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National Solar Schools Program

The Australian Government is offering our schools up to $50,000 (exclusive of GST) to join the fight against climate change.  The National Solar Schools Program is giving Australian schools the opportunity to lead and model effective energy awareness to tackle climate change.

Our schools can harness the power of the sun in meeting one of the biggest challenges confronting our planet.  This exciting new program will help primary and secondary schools around the country take practical steps to save energy, while cutting their utility bills.

This is a non-competitive process, and schools simply have to register their interest and determine their eligibility.

Please see the National Solar Schools Program Guidelines for registration information and the full list of eligible items.

 

PYRAMID POWER OFFERS:

Solar  Power Photovoltaic Array

To be eligible for the $50,000 (exclusive of GST) grant, schools must install at least 2kW(kilowatts) of solar power.  We use Australian-made High Energy Efficiency Modules.  Mounted on rooftops, on the ground, or integrated into buildings, Pyramid Power Solar systems generate electricity from the sun and feed the energy back to the electricity grid.  Grid-connected solar systems will save your school money and will not harm the environment.  Our solar modules come with a 25 year manufacturer's warranty.

Wind Turbine Electricity Generation

Wind Turbines are an approved item under the program, and can attract up to $30,000 (exclusive of GST).  If your school is in a reliable wind area that is free from interference from trees and other obstacles, a wind turbine may prove a very valuable addition to your renewable energy system.  We can calculate the power contribution that a wind turbine could add to your system, using available wind data.  It is rare for a wind turbine to be the sole renewable source in a system as it is not always reliable.  Most wind turbines are used to complement solar modules.  To determine whether a site is suitable for a wind generator, the amount of wind over a long period (a year at least) must be known.  To test the site using wind measuring devices over that length of time is too time consuming - you will need to know the suitability of the site much sooner.  Use local knowledge as much as possible.  The wind speed data from the nearest weather station will be of great help to you.  Record wind data at your selected site over a shorter period (e.g. one month) and compare this to the data from the weather station for the same period.  If your site has more wind than the weather station for that month then it will almost certainly have more wind all the time.

Energy Management System

A compulsory requirement of the installation is a smart meter  and display.  We install wireless energy management systems.  These are fantastic educational tools and will also help you save up to 20% off your power usage.  The display we use will be the most advanced technology available at the time, and provide advanced energy monitoring and controls.   It will enable you to track and control your energy use, as well as monitor the generation of electricity through the module and/or web-linked PV system monitoring.

Solar Hot Water

Solar Hot Water is an approved item under the National Solar Schools Program, and can attract up to $30,000 (GST exclusive) in funding.  Installing a Solar Hot Water System is one of the most effective steps any school can take in reducing their carbon footprint.  We use the most advanced technology and the Solar Collector we supply is a highly efficient thermal solar system, suitable for both domestic and commercial water heating.  Taking advantage of the efficiency benefits provided by evacuated tubes, combined with heat pipes and glass wool insulation, our Solar Collector represents the latest in thermal solar technology.  Pyramid Power uses products that are designed, manufactured, and guaranteed under warranty, complying with all relevant Australian and international standards.  Our solar hot water systems come with a 15 year manufacturer's warranty on the Solar Collector,  and a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty on the tank.

Solar Simplicity

Once your school has confirmed its eligibility for a National Solar Schools Grant, Pyramid Power assists you and simplifies the process.  We will:

  1. Provide a site visit and energy audit to help you plan your project and to establish the systems most appropriate to your needs and location.
  2. Provide a detailed quote in line with the budget components of the National Solar School Program Claim form.
  3. Guarantee completion of your project within three months of the parameters of your funding agreement with the National Solar Schools Program.
  4. Provide advice and assistance with any approvals and permits required for your project.
  5. Assist with your project completion report and funding acquittal by providing an installation report, a photographic record of your installation and your completed project provided to you on CD, and a comprehensive tax invoice detailing all equipment and work.
  6. Manage the Renewable Energy Certificate (RECS) claims process on your behalf, and provide you these credits as a point-of-sale discount to the cost of your total project.
Professional Standards

Pyramid Power is a proud member of the Clean Energy Council (previously known as BCSE), the Australia & New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) and the Alternative Technology Association (ATA). We support and adhere to the professional development and ethical standards of the BCSE.

To be eligible for any National Solar Schools Program grant, schools MUST use a BCSE accredited installer. Pyramid Power is accredited by the BCSE for grid-connect PV systems.  Our accreditation numbers are F528 and P1781.