Mount Alexander College

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Solar Savings for a Better Education

With a new building and a growing student population, MAC has a hefty annual electricity bill. The good news is that its daytime electricity usage aligns well with solar energy generation. MAC’s School Council is proposing to invest in solar panels for the gym-hall roof, which can reduce its current annual electricity costs of about $90,000 by about 25%. The business case shows a less than five-year return on investment, while savings will continue for the lifetime of the solar panels for up to 30 years.

The school community and members of the public can help with this exciting initiative by making a donation to the MAC’s tax-deductible Buildings and Grounds Fund. The target is $90,000. Amazingly in just the first few weeks of fundraising the school raised $14,900 and the school is grateful for the generosity of so many. Can you help too?

MAC is ideally suited for going solar, which will not only save on energy costs but also reduce its dependence on fossil-fuelled electricity generation. School Council is also exploring public EV charging as a means to utilise unused electricity on non-school days and after-school hours; an opportunity that would provide further financial benefits, help the local community and further maximise the environmental benefits of solar PV.

Why donate…

  • Spending less on electricity means more money for existing and new education initiatives.
  • You are investing in a 25 to 30 year financial legacy, benefitting multiple generations of students and families who choose to live in our vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.
  • You are contributing to the renewable energy economy.
  • Donations can be tax-deductible.

Frequently Asked Questions

MAC currently spends ~$90,000 (ex-GST) annually on electricity. Solar PV will provide electricity bill savings of $25,000 - $27,000 per year.
Money donated by the community will be used to reduce or even eliminate the investment payback period. The return on the investment will be less than five years. More importantly, the savings will continue over the lifetime of the solar panels, which will have a 30-year warranty.
The replacement of the leaking gym-hall roof is now complete, and a recent structural engineering certification will allow for the safe installation of up to 198 solar panels.
Yes, School Council has approved the proposal to raise funds and explore options for the use of excess solar power on non-school days and hours.
Yes. Importantly anyone can make a donation, even members of the public with no Compass login. Simply click on the links above to donate now.
Yes, about $500 will pay for a panel (assuming 500W each). A generous member of the local community helped kick off the fundraising campaign with a donation of $2,500 which would pay for the installation of about five such solar panels. The final install cost and size of each panel is subject to a tender which is already underway.
Donations greater than $2 can be tax-deductible. Donations will be accepted to the point where the $90,000 target has been achieved. In the event of of any unused funds the donations will remain in the school’s Building and Grounds Fund and be put to good use for MAC’s school ground’s master plan (which is also currently under development).

Donate now by selecting a tax deductible payment amount below

Community School Since 1858

Mount Alexander College is located where Flemington National School was established in 1858. The school, which has undergone many changes, has always served the community.

Contact Us

Email: mount.alexander.712@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0393761622
Fax: 0393765232
Address: 78 Wellington St, Flemington VIC 3031
Provider No.: 00861K

Mount Alexander College is accredited under the Department of Education’s CRICOS registration (CRICOS provider name and code: Department of Education, 00861K). For further information refer to www.study.vic.gov.au.

Mount Alexander College acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Owners of the land on whose unceded lands the school stands, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.