National Solar Schools Program

Information for industry

Unlike some government programs, funding provided under the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) is not a rebate. What this means is that funding will not be provided to meet commitments a school has made, items that have been purchased or works that have been undertaken prior to the school entering into a funding agreement with the NSSP.

The following steps must happen before a school can enter into a commitment to purchase materials or services with NSSP funding:

a school must have registered with the NSSP
a school must submit a Claim Form to the NSSP
the NSSP must approve the school's claim
a funding agreement between the school and the NSSP must be signed by both the school and the NSSP
the funding must be deposited to the school's bank account.

Any quote that is provided to a school under the proviso that the school must engage that installer when NSSP funding is approved is considered to be a prior commitment and will render the school's project ineligible for funding.

Commercial operators and the NSSP

Read this important information about commercial operators and their relationship to the National Solar Schools Program.

The NSSP funds on-ground works.
The NSSP does not fund project administration and coordination, planning, research, energy or water use efficiency audits, design, educational activities, reporting, auditing or any costs a school incurs in obtaining quotes or preparing and submitting a registration and claim.
The program will not reimburse a school for any costs they are charged by a consultant for any of these activities.
If anyone other than an authorised school employee registers for the program, the registration will be rejected.

More information: Useful tips

Government and non-government schools: coordinated delivery arrangements

State and territory government and non-government education authorities are looking at ways to coordinate the delivery of NSSP funding for their schools. As part of this process, some education authorities may request that the NSSP Team hold off on processing claims from their schools until these arrangements have been finalised.

More information: Government and non-government schools: coordinated delivery arrangements

Value for money

Schools are required to seek value for money.
We recommend that schools obtain at least three quotes for all major items.
All claims are carefully assessed and the National Solar Schools Program may question the value for money aspect of any claim.
A school may be asked to justify the costs associated with items and activities listed in the claim.

More information: National Solar School Program Guidelines Part 4: Planning your project

Contact us

HOTLINE
1800 703 831
EMAIL
nationalsolarschools
@environment.gov.au

National Solar Schools Program
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601