Schools Rush In For Solar Energy Grant

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA, November 10, 2010 (Press-News.org) Chief Executive Officer of ZEN Home Energy Systems, Richard Turner, reports the company has been 'inundated' with calls from schools wanting solar power systems before submissions close for the 2010-2011 funding round.

'We are currently speaking to 40 schools (for round two funding) across South Australia and Mildura to install solar panels. This is a 50% percent leap in demand from last year. We offer a solution to match with the schools funding budget and a consultative system design for the school with education and quality of the systems performance as the key focus. We have been inundated with calls," Mr Turner said.

"Most of these schools are looking to put a submission in before the end of next week. It's an outstanding opportunity for schools to take advantage of this grant and install a quality solar system but time is running out for this year's funding round."

This month ZEN Home Energy Systems is already booked to install solar panels in Elizabeth East, Nailsworth and Massada schools.

The company expects that number to rise exponentially in the coming months.

The $50,000 Government grant is a one off payment provided to schools - and up to $100,000 for eligible multi-campus schools - to install solar and other renewable power systems including solar hot water systems and rain water tanks.

Applications are assessed against a range of criteria including value for money and environmental and educational benefit.

Schools that fail to meet the deadline must wait until 2011 to apply for the Round Three funding. At present ZEN is now starting to work with schools for the application for round three funding.

Another reason why ZEN is in demand is its unique Environment, Consumption and Generation (ZEN ECG) education module, that provides web-based analysis of a school's solar energy generation, consumption, solar module temperature and weather station readings.

"The ZEN ECG module provides an important educational bonus to schools. We believe students should know how solar energy works and how we can convert it to electricity," Mr Turner said. "It's a win-win for schools. So while solar energy offsets some power usage from the grid, students also get a practical and theoretical understanding of renewable energy," he said.

ZEN Home Energy Systems is Australia's leading home energy company with a network of more than 200 installers and sales staff across Australia.

For media inquiries: Richard Turner, Chief Executive Officer, ZEN Home Energy Systems. Phone 08-8211 0600 or Mobile: 0418 844 780.