Schoolgen FAQs
- Who has developed Schoolgen?
- Why is Genesis Energy funding the Schoolgen initiative?
- How many schools will have solar panels installed?
- Will Genesis Energy be offering solar panels to more schools in the future?
- How much energy will the panels produce?
- Does schoolgen include all forms of renewable energy?
- Will schools be able to export energy into the local network or National Grid?
- How much is Schoolgen costing Genesis Energy?
- What is the role of the Ministry for the Environment?
- Schoolgen Educational Materials
Schoolgen is a Genesis Energy initiative and programme. Genesis Energy is project managing and funding the programme with the support of external funding and advisors.
Why is Genesis Energy funding the Schoolgen initiative?
As one of the largest energy companies in New Zealand, Genesis Energy is conscious of the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels for electricity generation and the role it plays in meeting the country's climate change objectives.
Through Schoolgen we are bringing solar energy to life for children across new Zealand in a fun, exciting and informative way (at no cost to schools) because young people are our future leaders and decision makers, and it's important that they understand the role renewable energy will play in their future.
How many schools have had solar panels installed?
Since the programme began in 2006 Genesis Energy has assisted 42 schools across the North Island to install the 2kW photovoltaic system.
Will Genesis Energy be offering solar panels to more schools in the future?
Genesis Energy is currently not offering any further solar panels to schools, instead focusing on working with the 42 schools that received the solar panels to become lead Schoolgen schools in their community; and assisting other schools to engage in Schoolgen through other means.
How much energy will the panels produce?
Each school will have panels capable of producing up to 2kW of electricity. The panels produce electricity during daylight hours. PV panels do generate electricity during cloudy weather, although their output is diminished. A 2kW system can produce enough electricity to power approximately 15 computers.
This means in total Genesis Energy has installed 84kW of PV technology in New Zealand, making the Schoolgen installation the single largest distributed PV installation in New Zealand.
Why did Genesis Energy choose solar energy for Schoolgen?
Photovoltaic technology was chosen for Schoolgen as solar energy is a very accessible form of renewable energy for all of New Zealand. As well as this, PV panels are ideally suited for a school environment as they are virtually maintenance free, fairly unobtrusive; they work silently and produce no pollution; and the fact that sunlight can be converted into electricity is intriguing!
Will schools with the solar panels be able to export energy into the local network or National Grid?
PV panels with a total capacity of 2kW are able to supply a proportion of energy required by a school. They are unlikely to provide a surplus of electricity. During weekends and school holidays the power generated by the panels will continue to be used by the schools' base consumption such as fridges and lighting.
How much is Schoolgen costing Genesis Energy?
Through Schoolgen Genesis Energy supplies the participating schools with the 2kW photovoltaic system and associated equipment and installation at no cost.
Genesis Energy is contributing significant capital and in-kind support to the Schoolgen programme to ensure the programme is a practical and meaningful programme for schools across New Zealand.
Schoolgen is also financially supported by the Ministry for the Environment Sustainable Management Fund.
What is the role of the Ministry for the Environment?
Genesis Energy applied for, and received 4 years funding from the Ministry for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund. The funding has been used to part fund the development costs of the Schoolgen programme and associated educational materials. This funding will cease in June 2010.
Schoolgen Educational Materials
A key objective of Schoolgen is to raise student, staff, parent and community awareness of renewable energy, in particular solar energy, energy efficiency and climate change issues. Schoolgen teaching resources are freely available from the Schoolgen website for any school in New Zealand to use.
The teaching resources vary in levels and subject matter, and cover a wide range of learning areas including Social Sciences, Science (environmental education), English, Mathematics with Statistics, Technology and Physics.
