In April 2008, a 1.75 kW solar panel array and AC inverter were installed on the roof of the Science and technology block.

The Leader of the Opposition at the time, Mr Troy Buswell launched the installation of the new solar panels. The ceremony was attended by Mr Barry House MLC, Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Biotechnology, Mr Gary Norden on behalf of Adele Farina MLC, Mrs Eleanor Lewin, Representative of School Council, Mr John Carter on behalf of Peter Henderson Department of Environment and Conservation), teachers and Year 11 and 12 Science Students.

The solar panels are a joint venture with the School and the Australian Government via a grant made available through the Department of the Environment and Water Resources. Benefits include raising student awareness of Greenhouse emissions, raising awareness of clean power producing technologies for students and the global need for change in energy consumption/production patterns to prevent climate change. Georgiana Molloy Anglican School is only the second school in the South West to have a solar system of this nature.

The co-ordinator of the project is the Head of Science, Mr Steve Treloar. The installation was undertaken by our local expert Mr Mike Sandor of Southwest Sun and Wind Power.

GMAS Solar Schools Project – Update 10/08/2009

Since last April, the GMAS Science and technology block has had a 1.75kW solar electric system installed in it. It has been a while since I last gave an update on the cumulative statistics for this system, so here you go. To date we have -
Saved $410.37. Prevented 5,813.54lbs (5.8 Tons) of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Produced 3,419.73 kWh (kilowatt hours) of energy. That’s 3,419,7300 watt hours – which equates to 111,000 30W globes running for an hour. A 30W fluorescent globe would be quite a standard size for most rooms, so this is a relevant comparison.

Click here to download an Electricity from the sun fact sheet.