The Government has announced that 500 schools have been selected to have solar technology installed as part of the Solar on Schools programme, and I’m pleased to see more than a few of our local schools included in the list.
Schools in the Coromandel electorate that have been included are: Colville School, Hauraki Plains College, Katikati College, Katikati Primary School, Kerepehi School, Netherton School, Te Puru School and Waihi Central School.
This is really exciting for these schools because the installation of solar panels will help them generate clean, renewable energy which will result in lower power bills, more energy resilience, and reduced emissions. The school buildings are already in place, so making use of their roofs to harness the power of the sun is a smart, practical investment in both our schools and New Zealand’s future.
After undergoing an on-site assessment for suitability, solar panels will be installed at the schools over three years. This initiative is jointly funded through $20 million from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Community Renewable Energy Fund and $10 million from the Ministry of Education.
I am a big supporter of solar energy and I am pleased that this programme will give students, as well as the wider community, a real-world example of renewable energy in action.
