Broome Senior High School is now home to the largest solar panel system of any regional school in Western Australia, which is set to save approximately $350,000 per year in electricity costs.
The $1.3 million project, announced today by Education Minister Tony Buti and Energy Minister Bill Johnston, would see five roofs at the school covered with 499 solar panels.
The installation will employ 12 inverters to convert direct current electricity to alternating current energy suited for the grid, the government revealed in a media statement.
A solar web tool is included with the installation, allowing for real-time monitoring as well as allowing children to interact with technology while also connecting it to their classroom curriculum.
“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,” Minister Buti said.
He explained that it will also provide more opportunities for teaching and learning in STEM fields for students and staff, which he describes as “exciting.”
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Bill Johnston commented on the installation, stating that solar schools are an outstanding collaboration between Horizon Power and the Department of Education, which is assisting in delivering cleaner, greener energy options for our rural and outlying schools.
Johnston continued, “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.”
The second stage of the Solar Schools Program is currently underway, with 28 schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions receiving solar installations as part of the $44.6 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund, delivered by the Department of Education in collaboration with Horizon Power.
The Department of Education and Horizon Power collaborate to deliver a successful program, which provides schools with rooftop solar power.
