Brighter future for Hawkesbury Independent School students

Students at Hawkesbury Independent School have taken the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and the cost of living after $10,000 worth of new solar panelling was installed thanks to funding through the Local Schools Community Program.

Students present MP Susan Templeman with a very sizeable thank-you card

The grant was secured by Macquarie MP Susan Templeman who recently visited the school to see what the benefits of solar are.

“I was really impressed by a presentation the students showed me when I went to visit the school, which calculated how much could be saved using the new solar panels,” Ms Templeman said.

“The students worked out the school used 5029 kWh of electricity in the three months from June to August last year, for a total cost of $1455.90.

“This year, after the installation of the solar panels, the school used 2062 kWh of electricity costing $753.37 over the same time period – saving just over $700.

“They even came up with ideas on how they would like to spend the savings made on electricity, and suggestions included new plumbing to limit water use, more energy-efficient LED lighting, and a skylight.

“Students were able to tell me how many panels they had installed, and we also talked about the benefits of renewable energy.

“It’s fantastic to not only see the school community able to save money with the installation of these panels, but also turning the event into an opportunity to learn.

“I congratulate the students on their excellent presentation and knowledge, and thank them for the beautiful card they made – the biggest one I have ever received. It will hang proudly in my office for all my visitors to see.”