WinZero and Wingecarribee Shire Council Empower Local Schools with Solar my School Program
WinZero and Wingecarribee Shire Council join forces to spearhead the Solar my School program, bringing renewable energy to educational institutions in the region. This impactful collaboration has achieved a major milestone, as Moss Vale High School successfully installs solar panels on its premises. The initiative, supported by a generous grant from the Purryburry Trust, is poised to create a sustainable future while benefiting the local community.
Moss Vale High School, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, has embraced clean energy solutions through the installation of solar panels. Thanks to a substantial grant of $22,750 from the Purryburry Trust, facilitated by WinZero, the school now boasts an impressive solar capacity of 100 KW. This installation enables the generation of 87MWh of clean energy annually, resulting in an estimated cost saving of $18,100 per year and the prevention of approximately 77 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The positive impact of this initiative on the school’s 720 students cannot be overstated. The unwavering dedication of key individuals, including Patricia Holmes, the principal of Moss Vale High School, teacher Jeremy Donaldson, former teacher Beth Quinn, and the school P&C, has been instrumental in realizing this project. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and government regulations, their exceptional commitment and tireless efforts have ensured the success of the solar panel installation.
The Solar my School program, initially established by Randwick, Waverley, and Woollahra Councils, has gained widespread recognition and is now being extended to other Councils across Australia. Wingecarribee Shire Council holds the distinction of being the first regional area to be included in this renowned program. The dedication and hard work of former Sustainable Us staff at the council, Gavin Dostal and Cecilia Kemp, have played a crucial role in making this achievement possible.
Educational institutions, particularly schools, are ideal candidates for adopting solar energy for several reasons. The large, flat rooftops commonly found in schools provide optimal surfaces for the installation of solar panels. Moreover, the substantial daytime energy demands resulting from the presence of numerous students and teachers make schools well-suited for generating their own clean energy and achieving significant cost savings. Furthermore, solar panels serve as educational tools, allowing students to learn about the importance of renewable energy sources and their role in creating a sustainable future.
Overall, the Solar my School program has been a huge success. Under this initiative, some 200 schools have installed 4,162kW of solar power, reducing carbon emissions by 4518 tonnes per year and we’re pleased to hear that the State government is now proposing to take on the installation of solar panels on all government schools in NSW. As part of this new program, Bowral Primary School participated in a Smart Energy Schools Pilot and has already installed 46kW of solar panels with an associated 15/20 kWh capacity battery.
WinZero, Wingecarribee Shire Council, and the Solar my School program are dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, schools not only reduce their ecological footprint but also inspire future generations to prioritize sustainability. Together, we can create a brighter and cleaner future.
