queensland state school students to learn more about solar power and energy efficiency.

Examples of solar panels installed on Queensland state schools throughout the state

Additional information for schools regarding warranty periods for solar panels and inverters plus useful tips regarding inverter maintenance and replacing energy efficient lighting tubes can be accessed by Education Queensland personnel at the Department's One Portal intranet site.

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