Warwick, Stanthorpe schools invest $550k in renewable energy practices

Schools in Warwick and Stanthorpe will soon be completely powered by renewable energy, with the recent electricity saving practices set to be beneficial to student learning and climate change.

Stanthorpe State School principal Justin Kuskie. Photo: Madison Mifsud-Ure / Stanthorpe Border Post

The installation of nearly 800 solar panels at three schools across the Southern Downs is set to reduce their electricity bills and carbon emissions and promote more energy efficient learning facilities.

Over the past couple of months, the State Government invested more than $550,000 to Warwick Central State School, Warwick West State School and Stanthorpe State High School for the installation of solar panels.

Warwick Central State School, Warwick West State School and Stanthorpe State High School have recently had solar panels. Photo: Madison Mifsud-Ure

Warwick Central principal Alun Roberts said the benefits of the solar panels were endless, with the panels helping to significantly reduce energy bills.

“It’s great as it allows us to allocate that money to use for student needs and learning,” he said.

Warwick West principal Jason Callcott said he estimated the school’s power usage will decline by 30 per cent.

“It means our energy bills are reduced and the school’s carbon footprint is reduced. Reducing the amount of C02 into the atmosphere and drawing less energy from the grid is excellent,” he said.

Stanthorpe State High School becomes energy efficient with new solar panels. Pictured: Principal Justin Kuskie. Photo: Madison Mifsud-Ure

Stanthorpe State High School principal Justin Kuskie and Mr Callcott said the solar panels were a practical way to demonstrate and educate students on the benefits of solar panels and renewable energy to reducing electricity costs.

“Highlighting a shift to renewable energy for future generations is a welcomed bonus,” Mr Callcott said.

“When the solar monitoring kicks in we will be able to get an up-to-date energy production and consumption graph, which will be great for practical learning.

“We will be able to have a lovely pictorial representation about how the energy is being consumed and created.”

Stanthorpe SHS has benefited from 147 kilowatts from 398 solar panels, Warwick Central SS has 39.96kW and 108 panels, while Warwick West SS has 99.90kW and a total of 270 solar panels were installed.

The installation is part of the State Government’s Advancing Clean Energy program designed to reduce energy costs and address climate change.

A Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman said the initiative also reflects the government’s goal to have 50 per cent renewable energy sources by 2030.

The next phase of the program includes the installation of LED lighting.