The New South Wales (NSW) government is looking to harness the power potential of the state’s public schools by sourcing solar power through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to make use of the more than 8 million square meters of roof space across the state’s public schools to provide renewable energy solutions.

NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said that an Expression of Interest (EOI) is open for companies that can deliver ways to finance and operate solar and battery systems under a PPA.

“With roof space equivalent to around 500 Sydney Cricket Grounds available across 2,200 NSW public schools, this exercise will help us harness the power potential of our schools,” Mr Kean said.

The EOI is being run alongside the Smart Energy School Pilot Project, which is testing solar and battery energy storage systems at schools across the state and the feasibility of operating them as part of a virtual power plant. The project aims to reduce the state’s carbon emissions, cut school electricity costs, and educate students about renewable energy.

“We want to reduce our state’s carbon emissions, cut school electricity costs and help students to learn more about renewable energy, and these programs are an exciting opportunity for schools to benefit from renewable energy technology,” said Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell. “NSW Public Schools have the roof space and it is a no brainer that we look at how we can start utilising that space to benefit NSW energy market.”

Companies with experience in delivering a range of renewable energy solutions are being invited to register for the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Program via an EOI process, which is the largest procurement exercise of its kind in Australia. Non-binding proposals received during the EOI will be shortlisted in early 2023, and the shortlisted proposals will be considered as part of a potential large-scale roll out across the NSW public school asset portfolio.

Commercial Solar NSW

The NSW government’s push to source solar power through PPAs is good news for the Commercial Solar NSW industry. The large-scale procurement exercise presents an opportunity for companies in the industry to provide renewable energy solutions to the state’s public schools. In addition, the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy is expected to drive demand for Commercial Solar NSW services.

Commercial solar rebate in NSW

One of the ways the NSW government is promoting the adoption of renewable energy is through accessing a commercial solar rebate in NSW in the form of the Small Technology Certificates (STCs). The rebate, which is available to businesses and non-profit organizations, provides a financial incentive for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The rebate, which is part of the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target, is helping drive the growth of the Commercial Solar NSW industry.

Power Purchase Agreements

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement between an electricity generator and a power purchaser. In the case of the NSW government’s plan to source solar power from the state’s public schools, a PPA would allow the government to purchase electricity generated by the schools’ solar PV systems. This would provide a source of revenue for the schools and help to reduce their electricity costs. PPAs are a common way for governments and businesses to support the growth of renewable energy, and the NSW government’s plan to source solar power through PPAs is a positive step for the Commercial Solar NSW industry.

Interested Commercial Solar Installers in NSW

Interested participants in the NSW Government’s plans to utilise the roof space of public schools to provide renewable energy solutions can register their interest via the Tenders NSW website. The government is inviting companies with experience in delivering a range of renewable energy solutions to register for the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Program, which is the largest procurement exercise of its kind in Australia. Non-binding proposals received during the Expression of Interest (EOI) process will be shortlisted in early 2023 and considered as part of a potential future large scale roll out across the NSW public school asset portfolio.