- Broome Senior High School gets largest rooftop solar system for a regional school under the Solar Schools Program
- The $1.3 million installation is estimated to save the school approximately $350,000 per year in electricity costs
- Part of stage two of the McGowan Government's Solar Schools Program
- Solar Schools is a partnership between the Department of Education and Horizon Power to deliver rooftop solar power to schools
Education Minister Dr Tony Buti and Energy Minister Bill Johnston today announced the installation of the largest rooftop solar powered system under the McGowan Government's Solar Schools program for regional and remote schools.
Broome Senior High School recently installed 499 solar panels which are estimated to save the school approximately $350,000 in electricity costs each year.
The massive $1.3 million installation is located on five of the school's roofs and will use 12 inverters.
The installation includes a solar web tool, which allows for real time monitoring. This will enable students to engage with the technology and link this to their learning in the classroom.
Stage two of the Solar Schools Program is currently underway with a further 28 schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions receiving solar installations as part of the $44.6 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund. The investment supports the McGowan Government's aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The successful program is delivered through a partnership between the Department of Education and Horizon Power to deliver rooftop solar power to schools.
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The solar panels at Broome Senior High School - the largest solar panel installation at a regional school under the Solar Schools Program - will reduce the school's carbon emissions and energy costs.
"It will also provide further teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff in STEM areas which is exciting.
"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:
"Solar Schools is a wonderful partnership between Horizon Power and the Department of Education, which is helping to deliver cleaner, greener energy solutions for our remote and regional schools.
"Our Government is committed to a renewable energy future.
"As well as reducing energy costs, Solar Schools is contributing towards our State's transition to a low carbon future."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"It is great to see the McGowan Government's commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of schools in the Kimberley with the installation of the solar panels at Broome Senior High School.
"We all know that things are big in the Kimberley and this installation is no different, being the largest rooftop solar system to be installed in a regional school.
"This is yet another commitment of the McGowan Government in reducing reliance on fossil fuels which contribute to climate change and I am so pleased to see this great initiative being rolled out in my electorate."
Education Minister's office - 6552 6400
