Horizon Power contracts NSW business

Sydney-based Mechanical Project Services has secured the contract to install solar panels at 30 Western Australian schools, as part of a $5 million state government project.

The Solar Schools initiative, announced in September, is designed to save schools $1.7 million in electricity costs each year.

MPS, which has an office in Osborne Park, will employ 12 full-time workers and two Aboriginal electrical apprentices to install the solar panels at regional public schools.

The first rooftop solar system will be installed by the end of the year.

The work, led by state-owned Horizon Power and the Department of Education, will continue for 18 months.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston said the program was important in WA's transition towards a low-carbon economy.

“The Solar Schools program will deliver significant benefits to our regional public schools, providing energy at a lower cost,” he said.

“MPS has considerable experience delivering quality renewable energy systems in remote locations throughout WA.”

The business also provides air-conditioning and mechanical services nationally.

MPS is a division of Mechanical Project Management (MPM) Group, which employs more than 200 staff and uses the services of more than 200 subcontractors.