Frequently Asked Questions - National Solar Schools Program (NSSP)
Q1. Are schools required to register to participate in the NSSP?
Yes - This is required to determine eligibility and funding provided under the previous Green Vouchers for Schools' Program.
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Q2. Are Environmental Education Centres (EEC) and Outdoor Education Centres (OEC) required to register to participate in the Program?
No - EECs and OECs are not eligible to register for the NSSP at this time. DETA is working with the Australian Government on the issue of inclusion of EEC and OEC in the NSSP.
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Q3. Is funding approval required to participate in the Program?
Yes - This is required to determine eligibility and funding provided under the previous Green Vouchers for Schools' Program. Schools that received full funding through this program are ineligible for any further funding.
Schools can apply for funding from the Commonwealth Program once only. Advice can be provided from either Regional Facilities Managers or the Solar and Energy Efficiency Program advisors.
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Q4. Will an energy audit be required for each school?
Yes - The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program is working with the Australian Government regarding the specific requirements for the energy audit.
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Q5. What solar initiatives will a school receive?
An eligible school can opt not to introduce further solar in excess of the State program, however the school then will only receive a maximum of $30,000 (or $60,000 for a multi-campus school of greater of 1000 students).
Schools will receive approximately 3,650 kW per annum of energy generation from a 2 kW solar system, and eligible schools can also opt to include more solar as part of the NSSP. If schools want to opt for additional solar they can alert the Solar and Energy Efficiency Program via the lighting review.
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the management and specific requirements for the delivery and installation of the additional solar panels.
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Q6. Are there any other peripherals required for the solar system?
Yes - Schools will receive an Invertor, Smart Meter, and other peripherals required to support the solar system.
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the management for the delivery of the peripherals required as part of the installation of the solar system.
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Q7. Is any additional IT software required for the solar system?
Yes - The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the specific requirements for the software package required as part of the installation of the solar system.
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Q8. What other energy efficiency measures will be delivered through the NSSP?
Schools will be able to choose from a range of other renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.
Other renewable energy systems include - wind turbines, solar or heat pump hot water systems or additional solar panels. Energy efficiency measures include lighting efficiency retrofits, sensor timers, insulation, skylights, door closes and seals, sun shade, ceiling fans, cooling and heating systems (excludes air conditioning).
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the management of the energy efficiency measures that can be delivered through the NSSP to achieve value for dollar and the best outcome for the school.
Full details of eligible items under the Program are available via the NSSP Guidelines 
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Q9. Are any other sustainable measures included in this initiative?
Yes - Items include rainwater tanks and associated items, pumps, safety devices such as first flush devices, pump covers and fencing for tanks.
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the management and delivery of the sustainable measures that are available through the NSSP.
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Q10. Is Curriculum a requirement of the NSSP?
Yes - The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program will provide resources for this component of the NSSP requirement as part of the partnership between the two programs.
The program will encourage behaviour change to reduce energy consumption and improve the ecological footprint of the school to reduce greenhouse has emissions.
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Q11. Is a financial acquittal required for the Program?
Yes
Schools will be asked to complete and return an acquittal form. The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the acquittal process.
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Q12. Is any other reporting required to be undertaken by the school?
Yes
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team is working with the Australian Government regarding the requirements for reporting and the reporting process required.
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