Renewable energy

National Solar Schools Program

National Solar Schools Program

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Frequently asked questions

Questions about the National Solar Schools Program usually fall into four areas:

HOT TOPICS

Eligibility

Is our school eligible for a National Solar Schools Program grant?

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

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

What other Australian Government funding may be available?

Educational institutions not eligible under the National Solar Schools Program may be eligible for other renewable energy rebates and grants, for example, the Solar Homes and Communities Plan. This program provides cash rebates for the installation of solar power systems on homes and community use buildings.

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program may also provide financial support to increase the use of renewable energy generation in remote parts of Australia that presently rely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.

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.

Amount of funding

How much is my school eligible for?

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

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.

If our school has more than one campus are we eligible for additional funding?

If a school has more than one campus and the combined campus population is 1 000 or more full-time enrolled students the school will be eligible for one additional National Solar Schools Program grant. The total amount of funding for which the school is eligible may vary. For example, if a multi-campus school with more than 1 000 students installs:

Is a combined primary and secondary school eligible for two National Solar Schools Program grants?

A combined primary and secondary school will be deemed to be a multi-campus school even if these campuses are co-located. If the school also has a combined population of 1000 or more students it is eligible for two National Solar School Program grants.

Our school has received funding under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines. Are we still eligible for a National Solar Schools Program grant?

If your school has received funding under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines, it is eligible to claim the difference between the Green Vouchers funding received and the maximum amount available for your school under the National Solar Schools Program.

For example, if you received $15 000 (GST exclusive) under Green Vouchers you can still claim $35 000 (GST exclusive) under the National Solar Schools Program to spend on any eligible items.

My school received Green Vouchers for Schools funding that was reduced due to previous funding from Community Water Grants. As a National Solar Schools Program grant is not reduced by Community Water Grants funding will I now be able to claim this amount?

Yes, your school will be able to claim this amount under the National Solar Schools Program. A school will only have its National Solar Schools Program grant reduced by the amount it has received from Green Vouchers for Schools.

For example, if your school had previously spent $15 000 under Community Water Grants on rainwater tanks, it would have been eligible for Green Vouchers for Schools funding of $35 000 (GST exclusive). If your school claimed the $35 000 (GST exclusive) under Green Vouchers for Schools it would still be eligible for a grant of $15 000 (GST exclusive) under National Solar Schools. The only previous funding that affects your schools National Solar Schools Program grant is that received under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines.

What happens if my school has received funding or a rebate for a rainwater tank or solar power system from the Australian Government, a state government department, water authority or local council?

The amount of your National Solar Schools Program grant will not be reduced for previous work funded from any state, territory or local government program, or for work funded by a water or energy authority or provider. The grant amount is only reduced if you have received funding under the Green Vouchers for Schools guidelines. You may use funding received from any other source as part of your schools contribution to your National Solar Schools project but we will not fund items or activities if they have already been funded from another source.

Similarly, funding received from Australian Government programs such as the former Photovoltaic Rebate Program and the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program, does not affect the amount of funding available under the National Solar Schools Program. Green Vouchers for Schools grants are the only exception.

Eligible items and activities

Smart Meters

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter and display are compulsory requirements associated with the installation of a Photovoltaic (PV) system. A smart meter generally refers to a meter which records when electricity is used rather than just the total amount each quarter.

The meters installed by an electricity company at the school metering board for billing purposes do not count as PV system smart meters in this instance. A smart meter and display must be linked to the PV system and measure and display the real-time data of electricity consumed and generated. Possible display options include:

These displays are often linked to the PV system inverter via a "web link" (or "comms") box, which is an eligible item for funding. Some of the inverters themselves have small, in-built LCD screens which display the system data. These do not meet the eligibility requirements for the program as the inverter may be located inside a switch room and the data may not be downloadable for educational purposes.

The installation of a Smart Meter is the responsibility of the solar installer.

Data collection

A dedicated system that provides a continuous display of real-time data, transfers the information to a computer and allows for its manipulation for educational purposes is preferred. The display should be placed in a site easily accessed by the entire school and where its educational values are most beneficial.

The National Solar Schools Program is looking at ways of gathering information generated by schools. Therefore systems that can export their information to a designated web page for integration with data from other schools would be preferable. Designers should discuss the educational expectations of the system with each school in this regard.

Cost

The costs involved will depend upon the size and complexity of the system chosen: a small wireless display may cost a few hundred dollars, whereas a large electronic sign or sophisticated monitoring system would be considerably more expensive. Both applicant and installer should ensure that the chosen system is of a size, type and cost that is appropriate to the needs of the school.

Availability - Some installers have raised questions about the availability of Smart Meters. What should I do?

Under the National Solar Schools Program, a smart meter with display that can measure both the production from a solar power system installed under the National Solar Schools Program and a school's electricity consumption is a mandatory item.

Although the renewable energy industry is gearing itself up to meet the demand for Smart Meters from schools under NSSP, at this stage the majority of suppliers are only able to provide systems that are limited to displaying and recording production data.

Interim arrangements - IMPORTANT: please read

To avoid any unnecessary delays in rolling out the National Solar Schools Program, as an interim measure, the requirement that a smart meter installed at a school must also provide consumption data has been waived until 31 December 2008 inclusive.

The Smart Meters that can be installed over the interim period will still be able to provide the critical renewable energy production data. Schools or State and Territory Governments can obtain the consumption data from their billing meter via their electricity retailers.

For schools choosing to take advantage of the educational benefits of web-linked PV system monitoring, further information on the interactive websites outlined on page 9 of the NSSP Guidelines is expected to be available when the interim arrangements expire.

Can my school earn an income from exporting surplus power to an electricity grid?

Schools that install solar power systems funded under National Solar Schools may have the option to export surplus energy they have generated back to the electricity grid. This will be subject to their local electricity retailer and feed-in arrangements. Electricity sold back to the grid reduces greenhouse gas emissions and could earn schools an income.

Several states and territories in Australia are putting in place, or are considering putting in place, feed-in tariff schemes to further support expanded deployment of solar PV systems and, possibly, other forms of renewable energy. However, these feed-in tariff schemes have the potential to differ significantly across jurisdictions and between electricity retailers.

Schools are encouraged to discuss with their local electricity retailer the potential to feed in surplus electricity to the grid and, in particular, whether the current regulatory/network arrangements in their area allow them to participate in a feed-in tariff scheme.

Can a school receive funding for multiple rainwater tanks?

Yes, a school may purchase and install more than one rainwater tank.

Can the water harvested and stored in a rainwater tank funded by the National Solar Schools Program be for potable use, for example, drinking, showering or cooking?

No, the harvested rainwater cannot be for potable use.

This requirement may be waived in special circumstances for schools in rural or remote areas where there is no mains water supply for potable use. To obtain this waiver, your school will need to contact us by email after registration. You must quote your school name and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) number and explain why your school should be exempt from this condition.

Can a school use their National Solar Schools funding solely on a solar power system?

Yes, your school can use its entire grant amount on installing a solar power system. However, most schools will gain a greater benefit from installing energy efficiency measures as well as a solar power system. Schools are encouraged to seek an energy efficiency audit and carefully plan their project taking into account all the eligible items available. Your state or territory education department may be able to help with an energy efficiency audit. Alternatively, the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative website has links to self audit tools.

Our school would like to implement a water efficiency measure which is not listed as an eligible item in the National Solar Schools Program Guidelines. Can the eligible items list be amended?

No, the only water efficiency measure eligible for funding under the National Solar Schools Program is the installation of rainwater tanks.

Can our school purchase a second-hand solar power system or equipment with its National Solar Schools Program grant?

No, all installed equipment must be new.

Can a solar hot water system be connected to a rainwater tank?

As the rainwater tank is for non-potable use it cannot be connected to the solar hot water system. An exemption for using harvested rainwater for potable purposes is available under special circumstances for schools in rural and remote areas where there is no mains water supply for potable use.

Administrative

How will state government tender processes affect my project plan?

Arrangements for the supply and installation of measures under National Solar Schools is a matter for each school or their education authority. National Solar Schools requires schools to obtain value for money. One way that education authorities can achieve value for money and better coordinate the installation of measures across their schools is through some form of bulk purchasing arrangement.

Government agencies in a number of states (e.g. Queensland, Tasmania and New South Wales) have each independently advertised for the supply and installation of various measures (including solar power systems, rainwater tanks and energy efficient lighting) that are eligible under National Solar Schools and/or existing state government solar school programs.

NSSP is currently exploring opportunities to cooperatively deliver the program in partnership with government and non-government education authorities. We are aware that some education authorities have requested that their schools hold off on seeking quotes and submitting claims until their particular tender process and/or cooperative delivery arrangements have been finalised.

Some schools are concerned that such arrangements may affect their ability to individually seek quotes and move forward with project planning. The way in which education authorities choose to manage the participation of their schools in relation to National Solar Schools is primarily a matter for them. Schools that have concerns in this regard are advised to contact their state department or education authority.

The NSSP is also aware of concerns expressed by some small businesses that tender processes could favour the larger businesses and reduce opportunities for smaller local businesses to participate in the program.

Supply and installation arrangements that cover measures funded under National Solar Schools will need to consider not only value for money but also ensure they provide opportunities for appropriately accredited and experienced small local businesses.

I am having trouble with my registration. What do I do?

It is important to read the Registration Instructions carefully before proceeding with your registration. There are a couple of things you need to be aware of to avoid technical problems or delays.

I am having trouble with my claim form. What do I do?

It is important to read the Claim Form Instructions carefully before proceeding with your registration. There are a couple of things you need to be aware of to avoid technical problems or delays.

I get an error message when I try to submit my claim form online.

This is most likely to do with your internet configuration. When you hit the submit button on the claim form, the website where the claim form is being sent is trying to download a confirmation page to your computer.

Your proxy server or firewall may be configured to not accept such a response. To fix this and allow you to submit the claim form, your IT officer needs to reconfigure your proxy server or firewall to allow unlimited access to this website: http://smartforms.business.gov.au

If the proxy server or firewall has been reconfigured and you are still having issues submitting your claim form, please email us.

Can a school access funding for a rainwater tank one year and funding for a solar hot water system another year until it has used up all its National Solar Schools Program grant?

No, a National Solar Schools Program grant is a one-off payment. More than one claim cannot be made. If your school needs a range of water and energy efficiency items such as rainwater tanks, skylights and a solar hot water system you will need to submit one claim covering all items.

How long do schools have to claim their National Solar Schools Program grant?

The National Solar Schools Program does not run in rounds. The program runs until June 2015 and claims may be made at any time. Schools making a claim in the last six months of the program must have their works and reporting finalised by 30 June 2015.

How long does our school have to complete the project?

This will be stated in the terms and conditions of your funding agreement. Your project must be started within three months and completed within six months of the start of your funding agreement.

Can variations be made to the project scope?

No, variations to your project scope will not be funded. The eligible items that you list for funding when you claim the grant will be funded. In exceptional circumstances variations may be considered. Please contact the National Solar Schools Team by email at nationalsolarschools@environment.gov.au in the event that your school faces exceptional circumstances.

Where can I find my schools Australian Business Number (ABN)?

If you do not know what your schools ABN is you can search the Australian Business Register.

Where can I find my schools Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) number?

You must have your schools DEEWR number in order to register for a National Solar Schools Program grant. This is the number that uniquely identifies your school to the Australian Government for payment of its general recurrent grant payments. Please do not confuse your Australian Government number with any state or territory government number you may have.

Call the National Solar Schools Information Hotline for assistance with your DEEWR number on 1800 703 831.

How does the National Solar Schools Program work in terms of GST?

We work out the amount of the National Solar Schools Program grant for which you are eligible, for example, $40 000. This is a GST exclusive amount.

You make a claim to us for $40 000 plus any GST. The GST may be $4000 (as you are being charged GST on all components of your project) or less (if, for example, one of your suppliers or tradespeople is not registered for GST). When you make the claim for funding you will base this on quotes that are inclusive of GST and the GST amount payable. We will pay you the amount exclusive of GST plus a 10% allowance for GST even if some items do not attract GST.

It is your schools responsibility to ensure that tax obligations with regard to GST are fulfilled. For more information visit the Australian Taxation Office website or contact them on 13 28 66.

Are commercial operators authorised to operate on behalf of the National Solar Schools Program in any capacity?

Some companies may offer services, for a fee, to assist your school to access its National Solar Schools Program grant, or to provide assistance free of charge on the basis that the school contracts them to carry out the work. These companies are not Australian Government representatives or Australian Government endorsed suppliers.

The National Solar Schools Program registration and claim process is simple, straightforward and not competitive. Registering your school and claiming a National Solar Schools Program grant is free. The National Solar Schools Team can provide assistance if required.

The National Solar Schools Program will not accept any registration or claim submitted by anyone other than an employee of the school who has been authorised by the school to do so. Your school is legally responsible for managing its National Solar Schools Program grant.

Can my school employ someone to manage the project?

Your school can employ a project manager but will be expected to meet these costs. National Solar Schools Program funding cannot be used to pay project management fees.

In the case of a government school, before your school employs anyone to manage the project you should contact your state government department responsible for asset management.

What is an authorised person?

The authorised person is the person who can sign the funding agreement on behalf of your school. Usually only certain office holders are legally empowered to sign a contract on behalf of your school. You must supply the name, title and contact details of the person who is able to do this. We will refer to this person as the authorised person.

What approvals or permits does my project require?

It is your responsibility to investigate whether approvals or permits are required for your project. You may need approval from your local council, a state health department, or the Australian Government.

What is required when acquitting the grant and submitting a final report?

Each school will need to keep a record of their project activities and submit a final report on completion. The final report must include:

The installation report your school is required to provide for any solar power system installed must be signed by the installer. It is the schools responsibility to acquire this report from the installer at the time the system is installed.

Examples of these documents are available from our website.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are an electronic form of currency initiated by the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. RECs are created by registered persons, validated by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER), traded between registered persons, and eventually surrendered to demonstrate liability compliance against the requirements of the Governments Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET).

Owners of eligible solar water heater installations and renewable energy power systems have the option to claim the RECs themselves by completing the appropriate application forms or assign their right to claim the RECs to an agent or their installer in exchange for a discount on the installed system.

For more information visit the ORER website or contact ORER on (02) 6274 2192.

Where can I find out if a solar hot water or heat pump hot water system model is eligible for 20 or more RECs?

A school can check the register of solar hot water heaters to find out if a particular model is eligible for 20 or more RECs. This register can be viewed on the ORER website. The number of RECs a particular solar hot water system is entitled to create will depend on its installation date and geographic location. You may also be able to get this information from the supplier of your solar hot water or heat pump hot water system.

Where can I find an accredited solar power system designer or installer?

The person who carries out the installation of a solar power system must be accredited for design and installation of photovoltaic systems by the Clean Energy Council.

The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts recommends that a school contact an accredited designer/installer to discuss its system requirements in the planning stage, that is, well before commencing the project.

Ask your designer/installer for proof of accreditation or view the accreditation list on the CEC website.

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National Solar Schools Program

Grants of up to $50 000 (GST exclusive) to install solar and other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures including:

  • Energy efficiency lighting
  • Skylights
  • Ceiling fans
  • Insulation
  • Sensors
  • Shade awnings
  • Automatic doors
  • External window fittings (eg double glazing and shutters).
Roof with solar panels

Sustainability Education

Find out more about sustainability education.