A $30 million fund has been set up to put solar panels on 500 schools in New Zealand, the Energy and Education ministers announced in Christchurch today.
"Early modelling by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) shows that solar panels are estimated to pay for themselves within five to seven years and a 30kW system - the standard size for a school - could save a school up to $8000 a year in electricity bills," Energy Minister Simeon Brown said.
"Schools will also have options to sell energy back to the grid, generating an estimated $6.7m in revenue over 10 years."
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the programme would be rolled out in stages, starting with those previously announced schools taking part in the diesel boiler replacement initiative.
That is aimed at schools facing the largest increases in energy costs.
"It's expected that between 80 and 100 schools will receive solar panels in the first year," she said.
"Solar on schools can also support communities during emergencies.
"Solar and batteries at selected schools can help ensure that communities have a reliable source of electricity to provide heating, lighting, and other essential services when communities need it most."
Because schools use most of their energy supply during the day, it makes them prime candidates for solar, the minister said.
The rollout of solar will start next summer and be complete by 2028. There is no financial contribution required by schools to be part of the programme.
The $30m programme comprises $20m from EECA's Community Renewable Energy Fund and $10m from the Ministry of Education.
You can watch a livestream of the announcement from approximately 9.45am.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
