Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative

Victorian schools are eligible to apply for both the Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative and the Australian Government's National Solar Schools Program (see related content, bottom of page).

Victorian Solar in Schools website goes live

Visit the Solar in Schools website to:

• see how much renewable energy Victorian Solar Schools are generating
• apply for a rebate to install a new photovoltaic (PV) solar power system
• access learning resources for students
• join our interactive online community for sharing knowledge and ideas.

See the link at the bottom of the page.

Join the Solar in Schools Initiative

Victorian schools, kindergartens and eligible community organisations can apply for Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative funding. Eligible community organisations are either government-owned or incorporated not-for-profit organisations.

The Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative supports these groups to:

• install solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems
• install interactive energy monitoring systems
• provide educational materials on renewable energy and energy demand.

Through this program, your school or community organisation can:

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• educate students and the community about the benefits of renewable energy
• raise community awareness of renewable energy.

During the 2006 Victorian election, the Victorian Government's policy document 'Tackling Climate Change - Helping Victoria Play its Part' committed $5 million over four years to install solar panels on 500 schools and community buildings.

Round Four of the Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative

Round Four of the Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative (VSiS) will be open from Monday 12 October to Friday 27 November (5pm), 2009. 

This merit-based limited funding round aims to provide rebates to approximately 80 schools and community learning organisations across Victoria.

Sustainability Victoria will partner with relevant education authorities to assess school applications. Community organisation applications will be assessed by Sustainability Victoria.

The rebate value for both schools and community organisations is $5,000 per applicant. Schools can combine VSiS funding with the National Solar Schools Program (see link at bottom of page) and community organisations can leverage national funding under the Solar Credits scheme (see link at bottom of page).

Download and carefully read the application guidelines below for further detail and then use the application form template to prepare your application.

You will need to register and apply online at the new Solar in Schools website (see link at bottom of page). If you are unable to access the online application form please email your completed application template to solar.schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au.

Important information for schools

Due to the suspension of the National Solar Schools Program for the remainder of the 2009/2010 financial year, schools that have a pending NSSP claim, which was submitted to the NSSP before 3pm on 15 October 2009 and on which processing has not yet commenced, should apply for this round of VSiS funding. 

All schools in this category will be contacted directly to invite them to apply for this VSiS round. However, if you are unsure please email solar.schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au to confirm.

Sustainability Victoria will partner with relevant education authorities to assess school applications for VSiS.

Please note that these changes do not apply to community organisations.

How to claim your Victorian Solar in Schools rebate

Installed your PV system and want to know how to claim your rebate?

Three simple steps to take to prepare your claim.

1. Assemble your documentation
   • Victorian Solar in Schools installation report (see; or
   • copy of National Solar Schools Program installation report with a cover letter attached; and
   • collate all the necessary attachments
2. Invoice Sustainability Victoria for the rebate amount (GST does not apply to the rebates so tell your office manager/bursar that GST equals zero)
3. Send a hard copy of everything to:
   Solar in Schools Manager
   Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street
   Melbourne, 3000

You should receive your rebate within 4 weeks.

Further information

For technical enquiries associated with the Solar in Schools initiative, please email solar.schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au

For general enquires, call 1300 363 744.