Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery and Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced rooftop solar systems are being rolled out to 28 schools across northern Western Australia under the McGowan Government's Solar Schools Program.
Broome North Primary School is the first school to have its solar panels installed under Stage Two of the successful program, which is delivered through a partnership between the Department of Education and Horizon Power.
It is estimated that the 80.53 kW solar array system will save Broome North Primary school more than $78,000 in electricity costs in the first year.
The installation of the solar system at the school is part of a long-term investment by Horizon Power that includes the introduction of a community battery located on school grounds just outside the perimeter fence to maximise energy supply and distribution across the wider Broome community.
In addition, the town's boutique community garden will also be relocated to the same site to enhance the area surrounding the location of the battery. The garden will be managed and maintained by a community group, with discussions taking place with the school board and leadership group.
Broome North Primary School is one of 18 schools in the Kimberley to receive rooftop solar panels, with 10 schools in the Pilbara also set to receive panels under the landmark program.
As part of last year's Budget announcement, the State Government earmarked $4.6 million out of the $44.6 million School's Clean Energy Technology Fund for Horizon Power to deliver a second stage solar panel program to a further 28 schools.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Installing solar panels at schools has two major benefits - it reduces that school's carbon emissions and energy costs, and provides excellent teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff in STEM areas such as solar technology.
"The set up at Broome North Primary School has the added benefit of a community battery, through a long-term partnership with Horizon Power."
"The McGowan Government is proud to be delivering on its commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara through our successful Solar Schools Program."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"Through the Solar Schools Program, the McGowan Government is delivering on its commitment to a cleaner, greener renewable energy future.
"This program will enable schools to save on electricity costs, with the installation at Broome North Primary School having the potential to save the school well over $78,000 a year."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It's exciting to see this technology installed at Broome North Primary School and the new solar PV system on show - particularly as 17 additional Kimberley schools are set to benefit from this program soon.
"Kimberley schools have been some of the major beneficiaries of the McGowan Government's efforts to deliver more sustainable and affordable energy solutions for our local schools, and local students will get the added benefit of opportunities to learn more about science and new technologies."
The list of Stage Two schools includes:
Pilbara region
1. Dampier Primary School
2. Jigalong Remote Community School
3. Newman Primary School
4. Newman Senior High School
5. South Newman Primary School
6. Wickham Primary School
7. Paraburdoo Primary School
8. Tom Price Senior High School
9. Marble Bar Primary School
10. Nullagine Primary School
Kimberley region
1. Broome North Primary School
2. Broome Primary School
3. Broome Residential College
4. Broome Senior High School
5. Cable Beach Primary School
6. Roebuck Primary School
7. Kalumburu Remote Community School
8. Bayulu Remote Community School
9. Dawul Remote Community School
10. Djugerari Remote Community School
11. Fitzroy Valley District High School
12. Jungdranung Remote Community School
13. Kimberley School of the Air
14. Muludja Remote Community School
15. Ngalapita Remote Community School
16. Wangkatjungka Remote Community School
17. La Grange Remote Community School
18. Wananami Remote Community School
