The McGowan Government's Solar Schools Program kicked-off in the farming community of Scaddan, 50 kilometres north of Esperance, today.
Horizon Power will install a 12.9 kilowatt solar system (29 solar panels) at Scaddan Primary School, which has 25 students.
In the first year the school will enjoy savings of more than $5,000 in power costs, and projected savings of more than $169,000 over the system's life.
Horizon Power, in partnership with the Department of Education, will supply 2.1 megawatts of rooftop solar panel systems across 30 regional public schools over the next 18 months.
Mechanical Project Services will install the rooftop systems as lead contractor. The works has created 12 regional jobs, including two Aboriginal electrical apprenticeships.
Twelve Goldfields-Esperance schools will benefit from the Solar Schools Program including Condingup Primary School - a 12.9 kilowatt solar system will be installed this month.
It is estimated the Solar Schools Program will deliver, on average, a 27 per cent savings on electricity costs for each school.
This will collectively deliver an annual energy saving of around $1.7 million annually, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2,000 tonnes per year.
The $5 million program forms part of the McGowan Government's WA Recovery Plan which will inject $57.4 million of stimulus investment into renewable technology.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Electricity bills are a significant expense for schools. Through the Solar Schools Program the State Government is helping to maximise the benefits of rooftop solar energy by delivering annual energy savings of approximately $1.7 million.
"This program will benefit schools and at the same time create new WA jobs."
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The Solar Schools Program will deliver a range of regional economic benefits across WA over the next 18 months.
"This includes regional travel and accommodation, the procurement of local contractors and suppliers, as well as up to 12 regional construction jobs.
"The McGowan Government is working hard to deliver projects, such as Solar Schools, which stimulate the regions' economies and contribute towards our transition to a low carbon future."
