SolarSchools.Net :: The national Solar Schools Educational Website

Heading: QLD - Solar Schools About

The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Sustainable Energy Division initiated the solar schools pilot program for this State. It followed the success of Australia’s first photovoltaic (PV) system to be funded under the Federal Government’s Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) for Community Use Buildings installed in July 2000, at Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre at Burpengary, north of Brisbane.

This pilot program initiative has installed photovoltaic (PV) power systems at a numerous educational facilities throughout Queensland. In addition to generating electricity, these highly visible systems provide a valuable education resource for students.

The systems are generally located on the roofs of existing buildings. However, alternatively, they can be mounted on stand-alone dedicated shade structures, providing additional benefit to students. The solar system provides a valuable education resource to raise awareness of green energy technologies, as well as reducing overall electricity usage costs. Students have access to the PV array and associated monitoring equipment along with a wide range of computer-based educational support material.

The Solar Schools initiative, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and sponsoring industries including electricity generators and retailers, is planning to take the program to many more schools and educational facilities across Queensland in the following years.

The EPA actively participates in programs which assist in the area of increasing knowledge to the community on sustainability issues and has sponsored a number of educational initiatives including the Energy Efficiency in Schools and “Power For A Sustainable Future” Resource Kit produced by Access Ed.

This resource kit has been developed to meet objectives in the Queensland Science and Studies of Society and Environment curriculum. It was distributed to all Queensland Schools in July 2000. The material provides opportunities for upper primary and lower secondary students to explore ideas and issues relating to sustainable energy. It contains a 30 minute video and a 100 page booklet. All this information is available on the Power for Sustainable Future web site.

The Energy Advisory Service is operated by the Environmental Protection Agency to provide impartial, free advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy, and distributes the EPA's range of informative brochures and fact sheets. The Energy Advisory Service is available from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday by telephoning 1300 369 388 (local call cost). Please note that this number operates within Queensland only; callers from outside Queensland should phone (07) 3858 6633.