Prime Minister's Solar Powered Cubby Signals the Future Parents Want
More than 10,000 Australian parents have signed an open letter asking Prime Minister Scott Morrison to fund solar panels and batteries for all Australian schools and early childhood centres. A COVID-safe convoy of 20 parents delivered the petition via a ‘solar-powered cubby house’ to the Prime Minister’s residence at Kirribilli House, on Wednesday 30th of September 2020.
Suzie Brown, National Director, Australian Parents for Climate Action said “Solar Our Schools would solve the Federal Government’s energy woes, create thousands of jobs, save thousands of dollars in energy bills that can be spent on education resources, and help make the climate safer for our kids. It’s a no-brainer. Instead of wasting taxpayer money on gas, which won’t address climate change or electricity prices, the Prime Minister should be investing in solutions like Solar Our Schools, which solve pressing economic, environmental, and energy challenges today while setting us up for the future.”
Solar Our Schools would create over 7,000 jobs in renewable energy and education industries across Australia and save schools and centres money, according to research by Beyond Zero Emissions.
Their research also shows that the energy savings from having solar plus income from selling their excess solar energy as a “virtual power plant” would save large schools and centres $114,000, and small schools and centres $12,700 per year.
Having solar and batteries on all schools and early childhood centres would allow them to operate as virtual power plants for local communities, stabilising the electricity grid by providing dispatchable power during peak times when schools are closed, like school holidays, weekends and evenings.
Richard Buckingham, Principal of Queenscliff Primary School in Victoria said "Solar would make a huge difference to our school, saving us money on our bills and engaging the students in doing something positive on cutting carbon emissions. Government support would allow us to make this a reality, not just a dream."
Share PostContinue Reading
Read MoreParents for Climate: major parties should match Greens solar for renters policy
April 11, 2025
Advocacy group Parents for Climate applauds today’s “Renters' right to solar” announcement by the Greens, and calls on the major parties to either match it or offer alternative solutions. CEO Nic Seton said, “Parents in our network regularly meet with MPs from across the...
Read moreAussie parents take action against greenwashing, cancelling services as report shows 5.2 million parents fall victim to greenwashing
April 11, 2025
Misuse of environmental claims growing with parents demanding greater accountability, fines and regulation Australian parents are taking a stand against greenwashing, cancelling their household service providers, and demanding greater accountability as concern grows over the escalating misuse of misleading environmental claims by businesses. As...
Read moreReview: The Giants
April 10, 2025
Have you seen The Giants? I was inspired to rewatch this incredible film after recently meeting Dr Bob Brown in Brisbane. In a tumultuous time - turning towards the magnificence of trees is just what I needed.
Read more