THOUSANDS of solar panels installed at state schools across the Fraser Coast are helping reduce electricity costs and cut carbon emissions.
More than 3,300 panels have been installed as part of the Advancing Clean Energy Schools program across the region – generating some 4,800kW of electricity every day.
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The installation of the solar panels follows the delivery of air conditioners in every Queensland state school classroom, staff room and library.
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the solar panels were helping offset the additional costs of the air conditioners.
Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders described the installation of the panels as “good news” for state schools and “great news” the State Government target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
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Around 200,000 solar panels have now been installed at state schools across Queensland – generating an average of 280MW of electricity per day.
Mr Saunders said the program was helping deliver state-of-the-art facilities and ensuring a bright future for children by taking action on climate change.
Some 533 solar panels have been installed at Aldridge State High School.
Principal David Burns said the school was delighted by the new panels, which can generate up to 780kW of electricity a day.
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“This investment has offset a significant percentage of the school’s annual electrical costs and has enabled the school to demonstrate an alignment with a clean and green energy future,” Mr Burns said.
Education Minister Grace Grace said the state-wide program would help save $26-million on energy bills every year.
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She said the renewable energy generated by the program would be enough to power 25,000 homes.
“That’s more than all the households in the Gladstone region,” Ms Grace said.
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