What is the ‘National Solar in Schools (NSiS) program?
The Commonwealth Government is offering non-competitive grants of up to $50,000 to every primary and secondary school in Australia (government and non-government) for the installation of a range of emissions reduction technologies in order to address climate change. These include things like electricity producing solar panels, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks, shade awnings, insulation, skylights and other energy efficient gizmos. It replaces the ‘Green Vouchers’ program. See www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/nationalsolarschools/index.html
What is the Victorian Solar in Schools (VSiS) Initiative?
The Victorian Government’s scheme complements the National scheme. There is up to $15,000 of additional funding for photovoltaic panels at schools via the VSiS, but there is a stronger educational component to this scheme that needs to be demonstrated. BREAZE can assist with the dlivery of both programs, and explain how it relates to the five star RSS AuSSi Vic Program and curriculum development. See www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_educators_2425.htmlOK, so who is BREAZE?
‘BREAZE’ is a nifty acronym that stands for Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions. We are a COMMUNITY-BASED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT charitable association right here in Ballarat, made up of ordinary people who believe that there are more sustainable ways of living on our patch of the planet. From small beginnings in 2006, we have grown to over 700 financial members, making our association one of the largest of its kind in Australia. In order to achieve our mission of taking practical action to reduce tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, our members have:
- undertaken community based education via large forums, workshops, public presentations and the media
- installed hundreds of solar hot water and electrical solar panels
- and without fuss or nonsense, generally got on with the task of addressing climate change in the Ballarat region.
Why partner with BREAZE for your Solar in Schools project?
Unlike solar retailers from across Australia that are no doubt cramming your staff pigeon holes with flyers for the Solar in Schools program, BREAZE is embedded in the fabric of the local community. We are teachers, tradies, professionals, mums and dads, school students and everyone in between. As a not-for profit association focused on climate change, profit is not our motivation for doing what we do. Any surplus funds generated by our programs are ploughed straight back into the community via the association’s programs and activities. BREAZE has been educating the community for the past several years and the Solar in Schools Program offers BREAZE the chance to continue with this local educative role.
We have rolled out a very successful, large scale solar panel program onto the domestic roofs of Ballarat and achieved substantial cost savings via our ‘bulk purchasing’ arrangements. Teachers and parents who are BREAZE members within Ballarat schools have been asking us if we would help their schools with the application process and supply solar panels.
Many have also felt swamped with information, or out of their depth with renewable energy technologies, and have looked to us as a trusted, objective and credible source of advice and help. So it made sense for BREAZE to put together a comprehensive package so that schools in the Ballarat region can experience the same benefits we have created for the rest of the Ballarat community.
Some common questions are:
Will BREAZE help with the paperwork and application process?
YES. Essentially, BREAZE will ‘project manage’ the entire process, from beginning to end. We have a dedicated, well informed local team that can take your school through the whole procedure, freeing up your school’s staff from the headaches of administrivia.
Does BREAZE install all this stuff?
YES. The installation team that we assembled for the BREAZE domestic roofs program have installed close to 200 systems throughout Ballarat. They are highly competent and qualified, experienced and even good for a laugh or two. Members of this team are qualified electricians and plumbers, so they can deliver the full range of SiS items.
What is the minimum sized solar power array required in order to be eligible for the full $50,000?
A 2kw system
Can we splurge all of the money on solar power panels,if we want to?
Yesiree.
Will BREAZE supply other allowable items like solar hot water, rainwater tanks, motion sensors etc?
YEP. Because of our membership size, we have the ability to bulk-buy and have negotiated very good prices from a range of suppliers.
What do we need to do and when do we receive the dough?
You’ll need to register on the DEHWA (Dept Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts) website, seek a range of quotes, submit a claim form and sign a funding agreement with the Commonwealth Government. The grant is then paid into your school’s bank account.
No out of pocket expenses and no fundraising.
Crikey!
BREAZE’s Solar in Schools Administrator can assist with all of the steps, but a flow chart is below and the Department’s step-by-step instructions are found here:
www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/nationalsolarschools/project-steps.html
How do we get a quote from BREAZE?
By contacting BREAZE, a BREAZE project worker along with a member of the installation team will be able to travel to your school and tailor a site specific quotation, based on your energy and educational needs.
At this meeting, the Government’s administration process can be explained and worked through. Through our bulk-buy capacity and experience we will endeavour to get the best bang for your bucks. See contacts below.
What else can BREAZE add to the conventional packages going around?
As an association, BREAZE educates the community about both the need for emissions reductions and the ways that ordinary people create solutions to achieve a safer, environmentally habitable world. It’s why we exist! BREAZErs are very excited about becoming involved in the Solar in Schools Program as it represents an opportunity to explain the workings of the sustainability items that schools are procuring and WHY such solutions are needed in order to help Ballarat make the necessary transition towards a more sustainable future.
BREAZE can discuss with schools how we could add further value to the Sis program: school energy audits, explanations of renewable energy technology, meetings with clusters of students, PD to staff about climate change and climate solutions, school sustainability policy and curriculum suggestions are all possibilities. This is the value that BREAZE ultimately sees in the SiS Program, because by working with the local community, BREAZE hopes we can build resources and connections and make a lasting difference, beyond the installation of a few items of infrastructure!
Flowchart of the National Solar in Schools Program
BREAZE Solar in Schools contacts:
Nick Lanyon
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or 5329 1730
Simon Reid
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or 0434 769 722
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