National Solar Schools Program
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The National Solar Schools Program funding round for 2010-11 has now closed
Popularity of the National Solar Schools Program continues with more than 2,000 applications received from schools across Australia for the 2010-11 funding round.
This incredible response reinforces the popularity of this program and the desire for schools to become more energy efficient.
Schools that wished to be considered for a grant in the 2010-11 funding round were required to submit an application form by 20 August 2010.
Schools that missed the cut off date are encouraged to apply in 2011-12.
The National Solar Schools program re-opened on 15 July 2010, making $51 million in funding available to schools in the 2010-11 funding round.
The Australian Government is backing our schools in the fight against climate change. The National Solar Schools Program is giving Australian schools a head start in tackling climate change and conserving our precious water supplies.
National Solar Schools offers eligible primary and secondary schools grants of up to $50,000 (up to $100,000 for eligible multi-campus schools), to install solar and other renewable power systems, solar hot water systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures.
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Changes to the program
Following a review of the program’s first year of implementation, changes have been made to the program that will improve management of demand and ensure that applications approved in each annual funding round are those that best meet the program’s objectives.
From the 2010-11 funding round, applications for funding will be assessed competitively in annual funding rounds. Applications will be assessed against a range of criteria focused on value for money, environmental benefit, and educational benefit.
More information:
Schools that received NSSP grant funding in 2008-09 or 2009-10 are not affected by these changes to the program. These schools should refer to the previous program guidelines when undertaking their project and completing their project reporting and acquittal requirements.
More information: Pre July 2010 Program Guidelines
Key dates
| Event |
Dates |
| Open for new Registrations |
15 July 2010 |
Application round for 2010-11
period for schools to apply for NSSP funding for 2010-11 |
15 July - 20 August 2010 |
Applications assessed
applications rated against merit based criteria |
23 August - 8 October 2010 |
Grants Announced
Minister announces schools that have been successful in obtaining NSSP funding for 2010-11 |
Late October 2010 |
Funding available
Grant funding totalling $51.86 million is available to schools in 2010-11. The allocation of funding between government and non-government school sectors in each state and territory is capped at a level consistent with that sector's share of the total national number of schools not yet funded under the NSSP.
Please Note
Unlike some government programs, funding provided under the National Solar Schools Program is not a rebate.
To be eligible for funding, you must not enter into a commitment, purchase items or start work until your application for funding has been approved and a Funding Agreement with the Australian Government National Solar Schools Program has been countersigned by the Department.
A National Solar Schools grant is a one-off payment. If you do not use your full entitlement when you submit your application you will not be able to claim the remainder at a later date.
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.
Please see the National Solar Schools Program Guidelines for the full list of eligible items.