Schoolgen FAQs
- Who has developed Schoolgen?
- Why is Genesis Energy funding the Schoolgen initiative?
- How many schools will have solar panels installed?
- 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 the largest retailer of electricity 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.
How many schools will have solar panels installed?
From 2006 to 2010 Genesis Energy will be assisting 56 schools in the North Island to receive the 2kW photovoltaic system.
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.
Does Schoolgen include all forms of renewable energy?
At this stage Schoolgen is installing PV panels. The main advantage of PV panels is that they are virtually maintenance free and relatively unobtrusive. They work silently and produce no pollution. Other forms of renewable energy such as wind energy and solar water heating may be considered in the future.
Will schools 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. In October 2007 we announced a $2.5million dollar funding increase to the programme.
Schoolgen is also proudly 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.
Schoolgen Educational Materials
A key objective of Schoolgen is to raise student, staff, parent and community awareness of renewable 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.
