Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach, recently purchased a solar system under the Social Justice Advocates (SJA) Solar Bulk Buy Program. The 50 Kw solar system, installed by Lakeside Electrical, was switched on prior to Christmas and is predicted to produce 97,706 kilowatt-hours of clean, free electricity per year.

“Schools are suited to solar as they use the power generated by the sun during the day,” said Lumen Christi’s Business Manager, Kevin Kelly. “Based on the limited statistics we have we are very happy with the financial benefit we have gained so far.”

Paul Palacios from Lakeside Electrical said “the 50 Kw system should address 30 – 40% of the school’s energy requirements. This system also will create a foundation for future expansion over the coming years,” he said.

The College, in consultation with students and the Lumen Christi Social Justice Advocate group, has been making changes to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Water tanks now service all water sources to the primary school building including the toilets, basins and external taps.

A new waste management plan was also recently introduced in an effort to reduce the landfill output of the College by recycling, green waste bins, worm farms and chickens.