MyGreenSchool™ FAQs

What is the National Solar Schools Program?

Formally known as the "Green Vouchers for Schools Programme", the Australian Commonwealth Government has developed the Solar Schools Grant to help reduce energy costs and to improve water efficiency across all schools in Australia. Each school is eligible for up to $50,000 (plus GST) in financial support to do this.

Some of the eligible products included in Solar Schools are:

• Solar hot water systems
• Rainwater tanks
• Solar power systems (PV)
• Lighting upgrades
• Small wind turbines
• Ceiling fans
• Insulation
• Sky lights
• Shade awnings

Eligibility

A school is eligible to redeem a National Solar Schools Program grant of up to $50 000 (GST exclusive) if it:

• delivers education at a primary and/or secondary level, and
• is eligible to receive Australian Government general recurrent grants payments appropriated under the Schools Assistance (Learning Together Achievement Through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004.

Educational institutions not eligible for a National Solar Schools Program grant include:

• Kindergartens
• Early childhood centres
• Preschools
• TAFE colleges
• Universities
• Tutors and home schools
• Primary and secondary schools scheduled for closure in the twelve months following a grant claim.

Will new schools being developed in coming years be eligible under the National Solar Schools Program?

As long as the new school is eligible for Australian Government general recurrent grants payments and can complete the project before 30 June 2015 it is eligible for a grant. Our database is updated each year. A new school should contact us and we will ascertain the schools status.

How much is my school eligible for?

The amount of funding for which a school is eligible depends on whether the school:

• previously received funding under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines
  
• is installing a minimum 2 kilowatt (kW) solar power system.
  

The only previous funding that reduces the amount of your schools National Solar Schools Program grant is that received under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines.

The other factor that affects the amount of a National Solar Schools Program grant is whether the school is installing a minimum 2kW solar power system. If your school is installing a minimum 2kW solar power system a grant of up to $50 000 (GST exclusive) is available for eligible items. If your school is not installing a solar power system or is installing a system of less than 2kW, it is eligible for a grant of up to $30 000 (GST exclusive) for eligible items.