Rotorua principals all for going solar

The Greens have announced it will invest $20 million into solar panel systems in schools. Photo / Thinkstock

Solar-generated power in Rotorua schools would free up more money better spent on education, say local principals.

The Green Party has announced it will help schools to save money on their power bills by investing $20 million into solar panel systems in schools.

John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh said the Solar in Schools policy was an excellent initiative. "At John Paul College we spend about $100,000 a year on power which is a huge amount of money."

Mr Walsh said he would definitely be on board with outfitting his school with solar panels.

"Having solar heating would reduce our power bill dramatically, freeing up some of that $100,000 to be spent on education."

Rotorua Lakes High School principal Bruce Walker agreed, saying the school power bills "cost a fortune, especially in the winter months".

"We did look briefly into installing solar panels in the school last year but we could not afford the initial installation costs.

"The policy sounds great and if it was to come about, Rotorua Lakes High would definitely look into being one of the schools to receive the solar panels."

Edgecumbe College had solar panels fitted to heat their school pool and deputy principal Rene Otto said the Green Party's initiative would benefit all schools.

"Using solar panels to heat the school pool has allowed us to use it for longer, previously we had no heating as it would have been too expensive to run."

Mr Otto said there were plans in the pipeline to renovate the school buildings with solar panels being a main priority.

Green Party Energy spokesman Gareth Hughes said electricity bills in schools were too high.

"Our Solar in Schools policy will allow them to save money on electricity, money which can be invested directly into teaching and learning instead.

"We're increasing schools' operations budgets, but in a smart, green way."

The $20 million is expected to deliver solar installation in about 500 schools.

It is estimated it will bring a total saving of $41 million over the 25-year lifespan.