A new solar power system has helped Mater Dei School reduce its power bill by up to $40,000 a year – and its environmental footprint.
After attending the official opening, Federal Member for Macarthur Russell Matheson said 600 solar panels over three roof areas had been used to build the solar power system.
“The solar heating system installed at Mater Dei School will provide enough power to maintain a pool temperature of up to 30 degrees, and not only cuts electricity costs for the school but also reduces the environmental impact of heating the hydrotherapy facility,” Mr Matheson said.
“With the project now complete, students can take advantage of the new heating system and reap the social and physical benefits of exercise in a comfortable aquatic setting year round.
“The system’s performance can also be monitored and managed through an online portal which will record the amount of electricity generated and CO2 offsets and provide the school with an opportunity to trade green energy under the Renewable Energy Act.
“This project was one of my 2013 election commitments and it was fully funded by the Australian Government through the Community Development Grants program,” Mr Matheson said.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said the project was yet another example that Russell Matheson and the Australian Government were delivering better community infrastructure in Macarthur.
“Russell Matheson is supporting and delivering projects which will have a long term positive impact in his community and Western Sydney,” Mr Briggs said.
CEO and principal of Mater Dei, Tony Fitzgerald, thanked Mr Matheson and Minister Briggs for funding the project, and noted Solgen Energy for their ingenuity in installing the facility.
“We are very grateful to our local Federal Member for Macarthur, Russell Matheson, and the Federal Government Department of Infrastructure and Development for this significant grant,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“The power we are generating via this project is a significant cost saving to the school of approximately $40,000 per annum, which, for example, could pay for an extra teacher for two days per week; or a teacher’s assistant for 4 days per week; or a speech therapist 2 days per week.
“I would also like to thank project installer Solgen Energy, who provided a remarkable design solution that is a perfect fit for our organisation.”
Construction of the project began in October 2014 and was finished in May 2015.
