An energy analyst says solar panels on school buildings could rapidly increase electricity supply and slash CO2 emissions for schools.
Analyst Peter Bisley modelled what it would take to get solar panels on all schools - where an estimated 16 per cent of the population are most days of the week. He found the panels - taking 5 per cent of available roof space at all schools - would have a capacity of 108 MW, the amount consumed by about 20-thousand houses.
And he says the fact that schools' highest demand for energy is during the day, it would be the perfect fit. Schools in New Zealand are encouraged to install solar, but only after energy efficiency improvements like LED lighting or better insulation are done. Peter and his brother William Bisley have sent their modelling to the Ministers of Education and Energy, in the hope their idea will be taken up.
Solar panels on a roof. Photo: Fabian Rieger / 123RF
