Hundreds of schools to get solar panels in $30m pilot programme
The New Zealand government has announced a $30 million pilot program to install solar panels in 500 schools to improve energy resilience and reduce costs. The initiative aims to provide both financial savings and educational opportunities regarding renewable energy.
Why it matters
This policy addresses energy poverty and climate goals through practical infrastructure investment in the education sector.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has revealed the first 500 schools to get solar technology. Photo / Annaleise Shortland
The first 500 schools to get solar panels under the Government’s new $30 million energy scheme have been revealed.
Energy Minister Simeon Brown said these schools were selected because they were experiencing fuel insecurity, facing higher energy costs, needed better energy resilience or were scheduled for gas or diesel boiler replacements.
The list includes 80 schools in Auckland, 71 schools in Canterbury and 52 in Wellington.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said larger schools were expected to save around $8000 a year on average.
“It will also give students a real-world example of renewable energy in action , right there at their own school,” Stanford said.
“This is a smart, practical investment in both our schools and New Zealand’s future.”
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