Trentham and District Primary School students and teachers were thrilled to see a new 10.5kW solar system installed at the school recently. The system was gifted to the school as a result of the community bonus from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, which is supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Wind. The system, which is valued at $14, 465 will save the school an estimated $3,220 annually.
The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance organizes the bulk-buy, as well as a similar one in the Mt Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Bendigo regions known as the MASH community solar bulk-buy. These projects have installed more than 1500 rooftops on homes across the region, cutting power bills by around $1m and CO2 emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually.
Students excited
The students, who are learning about sustainability as part of their science studies were excited to learn that as a result of the newly installed system CO2 emissions will be cut by about 16 tonnes annually. Students will work with the science teacher to monitor the system and learn how much solar power is being produced by the panels, and how much is being used by the school. This will help them with their understanding of renewable energy and sustainability.
New learning experience
School Captains Lola and Ari said “It’s great we have got solar panels because we are reducing our CO2 emissions. Electricity from the grid is mainly acquired by burning coal and fossil fuels which contribute to climate change. These solar panels will provide a new learning experience for kids at our school as well as helping to save our environment.”. Ms Carmody, the principal at the school, welcomed the installation including the educational benefits it would bring in the field of sustainability and the financial savings which will result as a consequence of lower electricity bills.
Great example of local action
The Sustainability Officer at Hepburn Shire Council, Dominic Murphy said it was fantastic to see yet another solar system installed within the Shire as a result of the Bulk Buy’s community bonus and Hepburn Shire Council’s “Towards Zero” grants. In June Trentham Neighbourhood House also benefited from a 6.325kW system being installed, courtesy of Hepburn Wind. Said Dominic “We shouldn’t underestimate the potential for local action; communities are leading this transition. Every renewable energy project or energy efficiency measure brings us closer to zero net emissions”
For more information about the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, visit mash.org.au/hepburn or call 1300 466 274.
