Solar panels to help power Moana
Seventy-five panels and batteries are being installed at Lake Brunner School to improve the area’s emergency resilience.
The Grey District Council is working with West Coast Emergency Management, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) through its Community Renewable Energy Fund (CREF), to equip community buildings with photovoltaic (solar) systems and battery banks.
The initiative will strengthen community resilience by providing access to power when the electricity grid is down during an emergency or other outage.
While each building will offer different facilities, they will serve as places people can go during a power cut to charge phones, store and cook food, and potentially keep essential medicines and perishable items safe.
At other times, the solar systems will reduce electricity costs and lower the carbon footprint of each building.
Lake Brunner School principal Amanda Bailey said they were proud to be part of an innovative solar energy project that would bring lasting benefits to both the school and the wider community.
The project supported the school and community’s ability to become more self-sufficient, which was particularly important in rural communities.
“Having access to solar energy helps ensure that the school can remain operational in emergency situations and strengthens our capacity to support the community when needed.”
Mrs Bailey said one of the greatest advantages of the project was the rich learning opportunities it created for students.
“The installation of solar energy will allow teachers to explore real-world concepts around renewable energy, sustainability, and different methods of energy production, along with being prepared in a civil defence emergency,” Mrs Bailey said.
“Lake Brunner School feels incredibly fortunate to be involved in a project that not only supports environmental sustainability but also enriches learning and builds greater resilience for our whole community for the future.”
No ratepayer funding is involved.
