Broome North Primary School first to receive solar panels in stage two of Solar Schools Program roll out

Broome North Primary School is the first school to receive solar panels under stage two of the State Government’s Solar Schools Program.

Eighteen other schools around the Kimberley are also set to receive the new infrastructure thanks to the joint venture between Horizon Power and the State Government.

The new system at Broome North PS will also include a community battery just outside the school’s gate which will help strengthen the energy grid across the broader community.

The new solar panels are estimated to save the school more than $78,000 per year in electricity costs.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said the installation of solar panels at schools around the Kimberley and Pilbara ticked several boxes.

“It makes perfect sense in a climate like we have here in Broome and indeed across the Kimberley and the Pilbara for us to take advantage of solar power,” she said.

“Obviously it’s good for the environment, it reduces emissions. Secondly, it will save the school in power costs.

“And thirdly, it’s a great learning opportunity for students to understand how the science, the technology, the engineering and the mathematics of solar power works but also to understand how they can do their bit to reduce emissions.”

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said she was excited to see the solar panel systems installed at schools around the Kimberley.

“Kimberley schools have been some of the major beneficiaries of the McGowan Government’s efforts to deliver more sustainable and affordable energy solutions for our local schools and local students will get the added benefit of opportunities to learn more about science and new technologies,” she said.

Stage two of the Solar Schools Program will also be rolled out in the Pilbara, with 10 schools set to receive new solar panels.