CASE STUDY: Forrest Hill School’s Solar a “Proven Performer”

“We prefer to assist our schools with outright ownership of their solar system. While this has higher initial capital outlay this can be offset with a loan.

“Schools enjoy the full benefits of their solar PV system and maximise the long-term savings and benefits to the school, including increased savings, and greater control.

“After the system has been installed, we recommend regularly checking the solar power data monitoring system to confirm the system is working properly, and if there is any sign of reduced performance, the school should have the system inspected.

“Maintenance usually consists of cleaning of the panels and inspection of electrical components. As there are no moving parts to solar panels, maintenance is relatively minimal and therefore costs are generally low.

“The panels should be cleaned annually, the same time as the school roof, however this greatly depends on the environment.”

Completed in mid-April 2019, Forrest Hill School has 64 solar panels which provide 19.2 kWp of solar power. The school is benefiting from cost savings and the sustainability of solar PV.

Since its commissioning the system has delivered 89,968.91 kWh (89.96 MWh) of energy to the school. That’s an equivalent energy cost savings of over $19,637 (excl GST), with 22-years remaining of the solar module power performance warranty.

Power Technoloy said with the data available from its schools monitoring systems, it can assess the total performance, and subsequent gains made by the school in terms of cost savings over the life of the systems.

Solar system provider Power Technology says solar photovoltaics (PV) can help schools to save money, and the environment. While the initial outlay for a PV power system can be considerable, there are many benefits in both the environmentally clean energy produced, and the long-term savings gained. Funds can be diverted from the operating cost back into other areas of the school, helping to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for students.

Solar is a proven performer for schools, allowing them to generate, consume and trade their own renewable energy and save money. The system has flexibility to grow with the school, and provide silent, long-life operation of renewable energy generation that can be relied on for decades.