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Solar Power Lights Up Narmbool Lodge

Tuesday, 14 February 2012

Students visiting Sovereign Hill's environmental education camp Narmbool Lodge will be able to see the benefits of solar power first hand with the site's new $31,000 solar energy system.

Minister for Education Martin Dixon officially opened the new system when he visited the camp today, near Ballarat.

"Narmbool is a leader in environmental science education, and it is great to see the centre making the switch to solar power," Mr Dixon said.

"Narmbool already does great work in teaching students about the environment and this is another step in encouraging children to think about sustainability."

With 24 new solar panels on the roof, Narmbool will be able to produce 7000 kWh of power a year

Mr Dixon said the new system would show students how effective solar power can be.

"In its first few months of operation, the solar power system saved 3,200kg of carbon dioxide emissions and generated 2600kWh of power.

"Students will be able to monitor in real time how much power the system is producing through the Solar Schools website, which doubles as a great teaching tool."

Narmbool Lodge, which opened in 2004, is a 2000-hectacre environmental education campus 30 minutes from Ballarat and is operated by Sovereign Hills Museum Association.

It provides school camps for students in years 5 to 10 focusing on environmental science.

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