Renewable energy

National Solar Schools Program

National Solar Schools Program

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Frequently asked questions

Temporary suspension - no new claims

When does the temporary suspension start?

The NSSP program has been temporarily suspended to new claims from 3pm AEST 15 October 2009.

Why has the program been temporarily suspended?

The program met its 2009-10 targets earlier than anticipated. More than half of all eligible Australian schools are registered and hundreds of claims have already been paid.

We encourage schools to submit applications in the next financial year, from May 2010. More information on this will be provided ahead of time.

How will I know if my school's claim was accepted this year?

Eligible claims from schools received up to 3pm AEST 15 October 2009 will be processed, and if they meet the usual requirements, they'll be approved and paid this financial year. We'll make this clear to these schools as we continue working with them on their claims.

We're also contacting all schools that haven't yet put in a claim to give them information about the temporary suspension and the early opening date for the next round. Schools can get more information by:

I sent in an application for my school but it didn't arrive in time. What should I do?

Completed, eligible applications must have been received by the National Solar Schools Program team by 3pm AEST 15 October 2009 to be processed in 2009-10.

Applications submitted after 3pm AEST 15 October 2009 will not be accepted at this time. They'll need to be re-submitted when the program re-opens for claims next year.

Can you confirm my application was received and will be assessed?

Even though the web based application may indicate that you have successfully submitted an application, you should check by contacting the Solar Schools team at nationalsolarschools@environment.gov.au to confirm if your application was received before the suspension.

In addition, the Department will contact schools that had claims already submitted to the program before the temporary suspension, to let them know their claims will still be processed in 2009-10.

I wasn't able to get my application in by this date. Can I submit it now?

Unfortunately due to high demand we won't be able to process any more claims for the time being. However, we're encouraging schools to re-submit ahead of the next financial year, from May 2010. More information on this will be provided ahead of time.

I'm confident my claim made the 2009 deadline. How long does approval take?

We're doing our best to process applications as quickly as possible. Given the huge demand, approvals are currently taking around twelve weeks.

I just missed the cut-off. Do I have to re-submit my claim, and will it get priority?

Yes, you'll have to resubmit it when the program re-opens to claims in 2010. We encourage you to re-check your application closer to the date of reopening, to reflect any changes in suppliers' quoted prices.

My school already gave a deposit to or pre-paid an installer/contractor. Will I get the money back?

It's important for schools to carefully check NSSP guidelines, which state that funding is not retrospective. What this means is funding won't provided to meet commitments a school has made, items purchased or work undertaken before entering into an agreement with us.

I'm an installer. I got a deposit from the school for some work and now have to delay until the claim goes through. Do I have to pay the deposit back?

This is a matter for you and the school. A delay for claims shouldn't affect installers, as funding is provided before schools make any commitments, purchase items or undertake work. NSSP funding is not retrospective.

I want to make a complaint. Who do I contact?

We recommend you put your thoughts into writing to help us respond to your concerns. Emails can be sent to nationalsolarschools@environment.gov.au or letters can be posted to:

National Solar Schools Program Manager
Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
G.P.O Box 787
Canberra ACT 2600

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:

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.

Please note that if your school has received Green Vouchers for Schools grant funding, and you wish to apply for grant funding under National Solar Schools, you must first have completed your Green Vouchers project within the specified period and have had accepted by us a final report and financial acquittal. This will allow us to assess your school's remaining entitlement (if any) under National Solar Schools.

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' are now referred to as Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation Systems (DCSVS)

Solar power systems funded under the NSSP must include installation of a DCSVS with display that can measure both the electricity produced by the solar power system and the electricity consumed by the school from the grid.

The purpose of installing a DCSVS is to provide information that can be used to enhance the educational outcomes for students and staff and to directly monitor the benefits of such measures and associated changed behaviours.

The technical and functional specifications required of a DCSVS to meet the NSSP Guidelines have been developed following industry and government consultation. These requirements are documented in the Data Collection, Storage and Visualisation System Requirements and Specifications now available on this website.

An Approved Components List and an on-going process to assess components or systems against the DCSVS Specifications have been established. This will make it easier for installers and suppliers to provide, and schools to select, systems that meet NSSP requirements.

As of 1 June 2009, all DCSVS installed under the program will be required meet the DCSVS Specifications.

Schools installing other renewable energy systems, such as small-scale wind or hydro, are strongly encouraged to include a DCSVS as part of their project proposal.

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.

What type of shade awnings will the NSSP fund?

The focus of the National Solar Schools Program is promoting the installation of renewable power systems and energy efficiency measures. The primary purpose of a shade awning should be to provide shade to an existing school building, reducing the need for air-conditioning and improving energy efficiency. Where the awning also provides shade for students, this is a secondary benefit. The awning must be retractable in temperate climates.

The program does not fund structures where the primary purpose is to provide shade to students.

Administrative

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?

Non-government schools

We work out the amount of the National Solar Schools Program grant for which you are eligible, for example, $50 000. This is a GST exclusive amount.

You submit a claim for $50 000 plus any GST. The GST may be $5 000 (as you are being charged GST on all components of your project) or less (if, for example, one of your suppliers or trades people 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 school's 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.

Government schools

From 1 July 2009, NSSP grant payments to government schools will be made in accordance with the new federal financial relations framework agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2008. Under these arrangements, National Solar Schools Program grant funding for government schools will be paid as National Partnership Project (NPP) payments.

The NPP payment process:

  1. We receive and countersign (execute) your school's Funding Agreement.
  2. The grant funding is transferred from the Australian Government Treasury to your state or territory treasury on the 7th day of each month.
  3. Your state or territory treasury will transfer the grant funding to your education department.
  4. Your education department will transfer the payment to your school, GST exclusive.

Please note that NPP payments are classified as Transfer Payments, therefore no GST is payable when the funds are transferred from treasury to treasury. Any GST your school incurs can be claimed through your quarterly BAS Statement.

Please contact your education department's finance area if you require information about the National Partnership Payments, the timing of payments or GST.

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 small scale renewable energy power systems have the option to claim the RECs themselves by completing the appropriate application forms or to 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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Contact us

National Solar Schools Program
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601

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).

For more information read the Program guidelines

Sustainability education

Find out more about sustainability education.