National Solar Schools Program

Completing a National Solar Schools Project

Useful tips

The National Solar Schools Program is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Getting started

Before you register for a National Solar Schools grant it is important that you read the Guidelines followed by the Frequently Asked Questions. These should provide you with all the information you need.

It's easy to access the program

To help schools to access the program, we have made the registration and claim process simple, straightforward and non-competitive.

Submitting your registration

Registrations and claims must be submitted by an authorised school employee. Your school is legally responsible for managing the National Solar Schools Program funding.

To avoid possible delays, it is important to read the Registration instructions carefully before proceeding with your registration.

Commercial operators

Schools can choose to enter into an agreement with a commercial operator to supply and/or install eligible items. However, commercial operators are neither associated with nor authorised to operate on behalf of the National Solar Schools Program. Similarly, companies offering services to assist schools to access National Solar Schools Program funding do not represent the Australian Government.

Don't enter into a prior commitment

If your school enters into a commitment with a commercial operator to purchase and/or install items prior to entering into a funding agreement with the Australian Government National Solar Schools Program you will be ineligible for funding.

Government school?

If you are a government school you should check first with your state/territory education department before submitting a claim to ensure the proposed works meet any departmental guidelines or requirements.

Project management

If your school chooses to engage a company or an individual to manage your project, you will be expected to meet these costs.

Activities that are not funded

The National Solar Schools Program funds 'on-ground' works. National Solar Schools funding cannot be used to fund activities such as:

project management and coordination
research, design and planning
energy and water use efficiency audits
educational activities
promotional activities
reporting and auditing
costs incurred in obtaining quotes
costs incurred in preparing and submitting a registration or claim.

Value for money and obtaining quotes

The NSSP Guidelines require that schools seek value for money. One way of doing this is to seek three quotes and undertake an energy and water audit. We expect schools to do this in the majority of cases.

Schools should ensure that installers undertake a site visit when providing quotes so they can take into consideration the individual circumstances of your school.

We may ask for copies of the quotes and possibly ask your school to resubmit the claim if we determine your school may not be getting value for money. The NSSP will not make project variations or meet cost escalations once the project has been approved.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the program, or need assistance with the registration and claim processes, you can contact our national information line on 1800 703 831.

National Solar Schools Hotline: 1800 703 831.

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