Sixteen Southland schools are in line for rooftop solar panels under a $30 million government programme announced as part of Budget 2026.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds confirmed the selections on Monday, with the list spanning from Halfmoon Bay School on Stewart Island to Drummond Primary School inland, and Otautau School in the west to Otatara School near Invercargill.
The full list: Aparima College, Drummond Primary School, Gorge Road School, Halfmoon Bay School, Heddon Bush School, Lochiel School, Mataura School, Otatara School, Otautau School, Riversdale School, Riverton School, Salford School, Waianiwa School, Waiau Area School, Woodlands Full Primary School, and Wyndham School.
Simmonds said the programme would cut electricity costs for schools by reducing how much power they draw from the grid. "By generating more clean, renewable energy on school rooftops in the South, we can cut schools' electricity use from the grid, reduce emissions, and lower their power bills at the same time," she said.
The programme is now moving to delivery. An Expression of Interest is live on the Government Electronic Tenders Service seeking solar system planners, designers and installers to deliver the work nationally — meaning local trades businesses could pick up contracts.
Simmonds flagged that as a deliberate part of the programme's value. "This announcement also supports regional and local businesses, and presents a significant opportunity for the industry to build capability and showcase the value of smart energy technologies," she said.
For the schools selected, the pitch is straightforward savings. "This is a great step forward for local primary and secondary schools and I'm pleased that the Government has provided this opportunity, which effectively allows Southland and Invercargill schools keep more money in their budgets year after year," Simmonds said.
No timeline for installation has been confirmed yet. The tender process will need to run its course before any panels go up.